Pete Rose Cards...

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Harliduck

With the news of Pete Rose being reinstated, thus now eligible for the HOF, will we see any effects on his post-war vintage cards? Everywhere I look this is hot news, and this is being debated. Will demand go up, now...or if/when he makes it to the HOF? Prices follow?

No.

Originally Posted by Harliduck

Seems to me his "HOF" premium has already been baked into the cost of his cards.

I agree.

Originally Posted by Harliduck

I remember I was able to get a mint 1965 Topps Rose in Junior High, brought it to school...I was the coolest kid for the day.... His rookie card was THE holy grail (aside a 52 Mantle) and dream card of myself and my buddies.

I'm guessing your junior high was in Cincinnati.

[Bigdaddy]

In addition to being the Hit King, I am of the opinion that Pete was also the 'Auto King', in that he signed more autographs than any other ballplayer during his lifetime.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

In addition to being the Hit King, I am of the opinion that Pete was also the 'Auto King', in that he signed more autographs than any other ballplayer during his lifetime.

He’s definitely way up there, but no one will ever beat Feller.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by JustinD

He’s definitely way up there, but no one will ever beat Feller.

I think Stan Musial is also in that top 3. I don't think there's any player in the top 15 players of all time that sell for 20 bucks, except Stan. Red Schoendienst also signed an immense amount and his career spanned 76 years at ballparks, he was known to never say no to an autograph. So I'd also think he is a candidate.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

I think Stan Musial is also in that top 3. I don't think there's any player in the top 15 players of all time that sell for 20 bucks, except Stan. Red Schoendienst also signed an immense amount and his career spanned 76 years at ballparks, he was known to never say no to an autograph. So I'd also think he is a candidate.

I could put those three on my Mount Rushmore of signers quite comfortably, lol.

[REG1976]

Don't forget about Cal Ripken

[jchcollins]

I'm not a Rose collector per se. I think he was obviously amazing on the field, and had a drive and persistence that will be matched by only a small fraction of a percent of players. He wasn't the best or even close to it by virtue of sheer physical talent. Like Cobb, he willed himself to be the player he became. So for that, I admire him.

As for the off-the-field stuff, I think at some point the rule of "not knowing your heroes too well" comes into play. Clearly the guy was no saint. But neither was Mickey Mantle, or a host of others. How far does our judgment extend?

As for the '63 rookie card, I was screwed because '63 is my favorite set of the '60's. My bread and butter since I was a kid in the late 80's has been postwar vintage. 1950's - 1980. Regardless of what I think of Rose, the set is not complete without that card. And regardless, to say it's a not huge card in the vintage hobby is just a falsehood. Rose's notorious status at this point makes it an iconic card even if the guy was mostly bad.

So - (horrible timing) this past weekend - I finally picked up the '63 Gonzalez / McMullen / Rose / Weis in an SGC 4 to add to my set. I've owned the card before, but as this was the first time I have really gotten serious on the set building end of things, this one is for keeps. I hope that Pete one way or another is finally at peace now from his turbulent life. Regardless of what you think of him, he was significant.