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Al Niemiec’s influence on the game goes far beyond his 78 big league appearances.

The middle infielder played his final Major League game in 1936. From there he went to the minors hoping to get back to The Show.

A stellar 1941 season with the PCL’s Seattle Rainiers gave him high hopes. That season he hit .297 and led the league’s second basemen in fielding.

He left Seattle in ’42 to join the US Navy. When he was discharged in ’46, he returned to the Rainiers, three years older and rusty from his time away. Niemiec was beaten out and cut from the team.

He valiantly sued baseball for the employment rights the GI Bill guaranteed him as a WWII veteran. With his victory Niemiec gained monetary compensation for many players who served their country in a time of need. To read more about his incredible story, click here.

In the collection is this questionnaire filled out and signed by Niemiec. The second baseman reports that his most memorable moment in the game was, “Catching a line drive hit by Babe Ruth – last of 9th, bases loaded, 2 out, and our A’s team leading by 1 run.”

The retired navy lieutenant who was once part of a trade involving Ted Williams has signed his full legal name at the bottom.

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In 1937 the Boston Red Sox acquired Ted Williams from the Pacific Coast League’s San Diego Padres. They sent Spence Harris, Dom Dallessandro and Al Niemiec to the America’s Finest City in return for the 19-year old Williams.

Williams went on to become a player many call the greatest hitter who ever lived. A two-time Triple Crown winner, Williams owns baseball’s highest career on-base percentage at .482.

In the collection is this Major League Baseball Players Association document. Teddy Ballgame has filled it out entirely in his hand, lending his signature to the top.

The document reads in part, “In order to have the Association act on matters important to you and the Association itself we would appreciate your stating any opinions or suggestions you may have. These opinions and suggestions will be treated with the upmost confidence and will be categorized and analyzed.”

Interestingly, Williams suggests playing double headers as two 7-inning contests. More importantly the eagle-eyed Red Sox hitter writes, “Improve Baltimore, Chicago & KC backgrounds, check intensity of lights in the older parks”.