The 1982 Topps #544 Larry Christenson features the longtime right-handed pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies during one of the stronger late-career seasons of his Major League tenure. Personally autographed by Christenson, this classic Topps flagship card represents a homegrown Phillies pitcher who spent his entire Major League career in Philadelphia and played an important role throughout the franchise's championship era.
The 1982 Topps set is easily recognized by its distinctive two-color hockey stick border design, giving the release one of the most identifiable looks of the early 1980s. Christenson's #544 provides an attractive period representation of a Phillies rotation fixture just two seasons removed from the franchise's first World Series championship.
Philadelphia selected Christenson third overall in the 1972 MLB Draft out of Marysville High School in Washington. He moved rapidly through professional baseball and made his Major League debut in 1973 at just 19 years old, beginning a Phillies career that would last more than a decade.
Christenson developed into a key starting pitcher as Philadelphia became a perennial National League contender. His best season came in 1977, when he went 19-6 for a Phillies club that won 101 games. The performance established his career high in victories and came in the middle of Philadelphia's three consecutive NL East championships from 1976 through 1978.
He was still part of the Phillies pitching staff when the franchise finally captured its elusive championship in 1980. Philadelphia defeated Houston in a dramatic National League Championship Series and then Kansas City in six games to win the first World Series championship in Phillies history.
The 1982 season proved that Christenson could still be an important part of the rotation. He made 32 starts, worked more than 200 innings and recorded 10 victories, marking one of his heaviest workloads since his standout seasons of the late 1970s.
Christenson also brought unusual offensive ability to the pitcher's position. He finished his career with 11 Major League home runs, including three during his outstanding 1977 campaign, making him a legitimate threat with the bat by the standards of his era.
Christenson ultimately recorded 83 victories during an 11-year Major League career, all in a Phillies uniform. That rare one-team distinction, combined with his connection to Philadelphia's first championship, makes this autographed 1982 Topps card a strong addition to a Phillies collection.
Card Details:
- Player: Larry Christenson
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Year: 1982
- Manufacturer: Topps
- Set: Topps
- Card Number: #544
- Classic 1982 Topps flagship issue
- Distinctive two-color hockey stick border design
- 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
- 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
- Made 32 starts during the 1982 season
- Worked more than 200 innings in 1982
- Won 83 Major League games
- Hit 11 career home runs as a pitcher
- Longtime member of the Phillies' championship-era pitching staff
- 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 flagship issue for collectors of Larry Christenson, Philadelphia Phillies memorabilia, 1980 World Series champions, 1982 Topps baseball cards, lifelong Phillies players, or autographed vintage baseball cards.