Chris Hammond Autographed 1992 Topps #744 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1992 Topps #744 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds during the early stages of his Major League career. Personally autographed by Hammond, this flagship Topps issue dates from his final season in the Cincinnati organization before an expansion-draft selection opened the door to a regular starting role with the Florida Marlins.

The 1992 Topps set marked a notable change for the company's flagship baseball cards. Topps moved away from the traditional cardboard stock used for decades and adopted a brighter white card stock, giving the set a cleaner and more modern appearance. Hammond's #744 comes late in the 792-card checklist and provides a classic flagship representation of his Cincinnati tenure.

Hammond was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft after pitching collegiately at the University of Alabama. He steadily advanced through the Reds' minor league system before making his Major League debut on July 16, 1990.

Hammond's first Major League opportunity came during Cincinnati's memorable 1990 season. He made seven starts for the Reds during the regular season as the club went wire-to-wire in first place and eventually swept the Oakland Athletics to capture the World Series championship.

The 1992 season proved to be a turning point in Hammond's career. Following the season, he was selected by the newly formed Florida Marlins in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft, giving him an opportunity to move into a regular Major League rotation.

Hammond capitalized immediately. During Florida's inaugural 1993 season, he made 32 starts and finished 15-12, leading the expansion Marlins in victories and establishing his career high in wins.

His career later featured an extraordinary resurgence. After three seasons away from the Major Leagues, Hammond returned at age 36 with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and reinvented himself as an outstanding relief pitcher. He went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs in 76 innings.

That remarkable comeback extended Hammond's career through 2006. He ultimately appeared in parts of 14 Major League seasons with the Reds, Marlins, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, Athletics and Padres.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1992
• Manufacturer: Topps
• Set: Topps
• Card Number: #744
• Classic Topps flagship issue
• Features Hammond with the Cincinnati Reds
• Issued during his final season in the Cincinnati organization
• Part of Topps' 792-card 1992 flagship set
• Sixth-round selection in the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Made his Major League debut in 1990
• Selected by the Florida Marlins in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft
• Went 15-12 in 32 starts for Florida in 1993
• Led the inaugural Marlins in victories
• Made a remarkable comeback with Atlanta in 2002
• Posted an exceptional 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 flagship issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Cincinnati Reds memorabilia, 1992 Topps baseball cards, Florida Marlins history, University of Alabama alumni, or autographed baseball memorabilia.