Chris Hammond Autographed 1994 SP #111 Florida Marlins Card

The 1994 SP #111 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins on one of Upper Deck's signature premium products of the 1990s. Personally autographed by Hammond, this card combines an early Florida Marlins appearance with the upscale construction and distinctive design that helped establish SP as an important premium brand in the hobby.

Upper Deck introduced SP baseball in 1993, making the 1994 release only the second year of the brand. SP was positioned above traditional Upper Deck products and became known for premium card stock, sophisticated photography and extensive use of foil. Those characteristics gave early SP cards an immediately recognizable appearance and helped define the rapidly developing high-end card market of the era.

The 1994 SP design is particularly notable for its extensive foil elements. The combination of reflective surfaces and premium construction gives Hammond's #111 considerably different visual appeal from his standard 1994 Upper Deck and Collector's Choice cards. Early SP issues can also be condition-sensitive, making attractive examples desirable to collectors of premium 1990s sets.

Hammond appears with the Florida Marlins, who were playing only their second Major League season. He became an original member of the organization after Florida selected him in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft, bringing an experienced left-handed starter to the newly formed club.

His first season in Florida became the best of his career as a starter. Hammond made 32 starts for the inaugural 1993 Marlins and finished 15-12. His 15 victories were a career high and led the first Florida Marlins team in wins, establishing an enduring connection between Hammond and the franchise's earliest history.

Hammond originally entered professional baseball when the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama. He developed through Cincinnati's minor league system before making his Major League debut on July 16, 1990.

More than a decade later, Hammond produced one of the most impressive chapters of his career. After spending the 1999 through 2001 seasons outside the Major Leagues, he returned with the Atlanta Braves at age 36 in 2002 and successfully reinvented himself as a relief pitcher.

Hammond appeared in 63 games for Atlanta, going 7-2 with an exceptional 0.95 ERA while allowing only seven earned runs over 76 innings. His remarkable comeback extended his career through 2006.

Hammond ultimately pitched parts of 14 Major League seasons for seven organizations. With its early SP pedigree, foil-heavy premium construction, Florida Marlins connection and genuine autograph, this #111 is one of the more attractive high-end issues from Hammond's extensive 1994 card run.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1994
• Manufacturer: Upper Deck
• Brand: SP
• Card Number: #111
• Premium 1994 SP baseball issue
• Part of only the second year of SP baseball
• Upper Deck introduced SP baseball in 1993
• Features extensive foil elements and premium card construction
• Distinctive upscale alternative to standard Upper Deck issues
• Early SP cards are popular examples of the developing premium-card market of the 1990s
• Condition-sensitive premium design
• Early Florida Marlins collectible
• Issued during the franchise's second Major League season
• Selected by Florida in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft
• Member of the inaugural 1993 Florida Marlins
• Made 32 starts during Florida's first season
• Finished 15-12 in 1993
• Led the inaugural Marlins with 15 victories
• 15 wins established Hammond's Major League career high
• Originally selected by Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Made his MLB debut with Cincinnati on July 16, 1990
• Returned to the Major Leagues with Atlanta at age 36 in 2002
• 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 especially attractive premium signed issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Florida Marlins memorabilia, 1994 SP baseball cards, early Upper Deck premium products, original Marlins players, or comprehensive autographed player collections.