Lance Parrish Autographed 2012 Topps Archives #230 SP Detroit Tigers Card

This is a much better Parrish issue than an ordinary modern base card. The 2012 Topps Archives #230 Lance Parrish is a legitimate high-number short print, featuring the longtime Detroit Tigers catcher on a vintage-inspired Topps design and personally autographed by the eight-time MLB All-Star.

The key selling point is the SP designation. The regular 2012 Topps Archives base set runs from cards #1-200, while cards #201-240 were short printed and inserted only once every four packs. Parrish is specifically listed as #230 among those 40 high-number SPs.

Topps used four primary vintage designs for cards #1-2001954, 1971, 1980 and 1984 Toppsbut the high-number SP section was different. Those cards featured retired fan favorites on designs associated with years from their playing careers, giving the SPs more of a true Archives feel.

That format is especially appropriate for Parrish. His greatest years came with the Detroit Tigers, where he developed into one of baseball's premier catchers and became an integral part of the 1984 World Series championship team. Parrish combined legitimate middle-of-the-order power with outstanding defense behind the plate, eventually earning eight All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves and six Silver Slugger Awards.

The 2012 Archives checklist itself confirms the strength of this short-print group. Parrish #230 appears alongside retired stars and fan favorites including Don Mattingly, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Ken Griffey Jr., John Kruk, Cecil Fielder, Ken Griffey Sr., Jay Buhner and John Olerud.

It is also important not to confuse Parrish's #230 with the much tougher Bryce Harper #241 SSP. Cards #201-240, including Parrish, are the regular high-number SPs at approximately 1:4 packs, while Harper #241 was a substantially scarcer late addition.

Card Details:

• Player: Lance Parrish
• Team: Detroit Tigers
• Year: 2012
• Manufacturer: Topps
• Set: Topps Archives
• Card Number: #230
• High-Number Short Print (SP)
• Part of the short-printed #201-240 portion of the set
• SPs inserted approximately 1:4 packs
• Retired-player, vintage-inspired Archives issue
• Significantly more collectible than a standard modern Parrish base card
• Eight-time MLB All-Star
• Three-time Gold Glove Award winner
• Six-time Silver Slugger Award winner
• Starting catcher for the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers
• 1,782 career hits
• 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.