Cesar Cedeno Autographed 1973 Topps #290 Houston Astros Card

The Cesar Cedeno Autographed 1973 Topps #290 Houston Astros Card features one of the most talented and exciting players in Houston Astros history. A four-time National League All-Star, five-time Gold Glove Award winner, and one of the premier power-speed players of the 1970s, Cedeno enjoyed a successful 17-season Major League career with the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Known for his exceptional speed, powerful throwing arm, outstanding defensive range, and impressive combination of hitting and baserunning ability, Cedeno emerged as one of baseball's brightest young stars during the early 1970s. His athleticism made him a standout center fielder, while his ability to hit for average, produce extra-base hits, and steal bases established him as one of the National League's most versatile offensive players.

The 1973 Topps #290 captures Cedeno during the early stages of his remarkable career, immediately following his historic 1972 season in which he became just the second player in Major League history to hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same year.

Csar Cedeo Encarnacin was born on February 25, 1951, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Cedeno signed with the Houston Astros organization as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the most promising prospects in professional baseball.

His exceptional combination of speed, power, and defensive ability attracted considerable attention throughout the Astros' minor league system.

Cedeno made his Major League debut with Houston on June 20, 1970, at just 19 years old.

Despite his youth, he immediately demonstrated the athletic ability that would make him one of the most exciting players in the National League.

During his rookie season, Cedeno batted .310, establishing himself as an outstanding young hitter.

His performance gave Houston fans an early glimpse of a player who would become one of the franchise's most recognizable stars.

Cedeno continued developing during the 1971 season, displaying his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.

By 1972, he had emerged as one of baseball's premier young players.

That season became one of the defining accomplishments of his career.

Cedeno batted .320 with 22 home runs, 82 RBI, and 55 stolen bases, combining an outstanding batting average with exceptional power and speed.

His performance made him the second player in Major League history to record at least 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, joining Lou Brock, who accomplished the feat in 1967.

Cedeno also led the National League with 39 doubles and finished among the league leaders in several offensive categories.

His outstanding season earned him his first National League All-Star selection and his first Gold Glove Award.

The Gold Glove recognized his exceptional defensive ability in center field, where his speed and instincts allowed him to cover tremendous ground.

His strong throwing arm made him an additional defensive weapon for the Astros.

Cedeno's combination of offensive and defensive excellence established him as one of the most complete players in the National League.

The 1973 Topps #290 was issued following this extraordinary 1972 campaign.

The 1973 Topps baseball set contains 660 cards and is remembered for its classic early-1970s photography, colorful team-name lettering, and distinctive player-position silhouettes.

The set features numerous Hall of Famers, established stars, and important players from one of baseball's most memorable eras.

Cedeno's #290 card features him in his Houston Astros uniform during the period when he was establishing himself as one of baseball's premier center fielders.

The card is especially appealing because it commemorates the early prime of his career, following his first All-Star selection, first Gold Glove Award, and historic 20-home-run, 50-stolen-base season.

Cedeno continued his remarkable performance during the 1973 season.

He batted .320 with 25 home runs, 70 RBI, and 56 stolen bases, again demonstrating his exceptional combination of power and speed.

For the second consecutive season, he recorded at least 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases, an extraordinary accomplishment during an era when few players possessed that combination of skills.

Cedeno earned another National League All-Star selection and his second consecutive Gold Glove Award.

He also led the National League in doubles for the second straight season, collecting 35 two-base hits.

His offensive production and defensive excellence made him one of the most exciting players in baseball.

During the middle of the 1970s, Cedeno continued to establish himself as a cornerstone of the Astros franchise.

He earned additional All-Star selections in 1974 and 1976, bringing his career total to four.

Cedeno also won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1972 through 1976, recognizing his sustained excellence as a defensive center fielder.

His ability to cover the spacious outfield at the Astrodome made him especially valuable to Houston.

The Astrodome's playing surface and dimensions placed considerable demands on outfielders, and Cedeno's speed and instincts helped him excel in that environment.

