Chris Hammond Autographed 1990 Score #629 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1990 Score #629 Chris Hammond is an early-career card of the Cincinnati Reds left-hander, issued during the season in which he made his Major League debut. Personally autographed by Hammond, the card represents the beginning of a lengthy career that would eventually include success as both a starting pitcher and reliever.

A standout at the University of Alabama, Hammond was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He spent several seasons developing in Cincinnati's farm system, progressing through Tampa, Chattanooga and Triple-A Nashville before earning his first opportunity in the Major Leagues.

Hammond made his MLB debut on July 16, 1990, against the Montreal Expos. He appeared in seven games for Cincinnati during his rookie season, all as a starter, gaining his first Major League experience on a Reds club enjoying one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.

The 1990 Cincinnati Reds went wire-to-wire, holding first place from the beginning of the season through its conclusion. After defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Championship Series, Cincinnati stunned the heavily favored Oakland Athletics with a four-game sweep in the World Series.

Although Hammond did not appear in the postseason and therefore should not be described as a member of the postseason roster, his Major League debut and seven starts came during that memorable 1990 championship season.

Hammond later became a regular starting pitcher for the Florida Marlins. During the franchise's inaugural 1993 season, he went 15-12, setting what would remain his career high for victories.

His career is also notable for an extraordinary comeback. After not pitching in the Major Leagues from 1999 through 2001, Hammond returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36. Working exclusively out of the bullpen, he went 7-2 with a remarkable 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, surrendering only seven earned runs over 76 innings.

Hammond continued pitching through 2006 and ultimately appeared in parts of 14 Major League seasons for the Reds, Marlins, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, Athletics and Padres.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1990
• Manufacturer: Score
• Set: Score
• Card Number: #629
• Early-career issue
• Issued during Hammond's Major League debut season
• Made his MLB debut on July 16, 1990
• Made seven starts for Cincinnati as a rookie
• Sixth-round selection in the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Reached the Majors during Cincinnati's memorable 1990 World Series championship season
• Won a career-high 15 games with Florida in 1993
• Made a remarkable comeback with Atlanta in 2002
• Posted a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances in 2002
• Pitched in parts of 14 Major League seasons
• 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 signed early-career card for collectors of Chris Hammond, Cincinnati Reds memorabilia, 1990 Score baseball cards, early player issues, University of Alabama alumni, or autographed baseball cards.