Tony Batista Autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Update #97 Baltimore Orioles Card

Documenting Tony Batistas midseason move from Toronto to Baltimore, this Tony Batista autographed 2001 Upper Deck Rookie Update - 2001 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Update #97 Baltimore Orioles card provides an updated Orioles issue from Upper Decks late-season Rookie Update release. The Sweet Spot Update portion extended the 2001 Sweet Spot checklist, making #97 a distinctive card representing Batistas transition to his new club.

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, Baltimore claimed the power-hitting infielder and added him to the heart of the Orioles lineup.

Batista responded with immediate power production. In only 72 games with Baltimore in 2001, he blasted 25 home runs and drove in 87 runs. He followed with 31 home runs and 87 RBI in 2002, earning his second career MLB All-Star selection as a member of the Orioles.

Known throughout baseball for his extraordinarily wide-open batting stance, Batista was one of the most visually recognizable hitters of his era. His unconventional approach was backed by substantial power, and he ultimately finished his 11-year Major League career with 1,146 hits, 221 home runs and 718 RBI.

As a Sweet Spot Update issue documenting Batistas arrival in Baltimore, the 2001 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Update #97 is an appealing addition for Orioles collectors, Tony Batista fans, Upper Deck Sweet Spot 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.