TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/13/2022 | Received: 7/21/2022 | 8 Days
- ’82 Topps, ’83 Topps, ’84 Fleer, ’85 Topps, ’86 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
In the annals of Philadelphia Phillies history, few stories are as captivating as that of Marty Bystrom. A towering right-hander from Coral Gables, Florida, Bystrom’s brief but impactful MLB career left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans.
Born on July 26, 1958, Bystrom honed his skills at Miami Killian High School and later at Miami Dade Community College. His talent caught the attention of the Phillies, who signed him as an amateur free agent in December 1976. Bystrom’s minor league journey was highlighted by a perfect game for the Peninsula Pilots in 1978, showcasing his potential as a future MLB standout.
Bystrom’s MLB debut came on September 7, 1980, as a late-season call-up. In a remarkable stretch, he went 5–0 with a 1.50 ERA in six appearances, earning National League Pitcher of the Month honors for September. His performance was instrumental in the Phillies clinching the NL East title.
Despite his limited regular-season experience, Bystrom was added to the postseason roster. In the National League Championship Series, he delivered a solid start against the Houston Astros, allowing just one earned run over 5.1 innings. He also started Game 5 of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, contributing to the Phillies’ first-ever championship.
Following his stellar debut, Bystrom faced challenges, including shoulder injuries that hampered his performance. He continued to pitch for the Phillies until a midseason trade in 1984 sent him to the New York Yankees. Over six MLB seasons, Bystrom compiled a 29–26 record with a 4.26 ERA in 84 games.
After his MLB tenure, Bystrom played in the minor leagues until 1989. During the 1995 MLB players’ strike, he briefly attempted a comeback as a replacement player, underscoring his enduring passion for the game.
Marty Bystrom’s rapid ascent in 1980 remains a testament to the impact a player can have, even in a brief window. His contributions during the Phillies’ championship run are etched in the memories of fans and serve as an enduring chapter in the team’s storied history.
The Score on Marty Bystrom – 7.0
Marty is doing a lot with his autograph. I think my favorite things about it are the action that you can see in it, plus the size and how much he fills the cards. While the 1986 Topps card doesn’t show it off well, the 1985 Topps card is really great (despite the airbrushing).
Thanks Mr. Bystrom! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.