Manufacturer: Donruss
Set: 1985 Donruss Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Jose Rijo
Position/Team: Pitcher for Yankees
Card #: 492
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
José Rijo is a fascinating figure in baseball history, best known as the big-game ace who led the Cincinnati Reds to an improbable World Series sweep in 1990. A high-strikeout right-hander with a devastating slider, Rijo was one of the most dominant pitchers of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Rijo’s crowning achievement came in the 1990 World Series against the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. He started Games 1 and 4, winning both and allowing only one run in 15.1 innings (a microscopic 0.59 ERA). In the deciding Game 4, he threw 8.1 innings of two-hit ball to secure the championship. He was the unanimous choice for World Series MVP, cementing his status as a Cincinnati legend.
Rijo’s career was nearly cut short by severe elbow injuries. After the 1995 season, he underwent major surgery and sat out for five full seasons (1996–2000).
In 2001, at age 36, he made a miraculous comeback with the Reds, becoming the first player in nearly 50 years to return to the majors after being out for five years. He received the Tony Conigliaro Award award in 2002 for his successful return to the mound after his long layoff.
He was originally a top prospect for the New York Yankees and was the key piece traded to Oakland in 1984 for Rickey Henderson.
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Pricing Data For This Rookie Card
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