TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/14/2022 | Received: 5/21/2022 | 7 Days
- ’89 Classic, ’90 Fleer, ’91 Fleer, ’91 Topps Stadium Club, ’92 Donruss, ’93 Fleer Ultra
- Address: School (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Cris Carpenter’s baseball career is a testament to adaptability and persistence. Known for his versatility on the mound, Carpenter played eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), carving out a role as a dependable reliever for multiple teams in the late 1980s and 1990s. Beyond the field, Carpenter’s journey is one of balancing athletic talent with academic achievement, highlighting his dedication to personal growth and success.
Cris Howell Carpenter was born on April 5, 1965, in St. Augustine, Florida. A natural athlete, Carpenter excelled in multiple sports during his youth, particularly baseball and football. He attended the University of Georgia, where he was a dual-sport athlete, playing as a punter for the Bulldogs football team while also starring as a pitcher on the baseball team. Carpenter’s success on the diamond ultimately took precedence, and his performance as a pitcher earned the attention of MLB scouts. In 1987, the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the first round (14th overall) of the MLB Draft.
Carpenter made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on May 14, 1988. Initially used as a starting pitcher, he eventually transitioned to a relief role, where he found greater success. From 1989 to 1992, Carpenter was a key member of the Cardinals’ bullpen. His best season came in 1992, when he appeared in 73 games, posted a 2,97 ERA. Known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations, Carpenter became a trusted arm for late-inning duties.
After leaving the Cardinals, Carpenter played for several teams, including the Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers, and Milwaukee Brewers. While his role varied from team to team, his adaptability made him a valuable asset. Carpenter’s MLB career concluded in 1996 with the Brewers. Over his eight seasons, he compiled a 27-22 record, a 3.91 ERA, and 252 strikeouts in 291 appearances.
Following his retirement from professional baseball, Carpenter returned to his roots in education and coaching. He leveraged his background as a former two-sport athlete to mentor young players, emphasizing the importance of discipline and versatility. Carpenter also focused on his family life, enjoying time with loved ones and staying connected to the baseball community through alumni events and charitable activities.
Cris Carpenter’s career may not have been defined by individual accolades, but his consistency and team-first mentality left a lasting impact on the organizations he played for. His journey from a collegiate two-sport star to a reliable MLB reliever demonstrates the value of hard work and adaptability.
Beyond baseball, Carpenter’s dedication to education and mentorship underscores his commitment to personal and professional growth. For fans and former teammates, he remains a respected figure who contributed to the game with integrity and perseverance.
Cris Carpenter’s story is one of quiet excellence and steady contribution. Whether on the mound or in life after baseball, he exemplified the qualities of a true professional—versatility, determination, and a commitment to success.
For those who followed his career, Carpenter’s time in the big leagues serves as a reminder of the important role every player has in shaping the game, one pitch at a time.
The Score on Cris Carpenter – 7.5
Cris is one of those guys that tells you how addicted I am to TTMs. I’ve made so many attempts to him over the years and he only has so many cards. That means I have a lot of doubles (or really more than that) of his in my collection. But he does such a great job every time on your cards. He’s definitely a guy that if you have the cards, I would start with him if you are new to TTMing.
Thanks Mr. Carpenter! I’m giving this return a 7.5.
This is my fifth successful return from him. To see the other returns, check out these posts:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.