TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/31/2022 | Received: 6/17/2022 | 17 Days
- ’77 Topps, ’82 Fleer, ’85 Topps, ’89 Pacific Senior League
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 1/29/2024 | Received: 2/14/2024 | 15 Days
- ’80 Topps, ’83 Donruss, ’83 Topps, ’84 Topps, ’85 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 11/6/2024 | Received: 11/29/2024 | 23 Days
- ’80 Topps, ’83 Donruss, ’83 Topps, ’84 Topps, ’86 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Alan Bannister was a steady and dependable player during an over decade-long Major League Baseball (MLB) career. Known for his versatility, Bannister played multiple positions and provided value to every team he was on. Though he may not have been a household name, his contributions made him a respected figure in the game.
Alan Bannister was born on September 3, 1951, in Montebello, California. A talented athlete, he excelled in baseball from a young age and went on to play college baseball at Arizona State University. While at ASU, Bannister was a key player on the Sun Devils team that won the 1972 College World Series. His performance in college baseball caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies as the No. 1 overall pick in the secondary phase of the 1973 MLB Draft.
Bannister made his major league debut with the Phillies in 1974. Originally a shortstop, he struggled defensively at the position, which led to the team exploring other roles for him. Though his time in Philadelphia was brief, he showed promise as a contact hitter.
Prior to the 1976 season, Bannister was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he found more consistent playing time. His versatility became his defining trait, as he played shortstop, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions at different points. Bannister enjoyed his best offensive season in 1977, when he batted .275 with 3 home runs and 57 RBI while playing a key role in the White Sox lineup. He remained a reliable contributor for the team over the next several years, filling in wherever needed.
In 1980, Bannister was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he continued to serve as a utility player. He played well in a part-time role and provided veteran leadership to the team. His best season in Cleveland came in 1982, when he hit .267 over 101 games.
Bannister spent his final MLB seasons with the Houston Astros (1984) and Texas Rangers (1985), primarily as a backup infielder and pinch-hitter. He retired after the 1985 season with a career batting average of .270, along with 19 home runs and 288 RBI over 972 games.
Following his retirement as a player, Bannister remained involved in baseball, working as a scout and coach at various levels. His knowledge of the game and his ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable mentor for younger players.
Alan Bannister’s career is a testament to the importance of versatility in baseball. While he may not have been a superstar, his ability to adapt and play wherever he was needed kept him in the league for over a decade. His journey from a top draft pick to a dependable utility player is a reminder that success in baseball comes in many forms.
The Score on Alan Bannister – 7.0
Alan is another of the most reliable signers out there in the TTM game. I feel like I have had a lot of them coming up recently – which makes sense because they are the easiest to get successful returns from. There are a bunch of cards below to choose the best from. It might be the 1982 Fleer card though from the oldest return in this group. That one just really pops off the card.
Thanks Mr. Bannister! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
These aren’t my first return from him. To see my previous returns, check out these posts:
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.