Chris Hammond Autographed 1994 Topps Finest #200 Florida Marlins Card

The 1994 Topps Finest #200 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins on one of the most distinctive premium baseball card products of the early 1990s. Personally autographed by Hammond, this Finest issue combines the emerging chromium-card technology of the era with an important member of the original Marlins pitching staff.

The 1994 Finest set was just the second baseball release under the groundbreaking Finest brand, which Topps had introduced in 1993. Finest helped establish the premium chromium-style card as an important part of the modern hobby, using a highly reflective surface, bold graphics and an upscale presentation dramatically different from traditional cardboard releases. Many examples were originally issued with a protective peel-off film over the card front, another memorable feature of early Finest products.

Hammond's #200 represents him during the second season of Florida Marlins baseball. He had joined the organization through the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft, when Florida selected established players from existing clubs to construct its inaugural Major League roster.

The selection proved particularly productive for the Marlins. In their inaugural 1993 season, Hammond became one of the leaders of the pitching staff, making 32 starts and finishing 15-12. His 15 victories established a career high and led the first Marlins team in wins.

Hammond had originally entered professional baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, who selected the University of Alabama left-hander in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. After progressing through Cincinnati's minor league system, he made his Major League debut with the Reds on July 16, 1990.

His career later developed one of baseball's more remarkable second acts. Hammond spent the 1999 through 2001 seasons outside the Major Leagues before returning with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36.

Working out of Atlanta's bullpen, Hammond produced an extraordinary comeback season. He appeared in 63 games, went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA, and surrendered only seven earned runs over 76 innings. The performance transformed him from a former starting pitcher attempting a comeback into one of the most effective veteran relievers in baseball.

That resurgence extended Hammond's career through 2006. He ultimately appeared in parts of 14 Major League seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres.

With its early Finest pedigree, chromium-style construction and connection to the formative years of the Florida Marlins, this autographed #200 stands out from Hammond's traditional 1994 base cards and is an excellent premium issue for a comprehensive player collection.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1994
• Manufacturer: Topps
• Brand: Finest
• Card Number: #200
• Premium early-1990s Topps issue
• Part of the second year of Topps Finest baseball
• Finest baseball debuted in 1993
• Distinctive chromium-style reflective card surface
• Bold premium design unlike traditional cardboard releases
• Early Finest cards were issued with a removable protective surface coating
• Desirable 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 his 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
• 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.

A particularly attractive signed premium issue for collectors of Chris Hammond, Florida Marlins memorabilia, 1994 Topps Finest baseball cards, early chromium cards, inaugural Marlins players, or comprehensive autographed player runs.