TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/23/2022 | Received: 4/4/2022 | 11 Days
- ’87 Topps, ’89 Topps, ’93 Fleer Ultra, ’96 Topps (plus fee)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Bret Saberhagen is a former right-handed starting pitcher in the major leagues. His baseball career is one of brilliance, marked by extraordinary highs, remarkable achievements, and an enduring legacy as one of the premier pitchers of his generation. Known for his pinpoint control, competitive spirit, and ability to perform on the biggest stages, Saberhagen’s journey through Major League Baseball (MLB) is a story of talent, determination, and lasting impact.
Saberhagen was born on April 11, 1964, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Raised in the Southern California area, Saberhagen was a standout athlete at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. His exceptional talent on the baseball diamond quickly drew the attention of MLB scouts, and in 1982, at just 18 years old, he was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the MLB Draft.
Saberhagen’s ascent to the majors was rapid. He made his MLB debut with the Royals in 1984, showcasing a level of poise and skill beyond his years. That season, he went 10-11 with a 3.48 ERA, but it was the following year that Saberhagen would establish himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball.
The 1985 season was a breakout year for Bret Saberhagen and a defining moment in his career. At just 21 years old, Saberhagen delivered one of the most dominant seasons by a pitcher in MLB history. He posted a 20-6 record with a 2.87 ERA and 158 strikeouts, earning him the American League Cy Young Award as the league’s best pitcher. His performance was instrumental in leading the Kansas City Royals to the postseason.
Saberhagen’s brilliance continued in the playoffs, where he became a postseason hero. In the 1985 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Saberhagen was virtually untouchable. He won both of his starts, including a complete-game shutout in Game 7, as the Royals claimed their first-ever World Series title. For his efforts, Saberhagen was named the World Series MVP, cementing his place in baseball history.
Over the next several years, Saberhagen continued to establish himself as one of the elite pitchers in the game. Despite battling injuries at times, he consistently performed at a high level, known for his ability to control the strike zone and dominate opposing hitters. In 1989, Saberhagen had another stellar season, going 23-6 with a 2.16 ERA and 193 strikeouts. His performance earned him his second American League Cy Young Award, making him one of the few pitchers in history to win the award twice before the age of 26. That season also saw Saberhagen lead the league in wins, ERA, and innings pitched, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s premier pitchers.
After a almost a decade with the Kansas City Royals, Bret Saberhagen was traded to the New York Mets in 1991. Though he experienced some success with the Mets, including a stellar 1994 season where he posted a 14-4 record with a 2.74 ERA and an incredible strikeout-to-walk ratio, injuries continued to take a toll on his career. Saberhagen later had stints with the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox.
While his time with these teams was marked by flashes of brilliance, including an All-Star appearance in 1994, his career was increasingly affected by injuries. Despite these challenges, Saberhagen remained a respected veteran presence and continued to demonstrate his competitive fire and love for the game. Saberhagen retired after the 2001 season, finishing his career with a 167-117 record, a 3.34 ERA, and 1,715 strikeouts. He left behind a legacy as one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers of his era, remembered for his clutch performances and mastery on the mound.
Following his retirement, Bret Saberhagen remained active in the baseball community, working as a coach, mentor, and advocate for the sport. He has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Bret Saberhagen Make a Difference Foundation, which supports a range of causes, from education to healthcare.
Saberhagen’s impact on the game extends beyond his playing days. He has been a frequent guest at Royals events and is a beloved figure in Kansas City, where his contributions to the franchise are still celebrated. His number 18 remains one of the most iconic in Royals history, and he is often cited as one of the greatest players to ever wear the team’s uniform.
The Score on Bret Saberhagen – 6.5
I like Bret’s autograph a lot. I kind of which he signed with a little bit thicker marker. At least on a couple of these. I think the two Royals cards came out the best, especially the 1989 Topps card. But the Blue marker goes pretty well with all these.
Thanks Mr. Saberhagen! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.