Marty Marion
| Birthdate | 12/01/1917 |
| Death Date | 03/15/2011 |
| Debut Year | 1940 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Browns, Cardinals |
| Position | Shortstop |
A seven-time All Star from 1943-1950, Marty Marion was the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1944 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
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Marty Marion helped the Cardinals reach four World Series in 5 years; they won three
Marty Marion helped the Cardinals reach four World Series in 5 years; they won three
In the collection is a vintage signature of 1944 MVP Marty Marion. The fan favorite spent 13 years in St. Louis – 11 with the Cardinals and two with the Browns. He is a member of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
While his autographs are plentiful, this one stands out because of the 1948 date on the side opposite the signature. Such pieces remain in short supply.
With the exception of 1945 when there was no All Star game because of World War II, Marion played in the Mid Summer Classic every year from 1943-1950. During that time he helped lead the Cardinals to four World Series, earning three rings. The Fall Classic that St. Louis reached but failed to win came in 1943 when Marion went 5-for-14 (.357) with two doubles and a homer in the five-game loss to the Yankees.
After hanging up his spikes, Marion tallied as much as 40% in Hall of Fame voting, later appearing on the Veterans Committee ballot.
Marion dropped this in the mail on 9/5/1948; in that day's game he had the go-ahead RBI
Marion dropped this in the mail on 9/5/1948; in that day's game he had the go-ahead RBI
Such autographs hold great value for collectors because of the US Postal Service postmark that notes the date and location. This one comes from September 5, 1948 in Cincinnati where Marion’s Cardinals took on the Reds.
That day Marion and Stan Musial keyed a 5-1 win over the Reds. The shortstop broke a scoreless tie with an RBI in the 5th while Musial added two runs batted in himself.
Marion’s career numbers – 1,402 hits, .263, 36 homers and 624 RBI – don’t seem to point to Cooperstown though while active he was one of the most respected men in the game.
Marty Marion's Hall of Fame fate rests in the hands of the Veterans Committee
Marty Marion's Hall of Fame fate rests in the hands of the Veterans Committee
All of Marty Marion’s 13-year playing career was spent in St. Louis, 11 years with the Cardinals and two with the Browns. Shown here is a picture of a smiling Marion in his Browns uniform.
From 1943-1950 the shortstop made the All Star game each season. His playing career was highlighted by the 1944 MVP season. Marty Marion’s Hall of Fame case remains under the supervision of the Veterans Committee.
