Posted By:
JustinI think the rookie debate is primarily relevant in regards to post WW2 cards when major sets began to be released yearly. With that any player who played a significant amount in the bigs would have the chance to be on a card.
Due to the sporadic(and often regional) nature of pre 1948 releases, the emphasis on rookie cards has to be taken a bit less seriously. Many players either don't have contemporary issues, or have cards that don't reflect their playing career very well. Josh Gibson has a posthumous rookie, Jesse Burkett's only accessible card depicts him as a manager of a minor league club.
Ultimately it comes down to preference, and what each individual collector is willing to settle for. Given unlimited resources I would definitely collect vintage rookie cards, but at this point I am willing to compromise. The T206 and 1933 Goudey are a godsend in this case. I can get key contemporary cards of hall of famers, that are also fairly accessible on a modest budget.