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Twenty-four year old Lefty Gomez was already an established star by the time Goudey Gum Company printed the card shown above. A 20-game winner in both 1931 and 1932, Gomez appeared in Major League Baseball’s first all-star game in the summer of 1933.

He pitched three scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out one. He was rewarded with the win. A half-century later, Gomez threw out the ceremonial first pitch at 50th anniversary of the first All Star game.

Gomes also pitched in five World Series, including four in a row from 1936-1939. He went 6-0 with four complete games and a 2.86 ERA in seven career starts in the Mid Summer Classic.

A four-time 20-game winner, Gomez finished with 189 wins and a .649 career winning percentage.

After retirement Gomez went on the speaking circuit. The affable left-hander regaled crowds with his humor and name-dropping of Yankee teammates.

He stayed in the public eye and gained the attention of the Veterans Committee. Gomez was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

Here he affixes his signature to his 1933 Goudey baseball card.

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In 1933 Major League Baseball decided to have an All Star Game in Chicago to help celebrate the city’s centennial. The game coincided with the World’s Fair also hosted by the Windy City.

Lefty Gomez was tabbed as the starting pitcher for the American League. The Yankee hurler was coming off of consecutive 20-win seasons and had 9 wins and a save by the end of June.

Facing the best the National League had to offer On July 6, Gomez threw three scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and struck out one.

In 1973 baseball decided to honor the surviving players and coaches from the game with a 40th anniversary celebration. Held at the ’73 All Star Game in Kansas City, the gala was well received.

Gomez attended and caught up with fellow 1933 AL stars Earl Averill, Joe Cronin, Charlie Gehringer, and Lefty Grove. The ’73 American League squad dropped their game to the NL 7-1.

In the collection is NL president Chub Feeney’s invitation to the ’73 Mid Summer Classic written to Hank Aaron. The Hammer did his part in the contest.

In the top of the third Aaron ripped a single off of the Twins’ Bert Blyleven to score Joe Morgan. The run put the Senior Circuit ahead 2-1. They never looked back, beating the AL 7-1. Blyleven got the loss.

It turned out to be Aaron’s final RBI in All Star competition.

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Imagine having access to free admission to every American League game for you and your party. That’s what Lefty Gomez received with this pass given to him in 1979 as a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

A lifelong American Leaguer, Gomez helped the Junior Circuit win five World Series. In postseason play he was at his best. Gomez went 6-0 with a 2.86 ERA in seven career starts.

He maintained a high profile after his retirement, commanding much attention as a public speaker. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

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Lefty Gomez’s New York Yankees were a perennial powerhouse. Winners of five World Series in eight years, the Yankees were among the most talented teams in baseball.

Gomez played alongside the likes of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bill Dickey and Tony Lazzeri. The Yankee pitching staffs of his era included Hall of Famers Red Ruffing, Herb Pennock, and Waite Hoyt.

Gomez also faced many of the game’s greats. In plate appearances against Gomez, Jimmie Foxx hit .338 with 14 homers. Al Simmons likewise torched Gomez, hitting .336 with 24 RBI in 128 at bats.

Gomez played in what many consider baseball’s best era.