This Jerry Martin autographed 1982 Donruss #298 San Francisco Giants baseball card features the veteran Major League outfielder during his time with San Francisco in the early 1980s. Known for his right-handed power, defensive versatility, and ability to contribute in both starting and reserve roles, Martin enjoyed an 11-season Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, and New York Mets. His autograph adds collectible appeal to this classic Donruss release, combining a San Francisco Giants baseball card with the signature of a player who contributed to several recognizable National League and American League teams during the 1970s and 1980s.
Jerry Martin was born on May 11, 1949, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and developed into a talented baseball player with the combination of power and athleticism necessary to compete at the professional level.
Martin began his professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, advancing through the minor leagues while developing his offensive and defensive skills.
He made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on September 10, 1974, beginning a career that would span more than a decade.
His arrival came during an important period in Phillies history, as Philadelphia was developing the talented roster that would become a regular National League East contender.
The organization featured emerging stars such as Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Larry Bowa, Steve Carlton, and Garry Maddox.
Martin gained valuable experience competing alongside these established players while developing his own abilities as a Major League outfielder.
During the 1975 season, Martin continued working to establish himself as a regular contributor.
His ability to play the outfield and provide occasional power made him a useful member of the Phillies' roster.
The 1976 season became an important year for Philadelphia, as the Phillies captured the National League East Division championship.
Philadelphia finished the regular season with 101 victories, establishing itself as one of baseball's strongest teams.
Martin was part of the organization during this successful period, contributing to the club's outfield depth.
The Phillies advanced to the National League Championship Series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Although Cincinnati won the series, Philadelphia's division championship represented the beginning of a successful run.
The Phillies captured three consecutive National League East titles from 1976 through 1978, becoming one of the National League's premier organizations.
Martin continued competing for playing time during this period, providing the club with additional offensive and defensive options.
The 1977 season brought another successful campaign for Philadelphia, as the team again won 101 games and captured the division championship.
Martin's experience with the Phillies provided him with valuable exposure to postseason-caliber baseball.
Following the 1978 season, Martin joined the Chicago Cubs, beginning another significant chapter in his Major League career.
The move provided him with an opportunity to take on a larger offensive role.
The 1979 season became one of the most productive years of Martin's career.
Playing for Chicago, he hit 19 home runs, demonstrating the right-handed power that had made him an appealing offensive player.
His performance helped establish him as a recognizable member of the Cubs' lineup.
Chicago featured players such as Bill Buckner, Dave Kingman, Ivan DeJesus, and Rick Reuschel during this period.
Martin's power complemented a Cubs offense that included several established Major League hitters.
He continued contributing to Chicago during the 1980 season, providing experience and offensive production.
His ability to play multiple outfield positions allowed the Cubs to use him in different defensive roles.
Following his time with Chicago, Martin joined the San Francisco Giants, bringing his veteran experience to another National League organization.
The Giants featured recognizable players such as Jack Clark, Darrell Evans, Joe Morgan, and Chili Davis during the early 1980s.
Martin contributed his right-handed bat and outfield experience to the San Francisco roster.
The 1981 season was interrupted by the Major League Baseball players' strike, creating a shortened schedule and unusual postseason format.
Despite the interruption, Martin continued competing as a veteran Major League outfielder.
The 1982 Donruss #298 card captures Martin during this period of his career, representing his time with the Giants after several productive seasons with Philadelphia and Chicago.
His experience with multiple National League organizations made him a recognizable player among fans who followed baseball during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Martin later joined the Kansas City Royals, continuing his career in the American League.
The Royals were an established contender during this period, featuring stars such as George Brett, Willie Wilson, Frank White, and Hal McRae.
Martin provided Kansas City with additional outfield depth and veteran offensive experience.
He also spent time with the New York Mets, adding another historic National League franchise to his professional career.
Martin concluded his Major League playing career in 1984, completing 11 seasons in the big leagues.
Across his career, he appeared in more than 1,000 games and hit 85 home runs, demonstrating the power that made him a valuable offensive contributor.
Although Martin was not primarily known as a superstar, his ability to provide power, defensive flexibility, and experience allowed him to contribute to several Major League organizations.
His career remains particularly associated with the Philadelphia Phillies teams of the late 1970s and his productive seasons with the Chicago Cubs.
For Philadelphia Phillies collectors, Martin represents a player who contributed during the organization's rise to National League East prominence.
For Chicago Cubs collectors, his signature provides a connection to the team's late-1970s and early-1980s rosters.
For San Francisco Giants collectors, Martin represents a veteran outfielder who spent part of his career with the organization.
The 1982 Donruss #298 Jerry Martin card belongs to an important period in the history of modern baseball card collecting.
Donruss entered the modern baseball card market in 1981, joining Fleer in challenging Topps' longtime dominance of nationally distributed baseball cards.
The company's early releases became recognizable among collectors for their distinctive designs and expanding representation of Major League players.
The 1982 Donruss baseball set features colorful borders, prominent player photography, and the distinctive presentation associated with the company's early baseball card releases.
The set includes numerous established Major League stars, future Hall of Famers, and notable young players.
Among its most recognizable cards is the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card #405, one of the important rookie cards of the early 1980s.
Martin's #298 San Francisco Giants card captures the veteran outfielder during his time with San Francisco, following his years with the Phillies and Cubs.
The card provides a connection to a player whose career included contributions to several recognizable Major League franchises.
For 1982 Donruss set collectors, the card provides another autographed example from the company's second annual baseball release.
For collectors assembling comprehensive Jerry Martin player collections, the 1982 Donruss #298 provides a classic early-1980s issue alongside his Topps, Fleer, Donruss, and other baseball cards.
The addition of Martin's autograph enhances the collectible appeal of this Donruss release, combining an early-1980s San Francisco Giants baseball card with the signature of a longtime Major League outfielder.
Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.
This autographed Jerry Martin card is an appealing addition to collections featuring San Francisco Giants memorabilia, 1982 Donruss baseball cards, Jerry Martin player collections, Philadelphia Phillies division championship teams, Chicago Cubs memorabilia, Kansas City Royals collectibles, New York Mets player collections, and signed 1980s baseball cards.