Chris Hammond Autographed 1991 Studio #165 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1991 Studio #165 Chris Hammond is a distinctive early-career card featuring the Cincinnati Reds left-hander in the inaugural edition of Donruss Studio. Personally autographed by Hammond, the card combines an early Major League appearance with one of the most recognizable portrait-based baseball card designs of the early 1990s.

The 1991 Studio set was notably different from conventional baseball cards of the period. Rather than relying primarily on game-action photography, Studio emphasized formal black-and-white player portraits, creating a more personal presentation. The backs supplemented traditional baseball information with biographical details and player interests, helping establish Studio as a unique product within the hobby.

Hammond was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft after pitching at the University of Alabama. He advanced 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 debut came during the Reds' memorable 1990 championship campaign, when Cincinnati held first place throughout the season, defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Championship Series and swept the Oakland Athletics in the World Series.

As card #165 in the inaugural Studio set, this Hammond issue has an appealing place within his early checklist. The portrait format also makes Studio cards particularly well suited for autographs, with the signature adding another personal element to a product already designed around showcasing the individual player.

Hammond later became a regular starting pitcher with the Florida Marlins. During Florida's inaugural 1993 season, he made 32 starts and went 15-12, establishing a career high in victories.

His career later produced an exceptional comeback story. After three seasons away from the Major Leagues, Hammond returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36 and reinvented himself as a dominant reliever. He went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs over 76 innings.

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

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1991
• Manufacturer: Donruss
• Set: Studio
• Card Number: #165
• From the inaugural 1991 Studio baseball set
• Distinctive black-and-white portrait photography
• Early-career Chris Hammond issue
• 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 exceptional 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 Studio baseball cards, inaugural Studio issues, portrait-style baseball cards, or autographed baseball memorabilia.