TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/13/2022 | Received: 4/22/2022 | 7 Days
- ’70 Topps, ’77 Topps, ’82 Fleer (2)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/5/2023 | Received: 8/19/2023 | 44 Days
- ’79 Topps, ’80 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 2/23/2024 | Received: 3/6/2024 | 13 Days
- ’71 O-Pee-Chee, ’76 Topps, ’79 Topps, ’81 Fleer, ’82 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Del Unser had a lengthy and respectable career in Major League Baseball, known for his versatility, clutch hitting, and contributions to a championship team. Playing from 1968 to 1982, Unser made a name for himself as a reliable outfielder and pinch hitter, particularly shining in the latter stages of his career.
Delbert Bernard Unser was born on December 9, 1944, in Decatur, Illinois. His journey to professional baseball began at Eastern Illinois University and continued at Mississippi State University, where he was a standout player. His collegiate success led him to be selected by the Washington Senators in the first round (18th overall) of the 1966 MLB Draft.
Unser made his MLB debut with the Washington Senators in 1968 and quickly established himself as an everyday center fielder. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, batting .230 with 30 RBI and solid defense. Over the next few seasons, he continued to develop, improving his offensive production while remaining a reliable glove in center field.
In 1972, the Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers, but Unser was traded to the Cleveland Indians before playing for the new franchise. He later had stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos before returning to the Phillies, where he would make his biggest impact.
Unser is best remembered for his contributions to the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies, who won the first World Series in franchise history. By then, he had become a trusted pinch hitter, delivering crucial hits in the postseason. In the National League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Unser had key pinch-hit doubles that helped the Phillies advance. In the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, he came through again with clutch hits that contributed to their historic victory.
Over his 15-year MLB career, Unser played in 1,799 games, compiling a .258 batting average with 87 home runs and 481 RBI. Though he was never a superstar, he was valued for his versatility, leadership, and ability to deliver in key moments. His impact as a role player in Philadelphia’s championship run cemented his place in Phillies history.
After retiring in 1982, Unser remained involved in baseball, working as a scout and front-office executive for the Phillies. His post-playing career showcased his deep knowledge of the game and dedication to developing future talent.
Unser’s career is a testament to the importance of consistency, adaptability, and performing under pressure. While he may not have been a household name, his role in the Phillies’ 1980 championship and his longevity in the game make him a memorable figure in baseball history.
The Score on Del Unser – 7.0
Del is a great signer. He always has a nice signature and he fills up your card pretty well. Its not like he has a really long name either so that means his signature has a pretty good size to it. I feel like Del is one of those guys that I never feel like I have a lot of cards to send him at one time. That’s just my feeling, it’s not necessarily the case. But you can see that in one of the returns below I had only found two cards to send.
Thanks Mr. Unser! I’m giving these a 7.
These are the first successful returns I’ve received from him. Check out these posts for some others:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.