The Baltimore Orioles signed 17-year-old Jim Palmer two months after his high school graduation in 1963. The young right-hander was in the big leagues by 1965. Still a teenager, Palmer went 5-4 with one save in 27 appearances.

The following season the 6’3″, 190-pounder won 15 games and helped the Birds to the AL pennant. In the World Series, Palmer made the most of his Game 2 start by pitching a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers Sandy Koufax.

Shown here is Palmer’s 1966 Topps rookie card. The Hall of Fame hurler signed the card adding two inscriptions, “15 W’s 1966”, and “HoF ’90”.

Jim Palmer was just 20-years old when he took the mound in Game 2 of the 1966 World Series. The youngster’s task was to beat the reigning World Series Most Valuable Player.

In what proved to be a Hall of Fame matchup, Palmer faced off against The Left Arm of God, Sandy Koufax. The Dodger pitcher threw well, scattering six hits over six innings. The usually-reliable Los Angeles defense let him down with six errors. Only one of the four runs Sandy allowed was earned.

Meanwhile, Palmer was masterful, twirling a four-hit, complete-game shutout in his first Fall Classic appearance. The Orioles swept the Dodgers and Koufax retired at 30 years of age.

Shown here is a 9×11 sheet commemorating the Dodgers World Series-winning campaign from the season before. Behind an 0.38 ERA in 24 innings, Sandy became the first two-time World Series MVP. The sheet is signed by both Koufax and Game 1 starter Don Drysdale who also chipped in with a five-hit complete-game performance in Game 4.

In 1971 Jim Palmer won 20 games and posted a 2.68 ERA for the pennant-winning Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander helped his club in the World Series with two solid performances.

On baseball’s biggest stage he twirled 17 innings, allowing 5 runs on 15 hits. Palmer struck out 15 Pittsburgh batters. Despite his performance, the Orioles dropped to the Pirates in a thrilling seven-game tilt.

Shown here is a ticket to Palmer’s Game 2 start. In 9 innings Palmer scattered 7 hits and struck out 10 in the O’s 11-3 drubbing of the Buccos. Fellow Cooperstown man Frank Robinson signed the ticket. Frank had three hits and two runs scored in the contest.

The Cy Young Award was originated in 1956 to recognize pitching excellence. Through 1966 it was given to the singular best twirler in the major leagues. Then in 1967, it was expanded to honor a pitcher in each league.

Through the award’s first 70 years 22 pitchers earned multiple nods. Half of them picked up the honor a third time.

Jim Palmer is one of the 11 to capture the Cy at least three times. Baseball writers bestowed it to the ace three times in four seasons starting in 1973. In ’74, ’75, and ’76 the Baltimore right-hander totaled 22, 23, and 22 victories, respectively. Each year he finished in the top-10 in MVP voting, topping out with a second-place finish in 1972.

Roger Clemens is the most-decorated recipient with 7 Cy Young plaques. Left-hander Randy Johnson is next with 5 nods. A pair of Cooperstown men, Steve Carlton and Greg Maddux won four each. Along with Palmer, Pedro Martinez, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Tom Seaver, and Sandy Koufax have three each.

Shown here is a 1961 Topps card autographed by Koufax and LA teammate Johnny Podres. The Left Arm of God earned his trio of Cy Young Award in his final four years with the Dodgers from 1963-1966. Koufax is the first hurler to earn three Cy Youngs. Tom Seaver earned the third of his honors in 1975 beating Palmer by one year.

Jim Palmer was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s. He earned more wins than any other player during the decade. The right-hander won at least 20 games in 8 of the 10 seasons. A true workhorse, Palmer pitched over 300 innings four times.

During the decade, he led the league in wins three times. During his impressive 10-year run he led the league in starts and ERA twice, while recording one season with the most shutouts.

Overall, Palmer finished the decade with a remarkable 186 wins while boasting a stellar 2.58 ERA. His prowess on the mound is further highlighted by 175 complete games and 44 shutouts.

As the 1970s came to a close, Jim Palmer’s dominance on the field left an indelible mark on the sport.

The MLB players association sent Palmer the check shown above on September 1, 1981. Made out for $376 the check has the facsimile signature of Hall of Fame labor leader Marvin Miller. Palmer signature appears on the reverse of the check in the form of his endorsement.

Palmer was on the down side of his career by 1981 and would record only one more winning season before retiring in 1984.

Jim Palmer had individual and team success in baseball. The seven-time 20-game winner tallied 268 career victories and three Cy Young Awards. He helped Baltimore teams win six American League pennants and three World Series titles.

Palmer’s teams won it all in 1966, 1970, and 1983 and came up short in the Fall Classic in ’69, ’71, and ’79.

Shown here is a ticket to Game 2 of the 1979 World Series at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. The contest featured a Hall of Fame matchup between Palmer and Pittsburgh’s Bert Blyleven who made his World Series debut.

Blyleven scattered five hits across six innings. Orioles first baseman Eddie Murray inflicted the only damage with a second-inning solo shot and an RBI double in the sixth. Palmer completed seven strong frames. A Bill Madlock single and an Ed Ott sac fly paired in the second inning accounted for the only runs off of the Cooperstown twirler.

The deciding tally came in the top of the ninth when a single by Pittsburgh catcher Manny Sanguillen plated Ott.

Notice Blyleven’s signature along the top of the ticket. Below that he writes, “HoF 2011”. Palmer’s signature is at the bottom along with his inscription, “Hall of Fame matchup”.

Though neither starting pitcher figured in the decision, both pitched well enough to win.