His defensive ability complemented the Astros' pitching staffs and helped establish Houston as a competitive National League organization.

Cedeno remained one of the team's most recognizable players throughout the decade.

During the 1976 season, he stole a career-high 58 bases, demonstrating that his speed remained among the best in baseball.

His offensive production and baserunning ability helped make him a constant threat whenever he reached base.

Cedeno continued playing for Houston into the early 1980s, becoming one of the longest-tenured and most productive players in franchise history.

The 1980 season brought an important team accomplishment.

Under manager Bill Virdon, the Astros captured the National League West championship, earning the first postseason appearance in franchise history.

Houston featured an outstanding pitching staff led by Joe Niekro, Nolan Ryan, J.R. Richard, and Vern Ruhle, along with offensive contributors such as Jos Cruz, Terry Puhl, Art Howe, and Cedeno.

The Astros finished the regular season with a 93-70 record, winning the division after a dramatic one-game playoff against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Houston advanced to the 1980 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The series became one of the most memorable postseason matchups in baseball history, featuring four extra-inning games and several dramatic finishes.

Although Philadelphia won the series in five games and eventually captured the World Series championship, Houston's first postseason appearance represented an important milestone for the franchise.

Cedeno's contributions helped establish the foundation for the Astros' future success.

Following the 1981 season, Cedeno was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, beginning another chapter of his Major League career.

He continued providing offensive production, speed, and veteran experience during his years with Cincinnati.

Cedeno later joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he became part of another memorable National League championship team.

During the 1985 season, the Cardinals were engaged in a competitive National League East race against the New York Mets.

St. Louis featured stars such as Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman, Jack Clark, and Tommy Herr.

Cedeno joined the Cardinals during the season and made an immediate offensive impact.

In 28 games with St. Louis, he batted .434, providing a tremendous boost to the Cardinals' lineup during the final weeks of the pennant race.

His performance helped St. Louis capture the 1985 National League East championship.

The Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, advancing to the World Series against the Kansas City Royals.

Although Kansas City won the championship in seven games, Cedeno's late-season contributions helped make him an important part of the Cardinals' pennant-winning team.

He completed his Major League career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1986, concluding 17 seasons in the big leagues.

Cedeno finished with 2,087 hits, 199 home runs, 976 RBI, 550 stolen bases, and a .285 batting average.

His accomplishments included four All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, two seasons with at least 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases, and appearances in the 1980 National League Championship Series and 1985 World Series.

His 550 career stolen bases reflect the exceptional speed that helped define his playing style.

Cedeno remains one of the most accomplished players in Houston Astros history and an important figure in the franchise's early development.

For Astros fans, he represents the exciting era of the early 1970s, when Houston was establishing its identity in the National League.

His five consecutive Gold Glove Awards and historic power-speed accomplishments made him one of the most talented center fielders of his generation.

His contributions to Houston's first division championship in 1980 further strengthened his place in franchise history.

For Cincinnati Reds collectors, Cedeno represents a veteran outfielder who contributed to the organization during the early 1980s.

For St. Louis Cardinals fans, his extraordinary performance during the final weeks of the 1985 season remains an important part of the team's National League championship run.

For collectors, the 1973 Topps #290 captures Cedeno immediately following one of the finest seasons of his career.

The combination of the classic 1973 Topps design, Houston Astros uniform, early-career significance, and Cedeno's exceptional accomplishments makes this card an attractive addition to vintage baseball autograph collections.

The Cesar Cedeno Autographed 1973 Topps #290 Houston Astros Card is an excellent collectible for Houston Astros fans, 1970s baseball memorabilia collectors, five-time Gold Glove Award winner collections, National League All-Star autograph enthusiasts, 20-home-run and 50-stolen-base milestone collectors, 1980 Astros postseason memorabilia collections, 1985 St. Louis Cardinals National League championship enthusiasts, Cesar Cedeno player collections, vintage Topps baseball card collectors, and hobbyists assembling complete autographed 1973 Topps baseball card sets.

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