Ernie Lombardi
Ernesto Natali Lombardi
Ol Schnozz
Induction Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee in 1986, Player
Born: April 6, 1908, in Oakland, California
Died: September 26, 1977, in Santa Cruz, California
ML Debut: 4/15/1931
Primary Position: Catcher
Bats: R Throws: R Primary Uniform #: 4
Played For: Brooklyn Dodgers (1931), Cincinnati Reds (1932-1941), Boston Braves (1942), New York Giants (1943-1947)
Primary Team: Cincinnati Reds
Post-Season: 1939 World Series, 1940 World Series
Awards: All-Star (8): 1936-1940, 1942-1943, 1945; 1938 National League Most Valuable Player
Bio
Ernie Lombardi was slow afoot, but he didn't let his lack of speed deter him. In his 17-year career, he compiled a .306 batting average and was recognized as a potent presence behind the plate. Lombardi hit .300 or better 10 times, earned the National League MVP Award in 1938 and won batting titles in 1938 and '42. A fine handler of pitchers, Lombardi had an outstanding throwing arm from a crouch position, rifling the ball with a sidearm release. Lombardi also caught Johnny Vander Meer's two consecutive no-hitters in '38.
Ernesto Natali Lombardi
Ol Schnozz
Induction Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee in 1986, Player
Born: April 6, 1908, in Oakland, California
Died: September 26, 1977, in Santa Cruz, California
ML Debut: 4/15/1931
Primary Position: Catcher
Bats: R Throws: R Primary Uniform #: 4
Played For: Brooklyn Dodgers (1931), Cincinnati Reds (1932-1941), Boston Braves (1942), New York Giants (1943-1947)
Primary Team: Cincinnati Reds
Post-Season: 1939 World Series, 1940 World Series
Awards: All-Star (8): 1936-1940, 1942-1943, 1945; 1938 National League Most Valuable Player
Bio
Ernie Lombardi was slow afoot, but he didn't let his lack of speed deter him. In his 17-year career, he compiled a .306 batting average and was recognized as a potent presence behind the plate. Lombardi hit .300 or better 10 times, earned the National League MVP Award in 1938 and won batting titles in 1938 and '42. A fine handler of pitchers, Lombardi had an outstanding throwing arm from a crouch position, rifling the ball with a sidearm release. Lombardi also caught Johnny Vander Meer's two consecutive no-hitters in '38.