Tony Batista Autographed 2003 Bowman Heritage - Facsimile Signature #97 Baltimore Orioles Card

A distinctive variation from Bowmans retro-themed release, this Tony Batista autographed 2003 Bowman Heritage - Facsimile Signature #97 Baltimore Orioles card pairs Batistas genuine hand-signed autograph with the cards printed facsimile signature variation. The 2003 Bowman Heritage set drew its inspiration from the classic 1956 Bowman design, while the facsimile-signature version provides an additional variation for collectors pursuing the set in greater depth.

The facsimile signature is part of the cards printed design and should not be confused with Batistas actual autograph on the card. This example therefore displays both the factory-printed signature element and a genuine Tony Batista signature obtained through a private signing conducted by Under the Radar Sports Promotions.

Batista was coming off an American League All-Star season when this card was issued. In 2002, he led Baltimore with 31 home runs and drove in 87 runs while earning the second All-Star selection of his career. He followed in 2003 by playing 161 games for the second consecutive season, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 99 runs, his highest RBI total during his Orioles tenure.

Known for one of baseballs most recognizable wide-open batting stances, Batista produced three seasons with at least 30 home runs. His career-best performance came with Toronto in 2000, when he hit 41 home runs with 114 RBI and earned his first American League All-Star selection. He finished his 11-year Major League career with 1,146 hits, 221 home runs and 718 RBI.

The combination of Bowman Heritages vintage styling, the printed facsimile-signature variation and Batistas genuine autograph makes the 2003 Bowman Heritage - Facsimile Signature #97 an especially interesting addition for Baltimore Orioles collectors, Tony Batista fans, Bowman Heritage variation 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.