Lance Parrish Autographed 1989 Donruss Baseball's Best #59 California Angels Card

Add a distinctive factory-set issue from Lance Parrish's first season with the California Angels with this 1989 Donruss Baseball's Best #59, personally autographed by the eight-time Major League All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, six-time Silver Slugger winner and 1984 World Series champion.

The 1989 Donruss Baseball's Best release was a special 336-card factory-set-exclusive product sold through mass-market retail chains rather than through traditional wax packs. Its basic design mirrors the regular 1989 Donruss set, but Baseball's Best is immediately distinguishable by its green-and-yellow card fronts and backs featuring career highlight information.

Parrish's #59 is particularly nice for a comprehensive collection because it features him with the California Angels, representing the beginning of another chapter in his career. He had spent 1987 and 1988 with the Philadelphia Phillies before moving to California for the 1989 season.

The Baseball's Best set itself has become one of the more interesting supplemental Donruss releases of the late 1980s. In addition to established stars, the checklist contains early cards of Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson, as well as the only Major League-licensed Sammy Sosa card issued in 1989. Because the product was distributed as a factory set rather than through conventional packs, those cards are generally not regarded as traditional rookie cards.

Parrish immediately became the Angels' primary catcher. During the 1989 season, he appeared in 124 games and recorded 103 hits, 12 doubles, 17 home runs and 50 RBI. He caught 122 games and made 118 starts behind the plate.

California was also competitive during Parrish's first season with the club, finishing 91-71. The Angels lineup included Wally Joyner, Chili Davis, Devon White, Brian Downing and Johnny Ray, with Parrish providing veteran power and experience behind the plate.

His California tenure would soon produce another outstanding season. In 1990, Parrish rebounded to bat .268 with 24 home runs and 70 RBI, earning another American League All-Star selection and Silver Slugger Award.

Card Details:

• Player: Lance Parrish
• Team: California Angels
• Year: 1989
• Manufacturer: Donruss
• Set: Baseball's Best
• Card Number: #59
• Special 336-card factory-set issue
• Factory-set exclusive rather than a traditional wax-pack release
• Distinctive green-and-yellow design
• First-year California Angels issue
• Different from Parrish's regular 1989 Donruss releases
• Hit 17 home runs with 50 RBI in 1989
• Helped the Angels to a 91-71 record
• Eight-time MLB All-Star
• Three-time Gold Glove Award winner
• Six-time Silver Slugger Award winner
• 1984 World Series Champion
• 324 career home runs
• 1,070 career RBI
• 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.

This is another worthwhile Parrish issue for the run because it combines his first season with California with one of Donruss' distinctive factory-set-only releases. An excellent addition for collectors of Lance Parrish autographs, California Angels memorabilia, Donruss Baseball's Best, 1989 factory sets, 1980s oddball issues, or comprehensive signed player collections.