Chris Hammond Autographed 1995 Topps Finest #315 Florida Marlins Card

The 1995 Topps Finest #315 Chris Hammond features the left-handed pitcher with the Florida Marlins in one of Topps' signature premium products of the 1990s. Personally autographed by Hammond, this card combines the distinctive chromium-style Finest presentation with one of the most productive pitchers from the Marlins' earliest seasons.

By 1995, Topps Finest was in its third year after debuting in 1993 and helping establish the chromium-card category. The product offered collectors a dramatically different look from traditional cardboard through its reflective surface, colorful design and premium construction, making Finest one of the defining brands of the decade.

Many 1995 Finest cards were originally issued with a removable protective coating over the card front. That film was intended to protect the sensitive surface and became a recognizable feature of early Finest releases. Whether retained or removed by collectors, the protective coating is an important part of the identity of these early chromium-era cards.

Hammond's #315 is also a natural continuation of his 1994 Topps Finest #200, giving player collectors consecutive Finest issues from his Florida tenure. With Topps flagship, Topps Gold and Finest cards all available during this period, Hammond's run illustrates how quickly the hobby was expanding beyond a single annual card for each player.

Hammond joined the Florida Marlins through the 1992 MLB Expansion Draft, when the new franchise selected him from Cincinnati while constructing its first Major League roster. He immediately became a major part of Florida's starting rotation.

During the inaugural 1993 Marlins season, Hammond made 32 starts and finished 15-12. His 15 victories established the highest single-season total of his Major League career and led the first Florida Marlins team in wins.

Originally a sixth-round selection of the Cincinnati Reds in 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 championship season before eventually becoming one of Florida's original players.

Hammond's career later produced one of the more impressive pitching comebacks of the era. After spending three seasons outside the Major Leagues, he returned at age 36 with the Atlanta Braves in 2002 and reinvented himself as a relief pitcher.

The results were extraordinary. Hammond went 7-2 with a 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances, allowing only seven earned runs in 76 innings. His dominant season revitalized his career and helped him remain in the Major Leagues through 2006.

Hammond ultimately pitched parts of 14 Major League seasons for the Reds, Marlins, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, Athletics and Padres. Combining his genuine autograph with one of Topps' most recognizable premium brands, the 1995 Finest #315 is an excellent piece from the chromium-card era.

Card Details:

• Player: Chris Hammond
• Team: Florida Marlins
• Year: 1995
• Manufacturer: Topps
• Brand: Finest
• Card Number: #315
• Premium 1995 Topps Finest baseball issue
• Third year of Topps Finest baseball
• Finest debuted in 1993 and helped establish the chromium-card category
• Features a distinctive reflective chromium-style surface
• Colorful premium design
• Early Finest cards are known for their removable protective coating
• Natural companion to Hammond's 1994 Topps Finest #200
• Desirable issue for comprehensive player and Finest collections
• 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 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
• Posted an exceptional 7-2 record and 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.

With its early Finest chromium technology, unmistakable premium 1990s appearance, Florida Marlins connection and genuine Chris Hammond autograph, this #315 is an especially attractive addition to a comprehensive Hammond run or signed Topps Finest collection.