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Buddy Myer, born on April 16, 1904, in Meridian, Mississippi, became a standout second baseman in Major League Baseball. From 1925-1941 he played 16 seasons with the Washington Senators and two for the Boston Red Sox. Myer developed a reputation for his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, walking 965 times while striking out in just 428 at bats.

In 1935, Myer won the American League batting title, finishing the season with a remarkable .349 average. Throughout his career, he accumulated 2,135 hits, showcasing his consistency at the plate. His impressive .303 career batting average reflects his skill and determination.

Myer also demonstrated a keen eye for balls and strikes, achieving a .389 on-base percentage. He consistently reached base, allowing him to score 1,174 runs during his time in the league. His ability to get on base contributed significantly to his teams’ successes.

Defensively, Myer proved reliable at second base, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike. His contributions to the game resulted in a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 48.4, illustrating his overall impact.

Myer retired in 1941 after 17 seasons in the majors. He left a lasting legacy as one of the best second basemen of his era or any other. Buddy Myer passed away on December 19, 1974, but his memory endures in baseball history.

Here is Myer’s autograph on a government postcard. Notice the Laurel, Mississippi postmark of November 19, 1934. Myer was born 8 miles northeast in Ellisville. The back of the card shows an Ellisville postmark dated December 7, 1934.

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On April 25, 1933, a heated baseball brawl erupted between Buddy Myer and Yankee outfielder Ben Chapman. The tension began when Chapman spiked Myer during a play. The act ignited a fierce confrontation on the field. Chapman escalated the situation by hurling antisemitic epithets at Myer. Fans in the stands gasped at the unexpected hostility. Myer, fueled by anger, retaliated fiercely against Chapman. Teammates quickly joined the fray, creating chaos in the dugouts. Players exchanged punches, while fans shouted in disbelief.

As the fight intensified, umpires struggled to restore order. The brawl spilled beyond the field, drawing in more players and even spectators. Emotions ran high, and the atmosphere became electric with tension. Both teams suffered from the fallout of this violent clash. League officials later announced severe consequences for the participants. Long suspensions followed for Myer, Chapman, and several others involved in the brawl.

Here is an autograph of Champan. It comes at the bottom of a letter discussing Babe Ruth’s called shot in Game 3 of the 1932. Chapman hit four spots behind Ruth and witnessed it up close. He wasn’t sure what Ruth’s intent was.

Here Chapman writes, “He was pointing at Charley (sic) Root who had knocked him down.”

However, Chapman wasn’t entirely certain. Later in the letter he writes,”In my opinion, he did not call the sit, but he could have.” For more handwritten first-person accounts of the Bambino’s historic homer, click here.

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The Washington Senators were a charter member of the American League in 1901. Their stay in DC lasted through the 1961 season before the became the Minnesota Twins.

In the 60-year history, the team boasted four batting champions. Ed Delahanty became the first when he hit .376 in 1902. The Washington faithful waited more than a quarter century for their next champ.

Leon “Goose” Goslin is the second Senators batting leader. In 1928 he set the Washington record with a .379 clip.

Seven years later second baseman Buddy Myer joined the pair by reigning supreme with a .349 average. The next two Senators crowns were worn by Mickey Vernon who topped all Juinor Circuit batters by hitting .353 in 1946 and a .337 in 1953.

Goslin’s flowing signature is on display in the autographed picture above.

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Buddy Myer finished his career as one of the greatest players in Washington Senators history. He ranks in the top five for most offensive categories for the franchise that was in nation’s capital from 1901-1960.

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Buddy Myer deserves another look for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His career totals compare nicely to other Hall of Fame second basemen. Myers boasts a higher on-base percentage than legends like Nap Lajoie, Roberto Alomar, and Frankie Frisch.

Myers also amassed more hits than Cooperstown keystone men such as Tony Lazzeri, Johnny Evers, and Jackie Robinson. His hitting prowess extends to his impressive double totals. He recorded more two-base hits than Hall second-sackers Bid McPhee and Joe Gordon, showcasing his consistent power to the alleys. Myer also scored more runs than Billy Herman, Red Schoendienst, and Bobby Doerr, each of whom have a plaque.

Overall, Myers’ impressive numbers align closely with those of inducted players. His achievements stand out in a competitive era. Inducting Buddy Myers would recognize his significant impact on the game. He remains an undervalued figure in baseball history, yet his statistics warrant serious consideration. Fans and analysts alike should advocate for the Veterans Committee to give Myer another shot at baseball immortality.

In the collection is this letter written to then-National League President Ford Frick. Signed by Evers on April 1, 1936, the letter thanks Frick for sending the three-time World Champion a lifetime pass to all major league games.

Correspondence between two members of the Hall of Fame remain highly desirable. Evers, who died in 1947 remains a difficult signature to obtain.