Sports History

Ernie Lombardi, best known for his Hall of Fame career as a catcher with the Cincinnati Reds, was a unique figure in baseball history. Though overshadowed by his iconic "Schnozz" and his success behind the plate, Lombardi's baseball journey started long before catching Johnny Vander Meer's back-to-back no-hitters.

Early Brilliance on the West Coast:

Born in 1908, Lombardi's baseball prowess manifested early. Playing professionally in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) at just 18, he quickly established himself as a prolific hitter. Nicknamed "The Man with the Horsehide Glue" for his seemingly effortless ability to stick with pitches, Lombardi routinely led the league in batting average during his PCL years. However, his lack of speed and a throwing arm considered below average limited his appeal to major league teams.

Brooklyn's Blunder and Lombardi's Rise:

The Brooklyn Robins, hesitant about his defensive limitations, traded Lombardi to the Cincinnati Reds in 1933. This proved to be a monumental miscalculation. In Cincinnati, Lombardi thrived. While his defensive deficiencies persisted, his exceptional hitting, highlighted by his power and high on-base percentage, quickly earned him a starting role.

A Beloved Figure and MVP Recognition:

Lombardi's quirky personality and dedication to the game endeared him to fans. Despite his lumbering gait, he became known for his hustle and leadership. His offensive production reached its peak in 1938, where he led the National League in batting average (.342) and on-base percentage (.423), earning him the league's Most Valuable Player Award. This same year, he was behind the plate for Vander Meer's historic feat, further solidifying his place in Reds history.

Born April 6, 1908, in Oakland, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Ernie Lombardi. Lombardi was an eight-time MLB All-Star, a World Series Champion in 1940, and the National League MVP in 1938. His career spanned from playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves, and the New York Giants. One of the Top MLB players to have worn Jersey 27.

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In 1980s baseball on May 16, we learn an Astro has three triples in a game, a home run drought ends, and a power hitter drills his 1st career HR.

J. Daniel presents some of the top events in the 1980s MLB for May 16 including items about Jack Morris, Rick Rhoden, Mark Funderburk, Billy Martin, Bob Patterson, Bryan Harvey, Steve Farr, Jeff Innis, Mark Gardner, Marty Pevey , Fred Lynn, Craig Reynolds, and more.

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J. Daniel shares some top items of the MLB that occurred on April 26, including the birthdays of Mike Scott, Amos Otis, Lou Thorton, Steve Lombardozzi, and baseball moments of importance from Bill Lyons, Curt Wilkerson, John Elway, Orel Hershiser, Mike Heath, Steve Carlton, Wade Boggs, Eric Show, Dave Parker, Joe Carter, Keith Hernandez. MLB April 26

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J. Daniel does a great job of finding the history for 1980s baseball each day. For May 13 he has a fantastic lineup of stories about players like Tony Gwynn, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Rijo, Juan Beniquez, Bobby Valentine, Lenny Faedo, Fred Lynn, Reggie Jackson, and more. MLB May 13

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J. Daniel includes legends like Jeff Reynolds, Tom Dodd, Dave Revering, John Mayberry, Doyle Alexander, Cal Ripken Jr, Bruce Hurst, Marty Barrett, Dwight Evans, Todd Benzinger, Andre Dawson, and more in his 80's Baseball post for May 5. MLB May 5

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J. Daniel tells us of the top stories in 1980s baseball for April 24, including items about John Franco, Frank Pastore, Jesse Barfield, Bo Diaz, Phil Niekro, and more. MLB April 24

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J. Daniel presents 80s Baseball history for May 3 including stories centered on players like: Davey Lopes, Keith Smith, Lenny Dykstra, Willie McCovey, Fergie Jenkins, Darrell Porter, Fernando Valenzuela, and more. MLB May 3

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The 1980s Baseball history for May 10th is shared by J. Daniel featuring stories on Hubie Brooks, Charlie Lea, Al Oliver, Pete Rose, and more. MLB May 10

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J. Daniel gives us the scoop on May 12 baseball history during the 1980s decade with clips about Dave Sveum, Mario Soto, Paul Molitor, and more. MLB May 12

The gang at This Day in Baseball do not disappoint as they share items from April 25 that include historic gems about: Chicago White Stockings, Jack Chesbro, Babe Ruth, Ken Williams, Dick Bartell, Ben Chapman, Russ Van Atta, Cliff Melton, Larry Doby, Roberto Clemente, Harry Chiti, Gene Conley, Joe Morgan, Jim Lefebvre, Jack Hiatt, Willie Stargell, Andy Messersmith, Ken Boyer,Dwight Gooden, Billy Beane, Randy Johnson, and more. MLB April 25