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 7-time All Star.
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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 little offer from the Oakland Club and Charley Dressing (sic) but it hasn’t matured yet…Say hello to all the game for me also Danny Gardella.”
Lombardi caught both of Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters
Lombardi caught both of Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters
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 was Lombardi’s finest. He set career highs in hits, doubles, RBI. The catcher’s league-leading .342 batting average was also his best. For his efforts, Lombardi was voted the National League’s MVP.
He retired after the 1947 season with a .306 career average and a .358 lifetime on-base percentage. Lombardi’s 126 OPS+ over 17 big league seasons is a fine mark for a man whose only defensive position was behind the plate.
The previous letter was sent in this envelope postmarked April 7, 1954 from Lombardi’s Oakland area home. Lombardi has written his name — doubling as another autograph — along with his address in the upper left corner.
Ernie Lombardi died in 1977 at age 69 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame nine years later.
Lombardi was one of the slowest runners in baseball history
Lombardi was one of the slowest runners in 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’ shortstop, not an outfielder. Bill James called Lombardi, “the slowest man ever to play Major League Baseball well.”
Here Lombardi signs a small photo in a Cincinnati uniform.
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.
The Veterans Committee selected Ernie Lombardi and Red Sox second baseman Bobby Doerr to receive baseball’s highest honor.
The same year the baseball writers made Giants great Willie McCovey their 23rd first-ballot selection. Together the three men were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on August 3, 1986.
Shown here is an invitation to the ceremony. Doerr’s signature appears at the bottom.
