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Three-time batting champion Jesse Burkett is remembered for his inclusion in one of baseball’s most prestigious fraternities — men who have hit .400 or better more than once.

The group contains Burkett, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, George Sisler, and Ed Delehanty. Many believe baseball will never again see a man bat .400 for a season.

Burkett’s first batting title came with the Cleveland Spiders in 1895. The outfielder hit .405 with a National League-leading 225 hits. He followed that up by hitting .410 in 1896, again leading the league in hits with 240.

Though he never again hit .400, Burkett did capture another batting title in 1901 – the best season of his career. Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Burkett led the league in hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage, total bases, and OPS+.

Ten times Burkett finished in the league’s top ten in on-base percentage, including six top-five finishes. His career mark of .415 ranks 26th all time as of 2020.

By the time he retired, Burkett compiled some gaudy numbers including 2,850 hits and a .338 lifetime average. He also holds the MLB record with 55 career inside-the-park home runs.

Burkett broke into professional baseball as a pitcher. In 1890, his first big league season, he went 3-10 with a 5.57 ERA for the New York Giants. That year Burkett also had hit .309 in 401 at bats.

The Cleveland Spiders purchased him in the off-season. Burkett focused full time as a hitter on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

In the collection is this autographed baseball card produced by Callahan in 1950.