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Lombardi, Ernie

Ernest Natali Lombardi
Born: April 6, 1908, Oakland, California
Died: September 26, 1977, Santa Cruz, California
Bats: 
Right
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
Brooklyn Dodgers (1931), Cincinnati Reds (1932-1941), Boston Braves (1942), New York Giants (1943-1947)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 1986
Biography: 

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 Most Valuable Player 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 1938.

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Did You Know: 
that on June 11 and June 15, 1938, Ernie Lombardi caught both of Johnny Vander Meer's consecutive no-hitters?
Sometimes when I am in a slump, I use a regular grip in batting practice, but always I feel sort of funny, and I go back to the golf grip. No one ever told me to take a regular grip on a bat.