Jim Palmer burst onto the World Series stage at just 20 years old. Facing the legendary Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966, Palmer showed poise. The right-hander threw a four-hit shutout, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a sweep and their first championship.

Fast forward three years to the 1969 World Series, where Palmer and the heavily-favored Orioles faced the underdog New York Mets. In Game 3, Palmer struggled. Over six innings, he surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks to take the loss.

Shown here is a ticket to that contest, a 5-0 New York victory. It is signed by Nolan Ryan and inscribed, “1969 W.S. Champions”.

The game marked Ryan’s only career World Series appearance. He came on in a bases-loaded situation with two out in the 7th. The Express retired Paul Blair to extinguish the threat. He finished the game, preserved the victory, and earned the save.

After Ryan and the Mets downed the O’s in ’69, Palmer and Baltimore looked for redemption.

It didn’t take long.

In 1970 the Birds triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds in a five-game series. Palmer pitched well in Game 1, allowing just five hits over 8 2/3 innings in a 4-3 victory.

Back in the World Series for the third-consecutive season in ’71, the Orioles faced the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was another tightly-contested battle.

Palmer delivered an impressive performance, pitching eight innings in a Game 2 rout. Despite his efforts, the Pirates, led by Roberto Clemente’s stellar play, won the Series in seven games.

Their rivalry resumed in 1979, but Palmer ended up 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA. The Pirates clinched the title in another seven-game thriller.

Palmer’s final World Series appearance came in 1983, where he stepped in during Game 3. In two scoreless innings of relief he earned the victory in the Orioles 3-2 win. When Baltimore closed out the Series in Game 5 it gave Palmer a ring in three different decades.

Over nine World Series appearances, the Hall of Fame pitcher boasted a record of 4-2 with 44 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA.

Jim Palmer’s 19 years with the Baltimore Orioles put made him an obvious choice for the Hall of Fame. Palmer compiled a 268 career victories, the most in franchise history. His dominance on the mound is underscored by three Cy Young Awards and an impressive eight seasons with at least 20 wins.

Palmer also captured two ERA titles, finishing his career with a commendable 2.86 ERA. His 211 complete games and 53 shutouts further illustrate his durability and preference to finish what he started.

As the all-time leader in several key pitching metrics for the Orioles—including WAR, innings pitched, starts, strikeouts, and of course, wins—Palmer’s legacy in Baltimore is unparalleled.

In 1990, his remarkable achievements made him a first-ballot Cooperstown inductee. He received 92.6% of the writers’ vote.

Upon election, every man must sign a contract with the Hall of Fame. It grants the Hall the authority and privilege to use the man’s likeness on his Hall of Fame plaque and also allows the Hall the non-exclusive right to market the player.

Here is the Hall’s agreement dated May 17, 1990 and signed by the Cooperstown pitcher Jim Palmer.

Howard Talbot, a beloved figure at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, dedicated over four decades of his life to the institution.

Raised in Edmeston, N.Y., just 20 miles from Cooperstown, Talbot’s time with the Hall began in 1951. During his first quarter-century with the baseball shrine he served as accountant, assistant treasurer, and treasurer.

In 1976, Talbot ascended to the position of director, where he oversaw all personnel and operations, shaping the Hall’s legacy during a transformative era. Under his stewardship, the Hall of Fame flourished as an essential pilgrimage for baseball enthusiasts.

Talbot’s profound impact on the Hall of Fame and his dedication to preserving the rich history of baseball will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, ensuring his legacy endures in the hearts of many.

When he passed away at the age of 89 on July 18, 2015, Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark issued s statement.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of Howard Talbot, whose leadership was instrumental in guiding the Museum in becoming the world class institution it is today. He has always been an important part of our Village, and we will miss his wisdom and sense of humor.”

Shown here is the second page of Talbot’s letter to Jim Palmer. The pitcher writes, “I’ll be there” before signing his name at the bottom.

Elrod Hendricks was a stalwart catcher for the Baltimore Orioles for 11 seasons. He had the privilege of working closely with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. As Palmer’ battery mate, Hendricks caught 101 of his starts, 16 of his shutouts, and the iconic no-hitter on August 13, 1975.

In a quirky twist of fate, Hendricks once found himself on the mound. That came on June 26, 1978, during a chaotic 24-10 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. During the route Manager Earl Weaver decided to give his exhausted bullpen a break by calling on Hendricks to pitch.

Displaying unexpected talent, the catcher threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and retiring with a career 0.00 ERA.

The two remained friends until Hendricks’ death in 2005.

In the collection is a telegram sent by Hendricks congratulating Palmer on his election to the Hall of Fame.

Hendricks writes, “Thank you for letting us be a big part of your career. Congratulations on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Elrod Hendricks and family”.

Below that, Palmer writes, “Ellie was great to pitch to,” before signing his name below.

It’s easy to imagine all the congratulatory wishes Jim Palmer received when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Fans, teammates and family showered the 268-game winner with their love.

The excitement of seeing their cousin make the Baseball Hall of Fame compelled the Weisen Family to send a congratulatory telegram to Jim Palmer. Simple in its message, this telegram reads, “Congratulations. We love you. Your cousins, The Weisen Family”.

Palmer signs his name at the bottom with the inscription, “Induction was a thrill!”.

Heading into the first year of the 1990s, only 25 men reached the Baseball Hall of Fame their first time on the ballot. That summer two more baseball legends were added to the list. Ten-time All Star, five-time Gold Glover, and two-time MVP Joe Morgan got the call. So did 3-time Cy Young Award winner and 8-time 20-game winner Jim Palmer.

The image above is an invitation to their ceremony on the hot summer day in Cooperstown, New York. It is signed by both inductees.