Al Lopez
| Birthdate | 8/20/1908 |
| Death Date | 10/30/2005 |
| Debut Year | 1928 |
| Year of Induction | 1977 |
| Teams | Braves, Dodgers, Indians, Pirates, White Sox |
| Positions | Catcher, Manager |
From 1949-64 the Yankees won the AL pennant every year but two. Al Lopez managed both of those teams, the ’54 Indians and the ’59 White Sox.
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Original drawing of Lopez signed by both artist and subject
Original drawing of Lopez signed by both artist and subject
This beautiful original drawing was sketched sometime between 1951 and 1956 while Al Lopez was piloting the Cleveland Indians. During that 1954 season Lopez guided the Tribe to 111 regular season wins. His overall winning percentage in Cleveland was .617, the best in franchise history. After leaving the Indians Lopez went to Chicago to take over the White Sox. Lopez has signed this drawing of him with the Cleveland hat on his head.
Handwritten letter from Lopez to the artist
Handwritten letter from Lopez to the artist
Al Lopez praises the artists in this handwritten letter saying, “Enjoyed the sketch very much. Would enjoy one just like it or a bit larger if possible.”. The letter is on “Hotel Denver” stationary that boasts “Air Conditioned Rooms” and is written in fountain pen. While in Cleveland Lopez’ teams averaged 95 wins per season.
A pair of baseball cards autographed by Al Lopez
A pair of baseball cards autographed by Al Lopez
Al Lopez had great success in Cleveland that followed him to Chicago with the White Sox. In his nine full seasons the Sox won 90 or more five times including the 1959 American League championship. Overall Lopez’ teams won 1,410 big league games while losing 1,004. Shown here are two baseball cards from Topps, a 1958 and a 1962 variety.
Al Lopez writes about his greatest thrills in baseball
Al Lopez writes about his greatest thrills in baseball
Al Lopez enjoyed 36 years in a big league uniform, 19 as a player and 17 more as a manager. Here Lopez responds to a fan’s request to identify his greatest thrill. Lopez has difficulty narrowing down his many positive experiences. He does identify playing and managing in All Star games, and managing in two World Series before ending his letter by saying, “But most of all I enjoy meeting so many fine people in baseball. Sincerely, Al Lopez”
Signed photo of Lopez during his playing career
Signed photo of Lopez during his playing career
Al Lopez broke the all-time record for games caught in 1945, a mark previously held by Hall of Fame backstop Gabby Hartnett. Lopez held the mark until it was broken by Bob Boon in 1987. This photo shows Lopez in his catcher’s mask and chest protector and is signed boldly. Overall Lopez spent 19 years playing in the Major Leagues.
Comical handwritten not from AL Lopez
Comical handwritten not from AL Lopez
A willing signer through the mail for many years Lopez decided to stop signing sometime in the early 1990s. In the collection is a note to a collector who requested that Lopez sign baseball cards. Lopez informs the collector of his change in policy writing, “I have never charged for my autograph. I have also quit signing autographs.” Lopez closes the letter with a salutation and his signature, “Sincerely Al Lopez”.
Al Lopez writes about teammate and HoF pitcher Dazzy Vance
Al Lopez writes about teammate and HoF pitcher Dazzy Vance
For the first four seasons of AL Lopez’ playing career he caught Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance with the Brooklyn Dodgers. During Lopez’ first big league season, Vance led the senior circuit with 200 strikeouts and a 2.09 ERA while winning 22 games. Here Lopez writes, “Dear Ken, Dazzy Vance was one of the greatest. Sincerely, Al Lopez.” A nice piece regarding two Hall of Fame teammates.
