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George Uhle had quite a career. After reaching double-digits in wins in his 1919 debut year, Uhle was a World Champion with the Indians the following season.

Over the next 11 seasons Uhle won 171 games, leading the league in victories twice while topping the 20-win mark three times.

By the time he completed his career, Uhle won exactly 200 games. He was outstanding in the batters box as well, tallying a .289 lifetime average, the top mark among big leaguers whose only defensive position is pitcher. Uhle is also credited in some quarters as the inventor of the slider.

Despite his many accomplishments, Uhle remains largely forgotten today.

In the collection is a letter from legendary autograph collector George Hipp written to Uhle requesting his autograph in 1957. In that decade through the 1960s Hipp was a prolific letter-writer in his attempt to obtain the autograph of every living player.

The image above shows Hipp’s successful attempt to secure Uhle’s signature. The pitcher pens a 26-word response here and signs his name at the end.

 

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Shown here is a closeup of George Uhle’s response to George Hipp’s request for his autograph.

The pitcher writes, “Dear Mr. Hipp – Very sorry this letter did not get into my hands until today. Will be most pleased to accommodate you at any time – Sincerely Geo Uhle.” Hipp’s letter is dated February 15, 1957 while Uhle has penned the date of April 5, hence his apology for not tending to the request earlier.

Uhle’s career statistics include a 200-166 record and a 55.7 WAR. At bat, he hit .300 or better in 9 or his 17 seasons.