Bob Walk Autographed 1981 Topps #494 Philadelphia Phillies Card

Add an important early-career card with a direct connection to the Philadelphia Phillies' first World Series championship with this 1981 Topps #494 Bob Walk card, personally autographed by the former Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher.

The 1981 Topps #494 captures Walk immediately following a memorable rookie season with Philadelphia. Walk made his Major League debut on May 26, 1980 and quickly became part of the Phillies' starting rotation. In 27 starts as a rookie, he went 11-7 with a 4.57 ERA, throwing 151 innings with two complete games and 94 strikeouts. He finished seventh in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Walk's rookie season became especially memorable in October. After Philadelphia defeated Houston in the NLCS, manager Dallas Green gave the 23-year-old rookie the ball to start Game 1 of the 1980 World Series against the Kansas City Royals.

Despite the enormous stage, Walk earned the victory as Philadelphia won 7-6 at Veterans Stadium. He worked seven innings, becoming only the second Phillies pitcher to win a World Series game, following Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1915.

Philadelphia ultimately defeated Kansas City in six games to capture the first World Series championship in franchise history, permanently connecting Walk's rookie season to one of the greatest moments in Phillies history.

Walk was traded to the Atlanta Braves before the 1981 season, making this Topps card an interesting snapshot of his brief but historically significant Philadelphia tenure. He later enjoyed his greatest longevity with the Pittsburgh Pirates, ultimately pitching 14 Major League seasons, winning 105 games and earning a National League All-Star selection in 1988.

Card Details:

• Player: Bob Walk
• Team: Philadelphia Phillies
• Year: 1981
• Manufacturer: Topps
• Set: Topps
• Card Number: #494
• Early-career issue
• Member of the 1980 World Series Champion Phillies
• Winning pitcher in Game 1 of the 1980 World Series
• 11-game winner as a rookie in 1980
• 1988 National League All-Star
• 105 career Major League victories
• Personally autographed
• Condition: NM-MT or better

Authentication: Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.

An excellent addition for collectors of Bob Walk autographs, Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia, 1980 World Series collectibles, 1981 Topps baseball cards, vintage signed cards, or comprehensive player collections.