Chris Hammond Autographed 1995 Collector's Choice #309 Florida Marlins Card

The 1995 Collector's Choice #309 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins during his third season with the young franchise. Personally autographed by Hammond, this Upper Deck-produced issue combines the photography-driven style of Collector's Choice with one of the most successful starting pitchers from the Marlins' inaugural roster.

Collector's Choice had debuted in 1994 as Upper Deck's more affordable baseball card line, giving collectors the company's strong photography and production quality at a lower price point than its flagship products. The 1995 Collector's Choice set continued that philosophy with colorful graphics, prominent player photography and a large checklist representing the Major Leagues of the mid-1990s.

For Hammond collectors, #309 follows his first-year 1994 Collector's Choice #362 and provides another early Florida Marlins card from the brand. Together, the issues document a period when Hammond was an established member of a franchise still building its identity in the National League.

Hammond had arrived in Florida through the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft. The Marlins selected him from the Cincinnati Reds organization as they constructed their first roster, and the experienced left-hander quickly assumed an important role in the inaugural starting rotation.

His first season in Florida became the finest of his career as a starter. Hammond took the ball for 32 starts in 1993, finishing 15-12 and leading the expansion Marlins in victories. Those 15 wins remained the highest single-season total of his Major League career.

By the time this 1995 card appeared, Hammond had already established himself as one of the most durable starters in early Marlins history. He remained with Florida through the 1997 season, giving him five seasons with the organization during its formative years.

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

One of the most impressive chapters of Hammond's career came more than a decade later. After spending three seasons outside the Major Leagues, he returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36 and reinvented himself as a relief pitcher.

The comeback was extraordinary. Hammond appeared in 63 games, posted a 7-2 record with a 0.95 ERA, and surrendered only seven earned runs over 76 innings. His performance revitalized his career and allowed him to pitch five additional Major League seasons from 2002 through 2006.

Hammond ultimately appeared in parts of 14 Major League seasons for the Reds, Marlins, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, Athletics and Padres. This signed 1995 Collector's Choice #309 connects the two defining portions of his career: his early success as a Marlins starter and the longevity that eventually produced one of baseball's more remarkable pitching comebacks.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1995
• Manufacturer: Upper Deck
• Brand: Collector's Choice
• Card Number: #309
• Upper Deck-produced baseball card
• Collector's Choice debuted in 1994 as Upper Deck's affordable, collector-oriented brand
• Features the brand's photography-focused presentation
• Follows Hammond's 1994 Collector's Choice #362
• Excellent addition to a comprehensive Chris Hammond player run
• Early Florida Marlins collectible
• Hammond was selected in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft
• Member of Florida's inaugural 1993 roster
• Made 32 starts for the Marlins in 1993
• Finished the inaugural season 15-12
• Led the first Florida Marlins team with 15 victories
• 15 wins established Hammond's Major League career high
• Spent five seasons with Florida from 1993 through 1997
• Originally selected by Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 1986 MLB Draft
• Former University of Alabama pitcher
• Made his Major League debut on July 16, 1990
• Returned to the Major Leagues with Atlanta at age 36 in 2002
• Went 7-2 with a remarkable 0.95 ERA in 2002
• Appeared in 63 games and allowed only seven earned runs over 76 innings
• 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.

With its early Florida Marlins connection, Collector's Choice photography and Hammond's genuine autograph, this #309 is an appealing signed card for Marlins fans, Upper Deck collectors and anyone assembling a deep Chris Hammond player collection.