Tony Batista Autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 SPx Update #157 Baltimore Orioles Card

Documenting Tony Batistas midseason move from Toronto to Baltimore, this Tony Batista autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 SPx Update #157 Baltimore Orioles card provides an updated Orioles issue from Upper Decks late-season Rookie Update release. The SPx Update portion extended the 2001 SPx checklist, making #157 a distinct companion to Batistas earlier SPx #10 Toronto Blue Jays card.

Batista began 2001 with Toronto following the finest offensive season of his Major League career. In 2000, he established career highs with 41 home runs and 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, the Orioles claimed Batista and gave the power-hitting infielder a fresh start in Baltimore.

He responded with remarkable production for his new club. In only 72 games with Baltimore in 2001, Batista blasted 25 home runs and drove in 87 runs, quickly becoming one of the Orioles primary run producers. He followed that performance with 31 home runs and 87 RBI in 2002 while earning his second career MLB All-Star selection.

Batistas extraordinarily wide-open batting stance made him one of the most recognizable hitters of his era. His unconventional approach was accompanied by legitimate power, and he ultimately finished his 11-year Major League career with 1,146 hits, 221 home runs and 718 RBI.

As an SPx Update issue documenting Batistas transition from Toronto to Baltimore, the 2001 SPx Update #157 is an appealing addition for Orioles collectors, Tony Batista fans, SPx collectors or collectors assembling comprehensive autographed player runs.

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