1995 Topps, Dante Bichette

#140 Dante Bichette

Here is the second signed Rockies card, that was given to me by Rod of Padrographs, that I have posted in as many days. This one features their four-time All Star, Dante Bichette.

Dante started out with the Angels and Brewers before becoming a star for the Rockies. Prior to his arrival in Denver, Dante had never hit .300, clubbed more than 15 home runs, or drove in more than 60 runs. That all changed in the thin Rocky Mountain air.

In Dante's seven seasons with the Rockies, he hit under .300 once (.298 in 1999), clubbed 25 or more home runs five times (with a high of 40 in 1995), and drove in at least 118 runs for five straight seasons (1995-1990). If it wasn't for Tony Gwynn's .368 average or Mike Piazza's .346 average, Dante would have won the triple crown in 1995. He paced the league with 40 home runs and 141 RBI, but his .340 average was only good enough for third in the league. Despite those impressive numbers, Dante was only the runner-up in the MVP vote behind Barry Larkin.

After his years in Denver, Dante played most of a season with the Reds before being traded to the Red Sox at the deadline. He finished that season in Boston and played there all of the following year, 2001. That was Dante's final season in baseball.

There is a lot going on in this card that makes it difficult to see the signature. But, I can't help but laugh to myself when I see those stupid glasses that Dante is wearing. Hopefully, that is what he is laughing at too.