The Eric Davis Autographed 1989 Score #109 Cincinnati Reds Card features one of the most exciting and talented players of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his extraordinary combination of power, speed, and defensive ability, Davis became a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds and played an instrumental role in the franchise's 1990 World Series championship.
This autographed card comes from the 1989 Score baseball set, one of the early releases from a manufacturer that quickly became popular among collectors for its colorful designs, detailed player information, and extensive Major League checklists.
The 1989 Score #109 features Davis during the prime of his Cincinnati Reds career, following consecutive seasons in which he demonstrated an exceptional combination of home run power and stolen-base ability.
By the time this card was released, Davis had already established himself as one of the National League's premier all-around players. His remarkable 1987 season, when he hit 37 home runs and stole 50 bases, demonstrated a rare combination of offensive skills.
Featuring Davis's authentic handwritten autograph, this card combines a recognizable late-1980s baseball card release with the signature of a player whose athleticism and accomplishments made him one of the most memorable Cincinnati Reds stars of his generation.
Eric Davis's Early Life and Cincinnati Reds Beginnings
Eric Keith Davis was born on May 29, 1962, in Los Angeles, California.
The Cincinnati Reds selected Davis in the eighth round of the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft, beginning a professional career that would eventually span 17 Major League seasons.
Davis developed through Cincinnati's minor league system, displaying the combination of speed, power, and athleticism that would become the defining characteristics of his playing career.
He made his Major League debut on May 19, 1984, joining a Reds organization that was developing a talented young roster.
During the mid-1980s, Cincinnati featured several promising players who would eventually help restore the franchise to championship contention.
Davis quickly attracted attention because of his exceptional physical abilities.
His speed made him a threat on the bases and allowed him to cover substantial ground in center field.
At the plate, he possessed impressive power, giving him the ability to change games with one swing.
This combination of skills distinguished Davis from many of his contemporaries.
While some players specialized in hitting home runs and others relied primarily on speed, Davis demonstrated the ability to excel in both areas.
By the middle of the decade, he was emerging as one of baseball's most exciting young stars.
The Remarkable 1986 Season
The 1986 season marked Davis's emergence as a major offensive force.
In just 132 games, he hit 27 home runs and stole 80 bases, demonstrating a combination of power and speed rarely seen in Major League Baseball.
His 80 stolen bases established him as one of the National League's most dangerous baserunners.
Opposing pitchers and catchers had to account for his speed whenever he reached base.
At the same time, Davis's home run power made him a significant threat at the plate.
His ability to contribute in multiple offensive categories made him especially valuable to Cincinnati.
The 1986 season established Davis as a player capable of producing extraordinary statistical performances.
It also provided a preview of the even greater accomplishments that would follow in 1987.
The Historic 1987 Power-Speed Season
Davis delivered one of the most remarkable seasons of his career in 1987.
He finished with 37 home runs, 100 runs batted in, and 50 stolen bases, establishing himself as one of the National League's premier offensive players.
His combination of home run power and stolen-base production placed him among an exceptionally small group of players capable of reaching both milestones in the same season.
At the time, Davis became the first Major League player to record at least 30 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
The achievement demonstrated his extraordinary athletic versatility.
Davis was capable of driving the ball out of the ballpark, stealing bases, and playing outstanding defense in center field.
His performance earned him his first National League All-Star selection.
He also received a Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence and a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive production.
Davis's combination of power, speed, and defense made him one of baseball's most complete players.
His 1987 season remains one of the defining accomplishments of his career.
For collectors, this extraordinary performance provides an important historical connection to his late-1980s baseball cards.
The 1989 Score #109 features Davis shortly after this remarkable achievement, during a period when he was widely recognized as one of the game's most dynamic stars.
Eric Davis and the 1988 Cincinnati Reds
Davis continued demonstrating his remarkable all-around ability during the 1988 season.
He hit 26 home runs and stole 35 bases, maintaining his reputation as one of the National League's premier power-speed players.
His defensive skills also remained an important part of his value to Cincinnati.
Davis earned another Gold Glove Award, recognizing his outstanding play in center field.
His speed and instincts allowed him to make difficult defensive plays while covering considerable ground in the outfield.
The Reds featured a talented roster that included Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O'Neill, and other important contributors.
Although Cincinnati did not reach the postseason, the organization continued developing the foundation for its eventual championship success.
The 1989 Score #109 was released following this period, capturing Davis at a time when his reputation as an elite all-around player was firmly established.
The 1989 Score Baseball Card Set
The 1989 Score baseball set represents an important early release from a manufacturer that entered the baseball card market in 1988.
Score introduced its first nationally distributed baseball card set with an emphasis on colorful designs, extensive player information, and a broad selection of Major League athletes.
The brand quickly became recognizable among collectors.
Its 1988 inaugural release helped establish Score as another major option alongside Topps, Fleer, Donruss, and Upper Deck.
The 1989 Score baseball set continued the manufacturer's approach to baseball card design, featuring player photography, colorful borders, and detailed statistical information.
The set included established stars, emerging young players, and veteran contributors from throughout Major League Baseball.
The Eric Davis #109 features the Cincinnati Reds center fielder during one of the most exciting periods of his career.
The card represents Davis following his extraordinary 1987 season and his continued success in 1988.
