Rogers Hornsby
Date of Birth: 4/27/1896
Rookie Card Year: 1933
Investment Rating: 8.5
Overview
Rogers Hornsby cards are highly coveted by vintage collectors specializing in the pre-war era. Although his 23-year career overlapped both the "dead" and "live" ball eras, Hornsby's hitting ability wasn't impacted by the change. He retired with an astonishing lifetime batting average of .358 to go with 301 home runs, 2,930 hits and 1,584 runs batted in.
Rogers Hornsby's rookie card has long been the subject of debate. He has numerous early cards from regional releases from retail, candy, tobacco, food and beverage companies. His earliest printed trading card is the 1916 Big Head Strip Cards, otherwise known as W-UNC's in the American Card Catalog.
His most popular cards from his playing days are his two cards in 1933 Goudey. Because of the set's mass appeal, and national distribution, many collectors treat them as rookie cards.
Hornsby died long before the advent of autographed cards entered the hobby. As a result, any of his modern trading cards containing an autograph are cut signatures. His first such card was issued in 2001 SP Legendary Cuts. There is a total of four serial numbered cards.
The first Rogers Hornsby memorabilia cards were released in 2001. He has a game-used bat card in both Upper Deck Hall of Fame and Donruss Classics. His Donruss Classics card is a short print with a known print run of 301 copies.
Authentic autographed memorabilia from Rogers Hornsby carries a significant premium. The most commonly found items are paper collectibles including checks and cut signatures.
Key Rogers Hornsby Cards
1916 W-UNC Strip Card Rogers Hornsby #10
In addition to its American Card Catalog designation, collectors often refer to these cards as 1916 Big Heads. The card measures 1-3/8 by 2-1/2 inches.
1917 Collins-McCarthy and Boston Store Roger Hornsby #80
This card was issued by both retail establishments. The only difference is the advertisement on the card back. Both cards measure 2 by 3-1/4 inches.
1933 Goudey Rogers Hornsby #119
The vibrant colors and detailed artistic renderings of this set has make it very popular with collectors. The national distribution and size of the set has caused some collectors to label this card and his other 1933 Goudey card as rookies.
1933 Goudey Roger Hornsby #188
Of the two cards Hornsby has within the set, this one is the least popular. Most collectors prefer the other 1933 Goudey Rogers Hornsby card for its depiction of in-game action.
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Autograph Guide
Rogers Hornsby Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Rogers Hornsby's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Rogers Hornsby Cut Signature Exemplar:
Rogers Hornsby Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Rogers Hornsby signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- The signature is written in cursive on an even horizontal plane with a slight lean to the right.
- It displays a pride of penmanship that continued even into his later years.
- The letters "R" and "H" are larger than the other letters.
- The letter "R" has a large kidney bean-shaped loop.
- The "g" has an elongated, tear-dropped shape loop that drops well below the horizontal plane.
- The first vertical line of the "H" has a distinct curve at the bottom.
- The letter "y" contains a long vertical line that flows around into a narrow, horizontal loop.
Rogers Hornsby Signed Memorabilia Pricing
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More Info
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