Joe DiMaggio's Rookie Card?

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

The World Wide Gum is leading the way, however, the Zeenut is putting up a big fight! It's pretty interesting because a lot of you folks like minor league cards.

Now regarding the Canadian issues, I want you guys to look at it this way: we all know that the 1951 Parkhurst Gordie Howe is his rookie (and it's a very ugly card too). However, this card was only available in Canada. The 52' and 53' Parkies were only sold in Canada too. Howe's first card sold in America was from the 54' Topps series, I believe. Now since the 51' Parkie Howe is a foreign issue, then can we argue that it's not his rookie? The same goes for all the other popular hockey rookies that were not sold in the States, such as the O-Pee-Chee Gretzky, Topps Bobby Orr, etc.

I also agree with many of you that the 38' Goudey DiMaggio is an ugly card. Now I'm not really bothered by the set design; what I can't stand looking at is DiMaggio's facial expression. It just looks like he is on a toilet seat.

I still have Joe Orlando's Top 200 Sportscards in the Hobby book and on page 102 he calls the 38' Goudey DiMaggio his "official rookie card." However, this book came out long time ago and a lot has changed since then.

Who cares where the card is produced?! A rookie is a rookie!

[Paul S]

This is why people in Toronto go to Buffalo to do their shopping

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by Paul S

This is why people in Toronto go to Buffalo to do their shopping

I love Buffalo. Best beer selection I have ever seen.

[PhillyFan1883]

The 1936 WWG is Dimaggio’s Rookie card to answer the post.
I also say who cares where the card is from. Lots of great Canadian issues that are very tough. I look at the Zeenuts as Joe Ds minor league first issue, but the batting pose as the first a better card more than the throwing pose.
The throwing pose is a tweener IMO. Not his true minor league first,
but not his pro rookie. All three are great cards but his true rookie is the WWG. If you make an argument for the 38’ Goudey it’s just not logical. The premiums are just that premiums— not cards.

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by PhillyFan1883

The 1936 WWG is Dimaggio’s Rookie card to answer the post.
I also say who cares where the card is from. Lots of great Canadian issues that are very tough. I look at the Zeenuts as Joe Ds minor league first issue, but the batting pose as the first a better card more than the throwing pose.
The throwing pose is a tweener IMO. Not his true minor league first,
but not his pro rookie. All three are great cards but his true rookie is the WWG. If you make an argument for the 38’ Goudey it’s just not logical. The premiums are just that premiums— not cards.

Good points. Now the next question is do all player’s have rookie cards? The answer in my opinion is “no.”

[PolarBear]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

Good points. Now the next question is do all player’s have rookie cards? The answer in my opinion is “no.”

Ha! Another good question.

I think people use "rookie" and "inaugural" interchangeably. I do think there should be a distinction but I doubt you'll ever get the industry to make that distinction. "Rookie" is too ingrained to change.

I was just reading an article the other day about the N172 set being filled with "rookie" cards. Um, ok. Perfect example where inaugural would fit much better.

[JoeDfan]

R311

Technically, probably too big, but I love it.

Although the National Chicle is a stunning action shot, so that is right up there too.

[PhillyFan1883]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

Good points. Now the next question is do all player’s have rookie cards? The answer in my opinion is “no.”

Great question and I tend to agree. The problem only really comes into play with these lets say pre 1940's players. I like the inaugural thought and it makes sense, but again with the earlier players it doesn't feel right not to attach the RC designation to one of the players cards. Tricky stuff lol. Then there is a guy like Shoeless Joe who really makes an interesting conversation with his 1909 E90-1 Pro rookie but then in 1910 the famous T210 minor league card.. Fun conversations for sure.

[PolarBear]

I'll just throw this out there:

My personal definition of "rookie card" would have pretty strict criteria, which I bet 99% of the collecting community would disagree with.

1. It has to be a card, not a picture, which means it's on card stock and card sized.

2. It has to be from the players rookie year with his rookie MLB team. No "pre-rookies" and no later cards, which would be an "inaugural" card, not a rookie card.

3. It must be from a U.S. available set. Something that a U.S. kid could have actually acquired at the store during the rookie year.

4. No multi-player cards. It must be a single subject card. Here's where I lose most people I think, but to me it isn't a "rookie" card, it's a "rookies" card. It just doesn't work for me. There's no way I'd ever pay thousands of dollars for something like a 1973 Mike Schmidt with John Hilton front and center.

That said, I realize there will never be a strict definition of a "rookie" card and certainly not my definition. Heck, most people think the 52 Topps is Mantle's rookie, even people right here on the forum. So "rookie" really just boils down to "most desirable" card as far as most people are concerned.

[BeanTown]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

Who cares where the card is produced?! A rookie is a rookie!

Haha true that. Whats next a Ty Cobb rookie debate?

[Exhibitman]

This will probably be a bridge too far for some but add this 1936 to the pile:



More info:

https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.co...-card-cutouts/

"Some of the stamps are intriguing early collectibles of players, too. For example, this series included Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio. 1936 was DiMaggio’s first year in the majors and, as a result, this is a legitimate rookie issue."

[Kenny Cole]

Yes, a bridge too far. Can't do newspaper cutouts. I will stick with the
WWG because I view that as a card as opposed to the premiums, which I do not feel similarly about.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Card or not, I would like to find a really nice EX or EXMT R312, had a 7 but for some reason sold it a while back.

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

Who cares where the card is produced?! A rookie is a rookie!

Yes, that’s the point I was trying to make (second paragraph.)