Tony Batista Autographed 1997 Bowman's Best #136 Oakland Athletics Card

Add a premium early-career issue of future two-time All-Star Tony Batista with this Tony Batista autographed 1997 Bowman's Best #136 Oakland Athletics card. Bowman's Best brought Topps prospect-focused Bowman tradition to a premium chromium-style product, giving this Batista issue a distinctive look compared with his standard releases from the era.

Batista entered 1997 as Oaklands Opening Day shortstop after an impressive rookie campaign the previous season. He appeared in 68 games for the Athletics, collecting 38 hits, 10 doubles, four home runs and 18 RBI. Batista made 54 starts at shortstop and also saw time at third and second base as Oakland continued developing the versatile young infielder.

Although his 1997 Major League season included multiple trips between Oakland and Triple-A Edmonton, Batista continued to show promise in the minors, batting .315 in 33 games for Edmonton. He also participated in the final game of the Pacific Coast League playoffs, collecting two hits and two RBI as Edmonton captured the championship.

Batista eventually developed into one of baseballs notable power-hitting infielders. He became a two-time MLB All-Star and finished his Major League career with 1,146 hits, 221 home runs and 718 RBI, highlighted by a career-high 41 home runs with Toronto in 2000.

The 1997 Bowman's Best #136 is an excellent addition for Oakland Athletics collectors, Tony Batista fans, Bowman's Best collectors or collectors assembling comprehensive autographed player runs.

Autograph Guarantee: Signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions and guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.