Jim Palmer burst onto the World Series stage at just 20 years old. Facing the legendary Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966, Palmer showed poise. The right-hander threw a four-hit shutout, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a sweep and their first championship.

Fast forward three years to the 1969 World Series, where Palmer and the heavily-favored Orioles faced the underdog New York Mets. In Game 3, Palmer struggled. Over six innings, he surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks to take the loss.

Shown here is a ticket to that contest, a 5-0 New York victory. It is signed by Nolan Ryan and inscribed, “1969 W.S. Champions”.

The game marked Ryan’s only career World Series appearance. He came on in a bases-loaded situation with two out in the 7th. The Express retired Paul Blair to extinguish the threat. He finished the game, preserved the victory, and earned the save.

After Ryan and the Mets downed the O’s in ’69, Palmer and Baltimore looked for redemption.

It didn’t take long.

In 1970 the Birds triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds in a five-game series. Palmer pitched well in Game 1, allowing just five hits over 8 2/3 innings in a 4-3 victory.

Back in the World Series for the third-consecutive season in ’71, the Orioles faced the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was another tightly-contested battle.

Palmer delivered an impressive performance, pitching eight innings in a Game 2 rout. Despite his efforts, the Pirates, led by Roberto Clemente’s stellar play, won the Series in seven games.

Their rivalry resumed in 1979, but Palmer ended up 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA. The Pirates clinched the title in another seven-game thriller.

Palmer’s final World Series appearance came in 1983, where he stepped in during Game 3. In two scoreless innings of relief he earned the victory in the Orioles 3-2 win. When Baltimore closed out the Series in Game 5 it gave Palmer a ring in three different decades.

Over nine World Series appearances, the Hall of Fame pitcher boasted a record of 4-2 with 44 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA.

Jim Palmer was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1970s. He earned more wins than any other player during the decade. The right-hander won at least 20 games in 8 of the 10 seasons. A true workhorse, Palmer pitched over 300 innings four times.

During the decade, he led the league in wins three times. During his impressive 10-year run he led the league in starts and ERA twice, while recording one season with the most shutouts.

Overall, Palmer finished the decade with a remarkable 186 wins while boasting a stellar 2.58 ERA. His prowess on the mound is further highlighted by 175 complete games and 44 shutouts.

As the 1970s came to a close, Jim Palmer’s dominance on the field left an indelible mark on the sport.

The MLB players association sent Palmer the check shown above on September 1, 1981. Made out for $376 the check has the facsimile signature of Hall of Fame labor leader Marvin Miller.

Palmer was on the down side of his career by 1981 and would record only one more winning season before retiring in 1984.

In the 1980s, Jim Palmer’s illustrious career began to wane as both his effectiveness and workload declined. Throughout the 1970s, he had established himself as one of baseball’s elite pitchers, averaging an impressive 18.5 wins per season. However, as the decade turned, maintaining that level of performance became increasingly challenging.

Palmer had commendable seasons in 1980 and 1982, when he secured 16 and 15 wins, respectively. In ’81, ’83, and ’84 he combined for just 12 wins against 15 losses. This marked a stark contrast to his earlier dominance, as wear-and-tear and injuries took their toll.

By the time he hung up his cleats in 1984, he left the game with an impressive resume: 268 career wins, 211 complete games, and 53 shutouts. These achievements solidified his legacy as one of baseball’s greats, earning him a place in the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Palmer endorsed the back of the check in the previous image with his legal, “James A Palmer”. After retiring as a player, Palmer became a broadcaster on ABC and ESPN and locally for the hometown Orioles.

Jim Palmer’s 19 years with the Baltimore Orioles put made him an obvious choice for the Hall of Fame. Palmer compiled a 268 career victories, the most in franchise history. His dominance on the mound is underscored by three Cy Young Awards and an impressive eight seasons with at least 20 wins.

Palmer also captured two ERA titles, finishing his career with a commendable 2.86 ERA. His 211 complete games and 53 shutouts further illustrate his durability and preference to finish what he started.

As the all-time leader in several key pitching metrics for the Orioles—including WAR, innings pitched, starts, strikeouts, and of course, wins—Palmer’s legacy in Baltimore is unparalleled.

In 1990, his remarkable achievements made him a first-ballot Cooperstown inductee. He received 92.6% of the writers’ vote.

Upon election, every man must sign a contract with the Hall of Fame. This agreement grants the Hall the authority and privilege to use the man’s likeness on his Hall of Fame plaque and also allows the Hall the non-exclusive right to market the player.

Here is the agreement sent for Jim Palmer to sign on May 17, 1990.

Howard Talbot, a beloved figure at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, dedicated over four decades of his life to the institution.

Raised in Edmeston, N.Y., just 20 miles from Cooperstown, Talbot’s time with the Hall began in 1951. During his first quarter-century with the baseball shrine he served as accountant, assistant treasurer, and treasurer.

In 1976, Talbot ascended to the position of director, where he oversaw all personnel and operations, shaping the Hall’s legacy during a transformative era. Under his stewardship, the Hall of Fame flourished as an essential pilgrimage for baseball enthusiasts.

Talbot’s profound impact on the Hall of Fame and his dedication to preserving the rich history of baseball will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, ensuring his legacy endures in the hearts of many.

When he passed away at the age of 89 on July 18, 2015, Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark issued s statement.

“The National Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of Howard Talbot, whose leadership was instrumental in guiding the Museum in becoming the world class institution it is today. He has always been an important part of our Village, and we will miss his wisdom and sense of humor.”

Shown here is the second page of Talbot’s letter to Jim Palmer.

Elrod Hendricks was a stalwart catcher for the Baltimore Orioles for 11 seasons. He had the privilege of working closely with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. As Palmer’ battery mate, Hendricks caught 101 of his starts, 16 of his shutouts, and the iconic no-hitter on August 13, 1975.

In a quirky twist of fate, Hendricks once found himself on the mound. That came on June 26, 1978, during a chaotic 24-10 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. During the route Manager Earl Weaver decided to give his exhausted bullpen a break by calling on Hendricks to pitch.

Displaying unexpected talent, the catcher threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and retiring with a career 0.00 ERA.

The two remained friends until Hendricks’ death in 2005.

In the collection is a telegram sent by Hendricks congratulating Palmer on his election to the Hall of Fame.

Hendricks writes, “Thank you for letting us be a big part of your career. Congratulations on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Elrod Hendricks and family”.

It’s easy to imagine all the congratulatory wishes Jim Palmer received when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Fans, teammates and family showered the 268-game winner with their love.

The excitement of seeing their cousin make the Baseball Hall of Fame compelled the Weisen Family to send a congratulatory telegram to Jim Palmer. Simple in its message, this telegram reads, “Congratulations. We love you. Your cousins, The Weisen Family”.

Heading into the first year of the 1990s, only 25 men reached the Baseball Hall of Fame their first time on the ballot. That summer two more baseball legends were added to the list. Ten-time All Star, five-time Gold Glover, and two-time MVP Joe Morgan got the call. So did 3-time Cy Young Award winner and 8-time 20-game winner Jim Palmer.

The image above is an invitation to their ceremony on the hot summer day in Cooperstown, New York. It is signed by Morgan at the bottom.