Elmer Flick played big league baseball before the turn of the century, debuting in 1898. His father, Zachary Flick was a veteran of the American Civil War.

During his 13-year MLB career, Flick led the league in batting average, RBI, and runs scored once each, stolen bases twice, and triples three times, Flick compiled a .313 lifetime average, a .389 on-base percentage and a 148 OPS+.

In the collection is this signed photo that shows Flick and a caption that reads, “Elmer Flick in 1906 was valued more highly than Ty Cobb.”

Flick never really gained the stardom that Cleveland management hoped for though he did win the American League batting crown in 1905.

Sometimes the best trades are the ones that never happen. Just ask the Detroit Tigers.

Interestingly, when Cobb died in 1961, the story of the possible trade of The Georgia Peach for Flick reemerged. The renewed interest in Flick’s career ultimately resulted in his unanimous election to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee, 65 years after his MLB debut in 1898.

In the collection is this index card signed by Elmer Flick near his 86th birthday in January of 1962. Flick writes, “My autograph not very good. To (sic) old 86 and out of practice which you need same as a baseball player.”

Flick then signs his name before adding another inscription, “Ex major leaguer lifetime batting 13 yrs .315 avg”. Flick then adds more that is somewhat illegible.

At the time he signed his card, Flick was largely forgotten. Two years later when Branch Rickey called to let him know the Veterans Committee had unanimously elected him, Flick was incredulous.

At the time of his induction, Flick was 87 years old. He remains the oldest living inductee in the history of the institution.

Elmer Flick capped a brilliant career with baseball’s highest honor in 1963 at Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame welcomed Clarkson and three peers, expanding membership to ninety four. Eppa Rixey, Sam Rice, and John Clarkson completed the celebrated quartet.

The Veterans Committee selected every honoree during a quiet election year. The baseball writers voted only every other year and skipped the 1963 ballot. That absence shifted the spotlight squarely onto baseball’s elder statesmen.

Rice and Flick traveled to Cooperstown on August 4, 1963, to accept their plaques. Clarkson and Rixey joined them in spirit posthumously as the Hall honored their legacies. Rixey’s death in February, five months earlier, lent the ceremony added weight.

In the collection is this telegram from American League President and Hall of Fame executive William Harridge. Addressed to the Chairman of the Sam Rice Day Executive Committee, it is dated three days before the July 19, 1932 celebration of Rice.

Harridge sends his apologies for not being able to attend the festivities. The AL boss also praises Rice in the telegram.

“Aside from his great ability as an outfielder and baserunner has always been a credit to baseball because of his splendid character and deportment on the field”

For more on Rice, click here.