Ernie Lombardi

Ernie Lombardi
Birthdate 4/6/1908
Death Date 9/26/1977
Debut Year 1931
Year of Induction 1986
Teams Braves, Dodgers, Giants, Reds
Position Catcher

A two-time batting champ with a .306 lifetime average, Ernie Lombardi was the 1938 National League Most Valuable Player and a 8-time All Star.

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In the collection:

Catcher Ernie Lombardi earned two batting crowns

Catcher Ernie Lombardi earned two batting crowns

Ernie Lomardi hit over .300 ten times despite being one of the slowest runners in the history of the game. A two-time batting champ, Lombardi enjoyed a 17-year career from 1931-1947. In the collection is this letter handwritten by the catcher on his 46th birthday. He writes in part, “Had a lit
Ernie Lombardi had an MVP campaign in 1938

Ernie Lombardi had an MVP campaign in 1938

When Johnny Vander Meer made baseball history by pitching no-hitters in consecutive starts, it was Ernie Lombardi who caught both games. Vandy pitched his first gem against the Boston Braves on June 11, 1938. His next start four days later he victimized the Brooklyn Dodgers. The ’38 campaign w
Lombardi caught both of Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters

Lombardi caught both of Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters

In 1938 Johnny Vander Meer accomplished something no pitcher has done before or since. On June 11 he threw a no-hitter against the Boston Bees. Four days later he repeated the feat at Ebbets Field in the first night game in New York baseball history. Ernie Lombardi was the catcher for both of Vandy&
Ernie Lombardi was one of the slowest runners in Major League Baseball history

Ernie Lombardi was one of the slowest runners in Major League Baseball history

In addition to his outstanding bat control, Ernie Lombardi was known as one of the slowest runners in the history of baseball. Infielders played as deep as their arms would allow. Lombardi is reported to have joked that it took him three seasons to realize Pee Wee Reese was the Dodgers’ shorts
Ernie Lombardi's induction into the Hall of Fame came on August 3, 1986.

Ernie Lombardi's induction into the Hall of Fame came on August 3, 1986.

Ernie Lombardi gained baseball’s highest honor when the Veterans Committee selected him for the Hall of Fame. Joining him as a Vets Committee choice was Red Sox second baseman Bobby Doerr. The same year the baseball writers made Giants great Willie McCovey their 23rd first-ballot selection. To
Lombardi's counting stats don't seem worthy of Cooperstown; his overall case is

Lombardi's counting stats don't seem worthy of Cooperstown; his overall case is

Ernie Lombardi finished his career with 1,792 hits, 190 home runs, and 990 RBI. On the surface that doesn’t seem worthy of the Hall of Fame. However, entry to Cooperstown isn’t solely a matter of career totals. Lombardi is also a two-time batting champion and former National League Most

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