Chris Hammond Autographed 1995 Pinnacle - Artist's Proofs #96 Florida Marlins Card

The 1995 Pinnacle Artist's Proofs #96 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins on a tougher parallel of his regular Pinnacle card. Personally autographed by Hammond, the Artist's Proof version adds an important parallel to his 1995 card run and is considerably more specialized than the standard #96.

Artist's Proofs were among Pinnacle's desirable parallel concepts during the 1990s, created as upgraded versions of cards from the regular set. Hammond's card retains the same basic #96 identity as his standard Pinnacle issue while carrying the distinctive Artist's Proof designation that separates it from the base card.

The parallel is especially interesting when viewed alongside Hammond's other versions of #96. Collectors can pursue the regular 1995 Pinnacle #96, Museum Collection #96 and Artist's Proofs #96, creating a compact group that demonstrates how extensively parallel collecting had developed by the middle of the decade.

While the Museum Collection version stands out through its dramatic reflective Dufex treatment, the Artist's Proof has its own identity as a tougher parallel. For collectors building complete player runs rather than simply acquiring one representative card from each set, versions such as Artist's Proofs are often the pieces that add both challenge and depth.

Hammond was in his third season with the Florida Marlins when the card was issued. He had become an original member of the organization after Florida selected him from Cincinnati in the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft.

The left-hander immediately became one of the leading starters on the new club. During the inaugural 1993 Marlins season, Hammond made 32 starts, finished 15-12 and led Florida with 15 victories. The 15 wins established the highest single-season total of his Major League career.

Hammond remained with the Marlins through 1997, giving him five seasons with the franchise during its formative years. His Florida cards consequently document an important portion of both his career and the early history of the expansion-era Marlins.

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 on July 16, 1990. He reached the Majors during Cincinnati's World Series championship season before eventually becoming part of Florida's original roster.

Hammond later authored one of the most impressive comeback seasons of his era. After spending three consecutive seasons outside the Major Leagues, he returned with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 at age 36 and successfully reinvented himself as a reliever.

In 63 appearances for Atlanta, Hammond went 7-2 with an extraordinary 0.95 ERA, surrendering only seven earned runs in 76 innings. The performance revitalized his career and helped him remain in the Major Leagues through 2006.

Hammond ultimately pitched parts of 14 Major League seasons for seven organizations. Combining a tougher Pinnacle parallel with his genuine autograph, this Artist's Proof #96 is an especially appealing card for collectors attempting to build Hammond's run beyond the readily available base issues.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1995
• Manufacturer: Score/Pinnacle
• Brand: Pinnacle
• Parallel: Artist's Proofs
• Card Number: #96
• Parallel of the regular 1995 Pinnacle #96
• Features the distinctive Artist's Proof designation
• Tougher alternative to the standard Pinnacle base card
• Part of Pinnacle's expanding premium parallel lineup of the 1990s
• Excellent example of the growth of parallel collecting during the mid-1990s
• Complements the regular Pinnacle and Museum Collection versions of #96
• Important variation for a comprehensive Chris Hammond player collection
• Attractive card for both Pinnacle and Florida Marlins collectors
• Early Florida Marlins issue
• 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 Florida Marlins with 15 victories
• 15 wins established Hammond's Major League career high
• Spent five seasons with Florida from 1993 through 1997
• Cincinnati Reds sixth-round selection in 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 63 appearances
• 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.

For collectors who already have Hammond's regular Pinnacle card, the Artist's Proofs #96 provides a tougher and more specialized parallel, with the genuine autograph making it an excellent addition to an advanced Chris Hammond, Florida Marlins or 1990s Pinnacle collection.