For collectors who appreciate late-1980s baseball cards, the 1989 Score release represents an important period of expansion within the hobby.
Manufacturers were competing through distinctive designs, additional player information, and increasingly extensive product offerings.
Score's early releases became a familiar part of this changing baseball card landscape.
The 1989 Score #109 provides an appealing collectible for fans of Cincinnati Reds baseball and collectors who remember Davis's remarkable athletic ability.
The addition of his authentic handwritten autograph further distinguishes the card, combining a recognizable playing-era issue with a personal connection to the featured player.
The Rise of Score Baseball Cards
The late 1980s represented a period of significant growth within the baseball card industry.
For decades, Topps had dominated the nationally distributed baseball card market.
That situation changed in 1981 when Fleer and Donruss began competing directly with Topps.
Additional manufacturers eventually entered the market, creating new opportunities for collectors.
Score debuted in 1988, introducing another nationally distributed baseball card brand.
The company's early products emphasized colorful presentation and detailed player information.
Collectors appreciated the opportunity to obtain additional cards featuring their favorite Major League players.
By 1989, the baseball card market was becoming increasingly competitive.
Upper Deck also entered the market that year, helping accelerate the industry's movement toward premium photography and more sophisticated production techniques.
Score continued developing its identity through its annual baseball card releases.
The 1989 Score #109 Eric Davis belongs to this important period in the evolution of modern baseball cards.
For comprehensive player collectors, Score's introduction provided another opportunity to document the careers of prominent Major League athletes.
The card's connection to Davis's outstanding late-1980s performances makes it particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate the era.
The 1990 Cincinnati Reds World Series Championship
One of the defining accomplishments of Davis's career came during the 1990 season, when the Cincinnati Reds captured the World Series championship.
Managed by Lou Piniella, the Reds featured a talented roster that included Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, Paul O'Neill, Jos Rijo, and the famous relief pitching trio known as the "Nasty Boys."
The bullpen combination of Rob Dibble, Randy Myers, and Norm Charlton became one of the team's defining strengths.
Cincinnati finished the regular season with a 91-71 record, capturing the National League West championship.
The Reds advanced to the National League Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After defeating Pittsburgh in six games, Cincinnati faced the heavily favored Oakland Athletics in the World Series.
Oakland entered the championship series with a roster featuring Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, Jos Canseco, and Dave Stewart.
The Athletics had won the 1989 World Series and were seeking another championship.
Cincinnati, however, delivered one of the most memorable upsets in World Series history.
In Game 1, Davis hit a dramatic two-run home run off Dave Stewart, helping set the tone for the series.
The Reds went on to defeat Oakland 7-0 in the opener.
Cincinnati continued its outstanding play and ultimately swept the Athletics in four games.
The championship marked the Reds' first World Series title since 1976.
Davis's contributions during the championship season cemented his place in Cincinnati baseball history.
For Reds collectors, his autograph represents an important connection to one of the franchise's most memorable championship teams.
Eric Davis's Major League Career Beyond Cincinnati
Following his initial tenure with the Reds, Davis continued his Major League career with several organizations.
He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants, in addition to returning to Cincinnati.
Throughout his career, Davis demonstrated remarkable determination while overcoming injuries and significant personal challenges.
In 1997, while playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Davis was diagnosed with colon cancer.
His battle with the disease became an important chapter in his life and career.
After undergoing treatment, Davis returned to Major League Baseball and continued contributing at the highest level.
His comeback demonstrated exceptional perseverance and determination.
In 1998, Davis enjoyed an outstanding season with Baltimore, batting .327 with 28 home runs and 89 runs batted in.
His performance earned him the Tony Conigliaro Award, recognizing his determination in overcoming adversity.
Davis concluded his Major League career following the 2001 season.
Across 17 Major League seasons, he compiled 282 home runs, 934 runs batted in, and 349 stolen bases.
His accomplishments included two National League All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, and a World Series championship.
Davis remains one of the most memorable Cincinnati Reds players of his generation.
Collecting the Eric Davis Autographed 1989 Score #109
The Eric Davis Autographed 1989 Score #109 Cincinnati Reds Card combines a recognizable late-1980s baseball card release with the signature of one of the most exciting all-around players of his era.
For Cincinnati Reds collectors, Davis represents an unforgettable period in franchise history.
His extraordinary 1987 power-speed season and contributions to the 1990 World Series championship established him as one of the organization's most memorable stars.
For collectors who appreciate the history of baseball's power-speed players, Davis's accomplishments place him among the game's most remarkable athletes.
His ability to hit home runs, steal bases, and play outstanding defense made him an exceptional talent.
For Score collectors, the 1989 release represents an important early chapter in the manufacturer's baseball card history.
The addition of Davis's authentic handwritten autograph makes the card especially appealing to collectors assembling signed examples of the set.
The 1989 Score #109 is particularly suitable for comprehensive Eric Davis player collections, Cincinnati Reds autograph collections, and collectors who appreciate the outstanding players of the late 1980s.
This autographed card is an excellent addition to Cincinnati Reds memorabilia collections, Eric Davis autograph collections, 1990 World Series championship collections, Gold Glove Award winner collections, power-speed baseball player collections, Score baseball card collections, and complete autographed 1989 Score baseball card sets.
Autograph Guarantee: Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.