Set subject year vs set release year...

digicat

In the past few years, Topps has issued a few sets in January, but have the set's year back-dated to the previous year.

For instance, 2007 Bowman Sterling came out in January of 2008.

Similarly, Donruss issued their 2008 Playoff Contenders set in February of 2009.



Does this matter in the long run when determining what constitutes a player's first year for cards?

justmichael

Sadly no.In the 80's Topps released the baseball sets in the winter of the previous year.Example:The 88 set was released in the winter of 87.