Chris Hammond Autographed 1993 Fleer Ultra #29 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1993 Fleer Ultra #29 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds on a premium early-1990s issue released during his transition from Cincinnati to the expansion Florida Marlins. Personally autographed by Hammond, the card combines the upscale presentation of Fleer Ultra with an interesting snapshot of the organization where his Major League career began.

By 1993, Fleer Ultra had established itself as one of Fleer's premium baseball brands. The 1993 release emphasized glossy card stock, full-color photography and a more polished presentation than traditional base sets of the period. Hammond's #29 retains his Cincinnati Reds affiliation, making it one of several 1993 issues that continued to picture him with his former club after his move to Florida.

The Cincinnati Reds originally selected Hammond in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama. The left-hander progressed through Cincinnati's farm system, including stops with the Tampa Tarpons, Chattanooga Lookouts and Nashville Sounds, before reaching the Major Leagues.

Hammond made his MLB debut with Cincinnati on July 16, 1990. He made seven starts and worked 39 innings during his first Major League season, reaching the big leagues during the same year the Reds went wire-to-wire in the National League West and ultimately swept Oakland in the World Series.

His career changed direction following the 1992 season when the Florida Marlins selected Hammond in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft. As a result, this 1993 Fleer Ultra card became a transitional issue: Hammond is shown with Cincinnati even though his playing career had moved to the newly created Marlins.

Hammond responded with the finest starting season of his career. In Florida's inaugural 1993 campaign, he made 32 starts and went 15-12, leading the Marlins in victories and establishing his career high in wins.

Nearly a decade later, Hammond authored an even more remarkable chapter. After spending the 1999 through 2001 seasons out of the Major Leagues, he returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36 and reinvented himself as a dominant relief pitcher.

Hammond finished that comeback season 7-2 with a remarkable 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, surrendering only seven earned runs across 76 innings. The performance extended a career that ultimately encompassed parts of 14 Major League seasons with seven organizations.

With its premium Fleer Ultra production, Cincinnati imagery and connection to Hammond's move to the inaugural Marlins, this autographed #29 offers an appealing transitional piece from an unusually long and eventful pitching career.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team Pictured: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1993
• Manufacturer: Fleer
• Set: Fleer Ultra
• Card Number: #29
• Premium early-1990s Fleer Ultra issue
• Glossy card stock and photography-focused presentation
• Transitional card retaining Hammond's Cincinnati Reds affiliation
• Issued as Hammond moved from Cincinnati to the expansion Florida Marlins
• Selected by Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Developed through the Cincinnati minor league system
• Made his Major League debut with Cincinnati on July 16, 1990
• Reached the Majors during Cincinnati's 1990 World Series championship season
• Selected by Florida in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft
• Made 32 starts for the inaugural 1993 Marlins
• Finished 15-12 and led Florida in victories in 1993
• Career-high 15 victories in 1993
• Returned to the Majors with Atlanta in 2002 at age 36
• Posted a remarkable 7-2 record and 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances in 2002
• Pitched 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 premium-era issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Cincinnati Reds memorabilia, 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball cards, Florida Marlins inaugural-season players, or comprehensive autographed player runs.