We've unwittingly entered a theme of Spring Training recruits that didn't exactly pan out, so why don't we check out this...odd sight from 2011?
The odd thing about this Topps Card That Should Have Been is that it would have been an accurate sunset card. Mike Hampton, after years of solid work for the Astros, Mets, Rockies and Braves, pitched in 10 games for the Diamondbacks in relief late in the 2010 season. There weren't any photos for me to make a 2010 custom of him from, but he did pitch for them in 2010. By this logic, though, Topps would have made a card for them in the initial series of 2011. You know, if they were actually good at keeping up with great players.
The factor that dulled Hampton's appeal after some excellent seasons around the turn of the century was his injuries. Hampton did not play at all during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, and played shortened campaigns for Atlanta in 2005 and 2008. Hampton did have a fuller year with Houston in 2009, but had a 5.30 ERA and a 7-10 record. The D-Backs took a flyer on him in 2010, he had a 0.00 ERA in 10 relief appearances, though he was usually used to get the last out of an inning.
The D-Backs brought Hampton back for Spring Training in 2011, and from what I can gather the veteran starter didn't seem to have much left. After giving it his all in camp, Hampton was being faced with a late Spring cut and another year of free agency, so he voluntarily retired, ending his 16 year career with dignity.
Even if a lot of people have forgotten Hampton's impact during the early 2000s, he was a truly underrated starter, and one that deserved a healthier second act. I think Topps should have made a card to commemorate his final season, but...you know, they did their thing.
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