Tony Batista Autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 SP Authentic Update #187 Baltimore Orioles Card

Documenting Tony Batistas move from Toronto to Baltimore during the 2001 season, this Tony Batista autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 SP Authentic Update #187 Baltimore Orioles card provides an updated Orioles issue from Upper Decks late-season Rookie Update product. The SP Authentic Update portion of the release extended the 2001 SP Authentic checklist, making #187 a distinct companion to Batistas earlier SP Authentic #9 Toronto Blue Jays card.

Batista began 2001 with Toronto after producing the finest offensive season of his career. In 2000, he blasted a career-high 41 home runs with 114 RBI, scored 96 runs and earned his first American League All-Star selection. After the Blue Jays placed him on waivers in June 2001, Baltimore claimed the power-hitting infielder and immediately installed him as a major part of its lineup.

Batista responded with tremendous production for his new club. In only 72 games with Baltimore in 2001, he hit 25 home runs and drove in 87 runs, giving Orioles fans an immediate glimpse of the power that had made him an All-Star in Toronto. He followed with 31 home runs and 87 RBI in 2002 while earning his second career MLB All-Star selection.

Known throughout baseball for his extraordinarily wide-open batting stance, Batista became one of the most visually recognizable hitters of his generation. His home-run power remained his calling card throughout an 11-year Major League career that produced 1,146 hits, 221 home runs and 718 RBI.

As an SP Authentic Update issue documenting Batistas 2001 transition to Baltimore, #187 is an appealing addition for Orioles collectors, Tony Batista fans, SP Authentic collectors or collectors assembling comprehensive autographed player runs.

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