1993 Stadium Club Braves, Melvin Nieves

#28 Melvin Nieves

Here is another card that was sent to me by Rod, of Padrographs. At first, I thought that this was some random autograph that Rod had acquired through the years. But, after checking out Mel's career stats, I noticed that he actually played for the Padres from 1993 to 1995. I am assuming that Rod got this card signed in person while Mel was playing for the Las Vegas Stars, but I could be wrong.

Melvin played in the Majors for seven seasons with the Braves, Padres, Tigers, and Reds. His best season was probably 1996 as a Tiger. That season, he got into 120 games and he had career highs in hits (106), doubles (23), triples (4), homers (24), walks (44), and strikeouts (158). The next season, he struck out 157 times while getting 72 less at-bats than the previous year. His power numbers were still there, but his average dropped down to .228. After that season, the Tigers flipped him to the Reds for Paul Bako and Donne Wall. He played one season in Cincy before heading back to the minors to finish his career. 2006 was his last full season of playing ball, though he did have a brief comeback in the Mexican League in 2008.

This card is actually from a Braves team set that Stadium Club put out that year.

In 1993, the Braves traded Melvin and Donnie Elliott to the Padres for Fred McGriff. I don't think that trade worked out too well for the Padres.