Larry Christenson Autographed 1978 SSPC #47 Philadelphia Phillies Card

The 1978 SSPC #47 Larry Christenson features the right-handed pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies during the prime of his career and the club's run of National League East championships. Personally autographed by Christenson, this unusual SSPC issue offers considerably different hobby appeal from his standard Topps cards of the era.

The 1978 SSPC set is a 270-card magazine-insert release that was distributed in team groupings rather than through traditional wax packs. The cards originally appeared on larger panels, with individual cards measuring the standard 2-by-3 inches when separated. Card fronts feature color player photography surrounded by thin black inner borders and white outer borders, giving the set a clean and distinctive late-1970s appearance.

The Philadelphia Phillies occupy cards #28 through #54 in the checklist, placing Christenson's #47 alongside teammates from one of the strongest Phillies clubs of the decade. The team grouping includes stars such as Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Larry Bowa, Garry Maddox and Tug McGraw, making the Phillies portion particularly attractive to team collectors.

Christenson entered 1978 coming off the finest season of his career. In 1977, he went 19-6 for a Phillies club that won 101 games and captured its second consecutive National League East championship. His 19 victories established a career high and made him an important part of Philadelphia's formidable starting rotation.

Philadelphia continued its success in 1978, capturing the NL East for the third consecutive season. That gives this SSPC issue a direct connection to the Phillies' 1976-1978 run of three straight division championships, the stretch that helped establish the foundation for the franchise's eventual World Series breakthrough.

Originally selected by Philadelphia third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft, Christenson made his Major League debut at just 19 years old in 1973. He developed entirely within the Phillies organization and would ultimately spend his complete Major League career with the franchise.

Christenson remained with Philadelphia when the Phillies finally reached the top of baseball in 1980, defeating the Kansas City Royals to capture the first World Series championship in franchise history.

He was also unusually dangerous at the plate for a pitcher, hitting 11 Major League home runs during his career, including three during his outstanding 1977 season.

Christenson finished with 83 victories over an 11-year Major League career, all in a Phillies uniform. The unconventional magazine distribution and team-oriented format of the 1978 SSPC release make this autographed #47 an appealing piece for collectors looking beyond Christenson's traditional mainstream issues.

Card Details:

• Player: Larry Christenson
• Team: Philadelphia Phillies
• Year: 1978
• Manufacturer: SSPC
• Set: SSPC
• Card Number: #47
• Part of the distinctive 270-card 1978 SSPC release
• Originally distributed as a magazine-insert issue
• Cards were issued on larger panels in team groupings
• Philadelphia Phillies comprise cards #28-54 in the set
• Color player photography with thin black and white border design
• Unusual alternative to mainstream 1978 baseball card issues
• Issued during Philadelphia's run of three consecutive NL East championships
• Entered 1978 following his career-best 19-6 season
• Selected third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft
• Made his Major League debut at age 19 in 1973
• Spent his entire Major League career with Philadelphia
• Member of the 1980 World Series champion Phillies
• Won 83 Major League games
• Hit 11 career home runs as a pitcher
• 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 specialty issue for collectors of Larry Christenson, Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia, 1978 SSPC cards, magazine-insert baseball cards, 1970s Phillies division champions, or comprehensive autographed player runs.