When did the rookie card phenomena start

[Exhibitman]

The 1952 Mantle isn't a rookie card, guys. It isn't part of the RC phenomenon.

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The 1952 Mantle isn't a rookie card, guys. It isn't part of the RC phenomenon.

At the time it was considered his Topps rookie card. It wasn't until a few years later that most corrected their error.

[seanofjapan]

Originally Posted by rats60

At the time it was considered his Topps rookie card. It wasn't until a few years later that most corrected their error.

I do remember Beckett for quite a few years designated cards as FTC for first Topps card, FDC for first Donruss card, etc. I suspect that was entirely driven by the need to provide some category for the 52 Mantle, then having to apply it to every other non rookie card of a player appearing on a company’s card for the first time.

[Rich Klein]

And just as much for those couple of years where players made their 1st appearance in an update/traded set. Think 1984 Gooden, Puckett, Clemens, etc. Their 1st Donruss card would then be 1985. Man I miss those simpler days .

[1952boyntoncollector]

Greg Jefferies.

Tom Goodwin

Darryl Strawberry Traded
1987 Will Clark

enough said

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

The 1952 Mantle isn't a rookie card, guys. It isn't part of the RC phenomenon.

Is that so?

[inceptus]

A small wrinkle: I grew up on Long Island in the 70s, attending card shows, visiting the nascent shops, and doing in-person deals through the Pennysaver, and I seem to recall paying a premium for MVP/Cy Young-year cards before rookie cards became a thing...

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by inceptus

A small wrinkle: I grew up on Long Island in the 70s, attending card shows, visiting the nascent shops, and doing in-person deals through the Pennysaver, and I seem to recall paying a premium for MVP/Cy Young-year cards before rookie cards became a thing...

The MVP's got popular after the 1975 subset honoring the 1951-74 MVP's; Cy Youngs and ROY were also popular. and that was also because the CPU noted all that as well.

[Hot Springs Bathers]

As an avid collector 40 years ago I remember being astonished at the first price changes I saw for "rookie" cards. Believe it or not Bob Horner was the first to cause a ripple then Rickey Henderson and Fernando blew the lid off!

[irv]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Is that so?

Beautiful card, Peter!

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by irv

Beautiful card, Peter!

Yes and whoever owns it is doubtless pleased with it.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Yes and whoever owns it is doubtless pleased with it.

LOL.

Thought it was your's.

[Exhibitman]

Do you always believe whatever you read, Peter?

[jchcollins]

This might provide some insight:

https://youtu.be/VJ2vem9rQhE

[Exhibitman]

I thought this was fun: I recently had this exchange with some ass-clown on eBay re a 1926 Greiling Max Schmeling RC:

Him: I know that you “know your stuff” and the grading companies “consult you” but this is clearly not Carpentiers rookie. The ever abundant 1922-1923 Amalgamated Press Sporting Champions is.

I replied: I completely agree: it is not Carpentier's RC. It is, however, Max Schmeling's. And FWIW Carpentier appears in the 1915 Cope's set so the 1922-23 cards are not even his first British issues.

[jchcollins]

But...but, if we had never had the RC phenomenon, we couldn't still today enjoy the countless people who feel the need to point out that a '52 Topps #311 is NOT his rookie card!...