Collection: Robin Ventura Baseball Collector Cards Large Selection Top Cards and In Mint Conditions

Ventura was selected by the White Sox in the 1988 amateur draft and made his debut the following year. Ventura has a record 58-game hitting streak while in college. After spending ten seasons with the Sox (1989-98), he played for the New York Mets (1999-2001) and New York Yankees (2002-03) before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers late in the 2003 season. A patient hitter with a smooth stroke, Ventura was capable of reaching the fences from left-center to the right-field line. Despite a declining batting average late in his career, he continued to contribute with solid glovework, left-handed power and plenty of walks. As a fielder, Ventura was among the premier players at his position, leading the American League four times each in double plays and total chances, three times in putouts and twice in assists; he also led the National League in assists, total chances and fielding percentage once each. Few were better at charging and fielding bunts bare-handed.

At the conclusion of the 2004 National League Division Series, with the Dodgers eliminated from contention, Ventura announced his retirement from baseball. He finished his 16-year career with a .267 batting average, 294 home runs and 1182 RBI in 2079 games. Ventura wore knee-high socks much of his career and is also remembered for charging the mound after being hit by a pitch hurled by Nolan Ryan in a 1993 game; Ryan put him in a head-lock.

Robin Ventura In headlock by Nolan Ryan