SOLD 13040 Larry Christenson Autographed 1976 Topps #634 Philadelphia Phillies Card
The 1976 Topps #634 Larry Christenson features the young right-handed pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies at the beginning of one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. Personally autographed by Christenson, this vintage Topps issue represents an important early-career card from the season in which Philadelphia emerged as a National League powerhouse.
The 1976 Topps set is remembered for its colorful design, large player photography and distinctive position-specific illustrations incorporated into the card fronts. Christenson's #634 is a classic mid-1970s Topps issue and an appealing companion to his other early Phillies cards.
Philadelphia selected Christenson third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft out of Marysville High School in Washington. One of the organization's most highly regarded young pitchers, he advanced quickly and made his Major League debut in 1973 at just 19 years old.
The year represented by this card became a breakthrough season for both Christenson and the Phillies. In 1976, Christenson went 13-8 while making 32 starts and working more than 200 innings. It was his first season with a winning record and established him as an important part of Philadelphia's talented starting rotation.
The Phillies were even more impressive as a team. Philadelphia finished 101-61, captured the National League East championship and reached the postseason for the first time since winning the 1950 National League pennant. The season began a run of three consecutive NL East championships from 1976 through 1978.
Christenson reached his individual peak the following year. In 1977, he posted a career-best 19-6 record as Philadelphia again won 101 games and repeated as division champion. His 19 victories were the highest total of his Major League career.
He remained a member of the Phillies as the club ultimately reached the pinnacle in 1980. Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Royals in six games to capture the first World Series championship in franchise history, giving Christenson a place on one of the most celebrated teams in Philadelphia sports history.
Christenson was also an unusually capable hitter for a pitcher, finishing his career with 11 Major League home runs, including three during his outstanding 1977 season.
He ultimately spent his entire 11-year Major League career with the Phillies, recording 83 victories and participating in numerous postseason races. With its combination of vintage Topps appeal and a direct connection to Philadelphia's breakthrough 1976 season, this autographed #634 is an excellent representation of Christenson's place in Phillies history.
Card Details:
- Player: Larry Christenson
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Year: 1976
- Manufacturer: Topps
- Set: Topps
- Card Number: #634
- Desirable early-career Larry Christenson issue
- Classic 1976 Topps flagship release
- Distinctive colorful 1970s Topps design
- Features the set's recognizable position illustration
- Issued during Philadelphia's breakthrough 1976 season
- Christenson finished 13-8 in 1976
- Made 32 starts during the 1976 season
- Pitched more than 200 innings in 1976
- Phillies finished 101-61 and won the 1976 NL East
- Helped Philadelphia win three consecutive NL East titles from 19761978
- 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
- 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 issue for collectors of Larry Christenson, Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia, 1976 Topps baseball cards, 1970s Phillies division champions, 1980 World Series champions, or comprehensive autographed Phillies collections.