Should Be In The Guides But Aren't

Unlisted 1992 Silver Star Promo #1 of 2

There's a myth out there about the guides & reference books we collectors commonly use: The biggest & most commonly guides are complete and comprehensive.

Nope.

And if you were to believe the cover blurbs of the two most popular guides, Krause's SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards and Beckett's Almanac - they're the end-all and be-all most informative sources for collectors ever created in history.

Well, to be fair, it's mostly true (especially for the Standard Catalog). But mistakes and omissions can be found throughout both guides. As a Frank Thomas collector I can only attest to Thomas items, but if what is missed on Big Frank is representative of their 'totality' - then I can't begin to imagine what a Griffey Jr. or Ripken Jr. collector will discover.

Of course you'll have to be able to withstand the annual cost of purchasing both volumes (about $40 each, including shipping costs) But if your budget can handle it - you can do a side-by-side comparision which showcases the wide differences between their listings. (Quick sidebar - missing from Beckett: just about every Frank Thomas Promo ever made, except the ones inserted into their own magazines - no surprise there huh?)

Okay, having bashed both guides, it's time to remember that with all their faults - I recommend both guides if you're an advanced collector and if you can afford them. While not quite as comprehensive as they make themselves out to be, what they offer far outweighs what they're missing. However, if you can only afford one, I highly suggest going with the Krause SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards. As far as Big Hurt cards and collectibles they're more up-to-date and complete. You can order one from here. (updated for 2007-08)

Here is a list of Frank cards that are not listed by one or the other guide, or both. Each link will show you the card and the reason(s) why they should be included.

Personal Note: I've been buying the Beckett Almanac regularly for the past 7 or 8 years now and I'm really shocked at how much they've cut out over that time. I'm not talking what they miss, which is problematic in and of itself. I'm talking what they previously listed and suddenly, *poof*, it's gone. Like those issues never existed.

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