The 1991 Donruss #759 Chris Hammond is an early-career card featuring the left-handed pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds. Personally autographed by Hammond, the card dates from the beginning of a professional career that would eventually span parts of 14 Major League seasons and include success as both a starter and reliever.
Hammond was selected by the Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft after pitching collegiately at the University of Alabama. He progressed through Cincinnati's minor league system before making his Major League debut on July 16, 1990.
Hammond made seven starts for Cincinnati during his first Major League season. His arrival coincided with one of the most memorable years in franchise history, as the 1990 Reds went wire-to-wire in first place before defeating Pittsburgh in the National League Championship Series and sweeping Oakland in the World Series.
The 1991 Donruss #759 comes from the second series of the large 770-card Donruss release. As one of Hammond's early mainstream Major League cards, it captures him before he became a regular member of a big-league starting rotation.
Hammond eventually found that opportunity with the Florida Marlins. During Florida's inaugural 1993 season, he made 32 starts and finished 15-12, establishing a career high in victories.
Years later, Hammond authored an exceptional comeback. After spending three seasons away from the Major Leagues, he returned at age 36 with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and became one of the National League's most effective relievers. Hammond went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, surrendering only seven earned runs over 76 innings.
His resurgence extended his career through the 2006 season. Hammond ultimately appeared for seven Major League organizations, with his career stretching across portions of three different decades.
Card Details:
- Player: Chris Hammond
- Team: Cincinnati Reds
- Year: 1991
- Manufacturer: Donruss
- Set: Donruss
- Card Number: #759
- Early-career Donruss issue
- Second Series card
- Features Hammond with the Cincinnati Reds
- Issued shortly after his 1990 Major League debut
- Sixth-round selection in the 1986 MLB Draft
- Former University of Alabama pitcher
- Reached the Majors during Cincinnati's 1990 World Series championship season
- Won a career-high 15 games with Florida in 1993
- Posted an outstanding 0.95 ERA with Atlanta 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, 1991 Donruss baseball cards, early player issues, University of Alabama alumni, or autographed baseball cards.