Chris Hammond Autographed 1993 Upper Deck #216 Cincinnati Reds Card

The 1993 Upper Deck #216 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds during the transitional period between his years in Cincinnati and his move to the expansion Florida Marlins. Personally autographed by Hammond, this early-1990s Upper Deck issue combines the brand's photography-driven presentation with a look back at the organization where his Major League career began.

The 1993 Upper Deck set continued the company's reputation for premium production values and outstanding baseball photography. The release featured full-bleed action photography with minimal front design elements, allowing the images to dominate the cards. Hammond's #216 is an attractive example of Upper Deck's distinctive early-1990s approach to baseball card design.

Although Hammond is pictured with Cincinnati, his career was entering a new phase by the time the 1993 season began. The Florida Marlins selected him in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft, making this Upper Deck issue an interesting transitional card from his Reds tenure just before his breakout season with Florida.

Hammond originally joined the Cincinnati organization when the Reds selected the University of Alabama left-hander in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. He progressed through the minor leagues with clubs including the Tampa Tarpons, Chattanooga Lookouts and Nashville Sounds before reaching Cincinnati.

He made his Major League debut on July 16, 1990, during the Reds' memorable wire-to-wire season. Hammond made seven starts and worked 39 innings as a rookie, reaching the Majors during the same season Cincinnati went on to sweep Oakland in the World Series.

Hammond's move to Florida provided the opportunity for his best season as a starting pitcher. During the Marlins' inaugural 1993 campaign, he made 32 starts and finished 15-12, leading the expansion club in victories and establishing his Major League career high in wins.

His career later produced one of the more impressive pitching comebacks of the era. After spending three seasons away from the Major Leagues from 1999 through 2001, Hammond returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36.

Working primarily out of the bullpen, Hammond was exceptional. He went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs in 76 innings. His performance revived his career and led to several additional Major League seasons as a veteran reliever.

Hammond ultimately pitched parts of 14 Major League seasons for seven organizations. With its premium Upper Deck photography and Cincinnati imagery from just before his move to the inaugural Marlins, this autographed #216 represents an appealing transitional piece from his lengthy professional career.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team Pictured: Cincinnati Reds
• Year: 1993
• Manufacturer: Upper Deck
• Set: Upper Deck
• Card Number: #216
• Classic 1993 Upper Deck baseball issue
• Photography-driven, full-bleed Upper Deck design
• Transitional card from Hammond's move from Cincinnati to Florida
• One of his 1993 issues retaining his Cincinnati Reds affiliation
• Selected by Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Developed through Cincinnati's minor league system
• Made his Major League debut with the Reds 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
• 15 victories established his career high
• Returned to the Major Leagues with Atlanta in 2002 at age 36
• Posted a remarkable 7-2 record and 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances in 2002
• Allowed only seven earned runs over 76 innings during his comeback season
• 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 Upper Deck issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Cincinnati Reds memorabilia, 1993 Upper Deck baseball cards, Florida Marlins inaugural-season players, University of Alabama alumni, or comprehensive autographed player collections.