[jhyde77]

I was looking at the current rookie issue of BSCM and was shocked that 40% dont call the '85 Topps McGwire his rookie card. For new collectors, its important that we have vocabulary we agree on. If a new collector wants a rookie, it can be confusing and it shouldnt be. Ive always considered a rookie to be a first year (non-insert) from an MLB product. We could say first year rookie or pre-rookie year, but I dont see those catching on. What do you all think?

[rmpaq5]

I believe the logic with the 85 not being considered his rookie card is kind of applying todays standards to retro cards. Team USA cards etc... are not considered rookie cards because he had not yet been in major league action. However the database still lists it as rookie, and should as the definition of the time was your definition. First standard mlb set card.