Larry Christenson Autographed 1976 SSPC #460 Philadelphia Phillies Card

The 1976 SSPC #460 Larry Christenson features the young right-handed pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies just as the franchise was emerging as one of the National League's dominant clubs. Personally autographed by Christenson, this distinctive SSPC issue combines an important early-career card with one of the most fascinating independent baseball card releases of the 1970s.

The 1976 SSPC set has developed a strong following among vintage collectors. Produced by the Sports Stars Publishing Company, the large 630-card release featured straightforward photography and a clean, minimalist design reminiscent of classic baseball cards from an earlier era. Because SSPC produced the set without a Major League Baseball licensing agreement, the release encountered legal challenges from Topps and became a unique chapter in hobby history.

Christenson's #460 comes from relatively early in his Major League career. The Phillies selected him third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft out of Marysville High School in Washington, and he moved through the organization remarkably quickly. Christenson made his Major League debut in 1973 at just 19 years old.

The timing of the 1976 SSPC release is particularly significant for Phillies collectors. In 1976, Philadelphia won 101 games and captured the National League East championship, beginning a run of three consecutive division titles. Christenson contributed 13 victories that season as the Phillies advanced to postseason play for the first time since their 1950 National League pennant.

Christenson's finest season followed in 1977, when he went 19-6 for another 101-win Phillies club. His 19 victories established a career high and cemented his place as an important member of the rotation during Philadelphia's rise to prominence.

He remained with the Phillies when the franchise finally broke through in 1980, defeating the Kansas City Royals to capture the first World Series championship in Philadelphia Phillies history.

Christenson was also unusually productive with the bat for a pitcher. He hit 11 home runs during his Major League career, including three during his outstanding 1977 campaign.

Christenson ultimately spent his entire 11-year Major League career with Philadelphia, finishing with 83 victories. Combining an early-career image, Philadelphia's first division-winning season of the era and the unusual history of the SSPC set, this autographed #460 is an especially interesting alternative to Christenson's standard Topps issues.

Card Details:

• Player: Larry Christenson
• Team: Philadelphia Phillies
• Year: 1976
• Manufacturer: SSPC
• Set: SSPC
• Card Number: #460
• Desirable early-career Larry Christenson issue
• Part of the distinctive 630-card 1976 SSPC set
• Independent 1970s baseball card release
• Clean, photography-focused vintage design
• Interesting alternative to Christenson's mainstream Topps cards
• Issued during Philadelphia's breakthrough 1976 season
• Phillies won 101 games and the NL East championship in 1976
• Christenson won 13 games during the 1976 season
• Selected third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft
• Made his Major League debut at age 19 in 1973
• Posted a career-best 19-6 record in 1977
• Helped Philadelphia win three consecutive NL East titles from 19761978
• Member of the 1980 World Series champion Phillies
• Won 83 Major League games
• Hit 11 career home runs as a pitcher
• Spent his entire Major League career with Philadelphia
• 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.

An excellent signed vintage oddball issue for collectors of Larry Christenson, Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia, 1976 SSPC baseball cards, 1970s regional and independent issues, 1980 World Series champions, or comprehensive autographed Phillies collections.