Chris Hammond Autographed 1991 Donruss The Rookies #19 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1991 Donruss The Rookies #19 Chris Hammond is an appealing early-career issue featuring the young left-handed pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds. Personally autographed by Hammond, the card comes from Donruss' annual The Rookies release, a set specifically devoted to emerging Major League players and prospects.

Donruss introduced The Rookies as a separate late-season boxed set highlighting players who had recently reached the Major Leagues. Hammond's inclusion in the 1991 edition reflects his status as a young pitcher making the transition from Cincinnati's minor league system to the Major League level.

Hammond was selected by the Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft after pitching at the University of Alabama. He spent several seasons progressing through Cincinnati's farm system before making his Major League debut on July 16, 1990.

His first Major League opportunity came during an unforgettable season for Cincinnati. Hammond made seven starts for the Reds in 1990, while the club went wire-to-wire in first place, defeated Pittsburgh in the National League Championship Series and swept the Oakland Athletics to capture the 1990 World Series championship.

The Donruss The Rookies #19 carries a stronger rookie-themed collecting angle than Hammond's regular 1991 Donruss #759. Its inclusion in a dedicated prospect and rookie release makes it a distinctive early card from the beginning of his Major League career.

Hammond later became a regular starting pitcher for the Florida Marlins, winning a career-high 15 games during the franchise's inaugural 1993 season. He would eventually reinvent himself as a relief pitcher after spending several years away from the Major Leagues.

Returning with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36, Hammond delivered an extraordinary comeback season. He went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs over 76 innings. His performance extended a Major League career that ultimately continued through 2006.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1991
• Manufacturer: Donruss
• Set: The Rookies
• Card Number: #19
• Special rookie and prospect-oriented Donruss release
• Early-career Chris Hammond issue
• Features Hammond with the Cincinnati Reds
• Issued shortly after his 1990 Major League debut
• Distinct from Hammond's regular 1991 Donruss #759
• 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 a remarkable 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 issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Cincinnati Reds memorabilia, Donruss The Rookies, rookie-themed baseball cards, University of Alabama alumni, or autographed baseball cards.