Chris Hammond Autographed 1994 SP - Die Cuts #111 Florida Marlins Card

The 1994 SP Die Cuts #111 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins on the distinctive die-cut parallel of his regular SP card. Personally autographed by Hammond, this version adds an unusual physical design element to the already premium SP format, making it one of the more visually distinctive Hammond issues from the mid-1990s.

Upper Deck had introduced SP baseball in 1993 as a premium product, making 1994 only the brand's second baseball release. SP was designed to stand apart from conventional sets through upscale card stock, foil-heavy graphics and innovative inserts and parallels that reflected the rapidly changing baseball card market.

The Die Cuts version takes Hammond's regular #111 and gives it a specially shaped, die-cut presentation rather than the conventional rectangular format. That unusual construction immediately distinguishes the card from the standard SP issue and gives player collectors a separate variation to pursue.

Die-cut cards were still a relatively novel concept during this period. Manufacturers were experimenting with card shapes, reflective surfaces, foil technology and parallels, making releases such as this an excellent representation of the innovation that characterized the hobby during the 1990s.

Hammond is pictured as a member of the Florida Marlins, who were playing only their second Major League season in 1994. He had become an original Marlin when Florida selected him in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft.

The selection paid immediate dividends. Hammond made 32 starts during Florida's inaugural 1993 season and finished 15-12. His 15 victories established his career high and led the first Marlins team in wins, securing his place in the franchise's early history.

Originally selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama, Hammond made his Major League debut with Cincinnati on July 16, 1990 before eventually joining the expansion Marlins.

Hammond later authored an extraordinary career comeback. After spending the 1999 through 2001 seasons outside the Major Leagues, he returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36 and reinvented himself as a relief pitcher.

The veteran left-hander went 7-2 with a remarkable 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs over 76 innings. That performance revitalized his career and helped him remain in the Major Leagues through 2006.

With its combination of early SP pedigree, premium foil styling, distinctive die-cut construction and genuine Hammond autograph, this #111 is an especially appealing variation for collectors seeking something beyond his standard 1994 issues.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1994
• Manufacturer: Upper Deck
• Brand: SP
• Parallel/Variation: Die Cuts
• Card Number: #111
• Distinctive die-cut version of Hammond's regular 1994 SP #111
• Specially shaped card construction differentiates it from the standard issue
• Premium early-1990s SP design
• Features extensive foil elements
• Part of only the second year of SP baseball
• Upper Deck introduced SP baseball in 1993
• Excellent example of innovative 1990s die-cut card technology
• More specialized variation for player and parallel collectors
• Early Florida Marlins collectible
• Selected by Florida in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft
• Member of the inaugural 1993 Florida Marlins
• Made 32 starts during Florida's inaugural 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
• Returned to the Majors 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.

The unusual die-cut construction makes this a standout signed issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Florida Marlins memorabilia, 1994 SP Die Cuts, early Upper Deck premium cards, 1990s parallels and variations, or comprehensive autographed player runs.