Julio Franco Autographed 1988 Donruss #156 Cleveland Indians Card

Featuring three-time Major League All-Star, American League batting champion and one of baseball's most accomplished veteran hitters, this Julio Franco autographed 1988 Donruss #156 Cleveland Indians card showcases the talented infielder during his years as one of Cleveland's most consistent offensive performers.

Born in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic, Julio Franco began his professional baseball career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He made his Major League debut with Philadelphia on April 23, 1982, beginning a remarkable career that would eventually span 23 Major League seasons.

Following his debut season, Franco was traded to the Cleveland Indians in December 1982 as part of a multiplayer deal that sent Von Hayes to Philadelphia. The trade provided Franco with an opportunity to establish himself as an everyday Major League player.

Franco quickly became an important part of Cleveland's lineup, finishing second in the 1983 American League Rookie of the Year voting. His combination of contact hitting, speed and defensive versatility made him one of the Indians' most promising young players.

During the mid-1980s, Franco developed into one of Cleveland's most reliable hitters. His distinctive batting stance, excellent bat control and ability to drive the baseball to all fields helped establish him as a consistent offensive contributor.

In 1986, Franco batted .306 with 10 home runs and 74 RBI, demonstrating the offensive skills that would become hallmarks of his lengthy Major League career.

Franco followed with another productive season in 1987, batting .319 with 12 home runs and 69 RBI. His continued success helped solidify his reputation as one of the American League's most dependable contact hitters.

The 1988 Donruss #156 features Franco in his Cleveland Indians uniform and showcases the recognizable black-bordered design of Donruss's 1988 baseball card release. The set is known for its black borders, blue accents and extensive checklist featuring established Major League stars and developing young players.

The card represents Franco during the final season of his first stint with Cleveland, before a trade would send him to the Texas Rangers and open another successful chapter of his career.

Following the 1988 season, Franco joined the Texas Rangers, where he enjoyed some of his finest offensive performances. He earned three consecutive American League All-Star selections from 1989 through 1991, establishing himself among the league's premier hitters.

In 1990, Franco earned All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors, delivering a decisive two-run double that helped the American League secure the victory.

His greatest individual offensive achievement came in 1991, when he captured the American League batting championship with a .341 average. The accomplishment highlighted his exceptional ability to make consistent contact against Major League pitching.

Franco's remarkable longevity eventually took him to several additional Major League organizations, including the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. He also played professionally in Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

He remained an effective Major League hitter well into his forties, becoming the oldest player in Major League history to hit a home run when he accomplished the feat at age 48 with the New York Mets in 2007.

Over 23 Major League seasons, Franco collected 2,586 hits, 173 home runs and 1,194 RBI, finishing with a .298 career batting average. His extraordinary longevity and consistent offensive production made him one of the most recognizable international players of his generation.

The 1988 Donruss #156 is an appealing addition for Julio Franco fans, Cleveland Indians collectors, 1980s Donruss enthusiasts, Dominican Major League player autograph collections, batting champion memorabilia collectors or those assembling comprehensive autographed player runs.

Autograph Guarantee: Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.