2009-2010, 2014 Durham Bulls
Background-
Hellickson was a very important member of the Durham Bulls during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He pitched part of a season in Durham in 2009, helped the team win the Triple A National Championship, and took home the MVP in the final game against the Memphis Redbirds. The following season, Hellickson played roughly 20 games with the Bulls and ended up winning the Baseball America and USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award. Hellickson also took home the International League MVP. One of the more impressive resumes while playing for the Bulls. Hellickson ended up playing on the 2014 team as well on an injury rehab.
Hellickson's Major League career has not been as spectacular as his time in Durham, but he's still been a nice pitcher. During his first full season with the Rays, Hellickson won 13 games and took home the 2011 American League Rookie of the Year Award. He played on the Rays until 2014, but has bounced around since playing for the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Orioles, and and Nationals.
Card-
I wanted to go with something early in Hellickson's career. He had cards out earlier than this 2011 Bowman Chrome, but nothing that was a quality autograph. After this Bowman card, the flood gates sort of opened for awhile and Hellickson appeared in a bunch of different Topps products. He has always had a little bit of an odd signature, but he is very consistent with it. Especially the earlier cards. Price was never a huge deal with Hellickson cards, but they have certainly become much more affordable since he started bouncing around the last few years.
No comments:
Post a Comment