Gabby Hartnett
| Birthdate | 12/20/1900 |
| Death Date | 12/20/1972 |
| Debut Year | 1922 |
| Year of Induction | 1955 |
| Teams | Cubs, Giants |
| Positions | Catcher, Manager |
At the time of his retirement Gabby Hartnett held the career records for catchers in games played, homers, runs batted in, hits, and doubles.
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Hartnett retired as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history
Hartnett retired as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history
A six-time All Star and four-time National League champion, Leo Gabby Hartnett received support in MVP balloting in ten seasons. It all fell into place in 1935 when Hartnett hit .344 to lead the Cubs to the World Series.
The catcher was rewarded for his work with the Most Valuable Player Award.
At the time of his retirement Gabby Hartnett held many career records for catchers. Those marks included the top figure in games played, homers, runs batted in, hits, and doubles.
Shown here is a 3×5 card with a small picture attached to it. Hartnett has signed his name, Leo “Gabby” Hartnett and added “Chicago Cubs Apr.26, 1932”.
The Homer in the Gloamin' is one of baseball's most memorable home runs
The Homer in the Gloamin' is one of baseball's most memorable home runs
After posting a 45-36 record through their first 81 games of the 1938 season, the Cubs decided to fire skipper Charlie Grimm and replace him with Gabby Hartnett. As catcher/manager of the team Hartnett helped them go 44-27 the rest of the way.
The Cubs edged the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League pennant thanks in no small part to Hartnett’s famed Homer in the Gloamin’.
With 7 games remaining in the season the Cubs hosted the Pirates for a three game set. Pittsburgh was a game and a half ahead of the Cubs as the season wound down.
After Chicago took the fist game 2-1 behind Dizzy Dean, the two teams squared off with first place on the line on September 28th.
The game was tied a 5 apiece as darkness began to fall on Wrigley Field. Umpires announced that the 9th inning would be the last.
With two out, nobody on, and the skies dimming, Hartnett entered the batter’s box. After falling behind 0-2, Hartnett slammed the next pitch into the into the stands.
The walk-off effort gave his Cubs sole possession of first place. It was their first time in this position all season. Chicago beat Pittsburgh the follow day and held on to win the pennant.
In the collection is a telegram from famed restaurateur Toots Shor congratulating Hartnett on the new position as Cubs skipper. Dated the day he got the job on July 20th, the telegram reads in part, “Gabby everybody in the tavern including the waiters and the busboys just took a drink to your success. Good luck sweetheart. Toots Shor”.
Hartnett played in Major League Baseball's first six All Star Games from 1933-1938
Hartnett played in Major League Baseball's first six All Star Games from 1933-1938
Gabby Hartnett was selected to play in each of Major League Baseball’s first six All Star games. The inaugural event was played on July 6, 1933 at Chicago’s Comiskey Park.
A month and a day later on a travel day from Pittsburgh to St. Louis, Hartnett penned this handwritten letter.
The catcher writes, “To my ‘Pal’ Brud — may your ambitions in life be realized, here’s hoping you live to be one hundred years old, and at the end of each and every day bring you many many happy returns.”
Hartnett then signs his name at the bottom, “Leo ‘Gabby’ Hartnett Chicago Cubs August 7, 1933”
