For the four years before the formation of the American League, baseball’s championship was determined by a seven game series called the Temple Cup. With Wilbert Robinson as their captain, the Baltimore Orioles played in all four Temple Cups, winning the championship in 1896 and 1897.

In the collection is this telegram that encourages Robinson to win the championship, reading in part, “Let the good word continue until the Temple Cup is won!”

The telegram is dated September 21, 1895. Unfortunately for Robinson and the Orioles, the Cleveland Spiders won the Temple Cup that year. In each of the next two seasons, the Orioles claimed the Cup.

Tuxedo Tobacco pulled together the greatest baseball players of the day for this advertisement. Hailing itself as, “The Perfect Pipe Tobacco”, Tuxedo secured the services of “Wilbert Robinson, manager Brooklyn Nationals”. According to the advertisement, Robinson says, “Tuxedo is the ideal tobacco for me because I can enjoy a cool, sweet smoke without any bad physical effects. Tuxedo for mine.”.

Also featured in the ad are Hughie Jennings, Christy Mathewson, Joe Tinker, Tyrus R. Cobb, and G.C. Alexander.

Wilbert Robinson was so beloved during his time as Dodger manager that the team took on the nickname, “Robins” in his honor from 1914-1931. This letter bears the signature of Robinson late in his tenure, just before the start of the 1930 season. Note the intricate letterhead. Letters from this era provide an interesting glimpse into the game.

Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945.

Wilbert Robinson reached Cooperstown in 1945 when the Hall of Fame inducted him into its newest Veterans Committee class. His election joined nine other pioneers and expanded Hall membership to 38 total inductees. The committee honored overlooked stars from baseball’s earliest professional decades and restored several foundational careers to prominence.

Robinson earned fame as one of baseball’s most respected managers and colorful personalities. Players affectionately called him “Uncle Robbie” for his warmth, humor and steady leadership. He guided Brooklyn clubs to National League pennants in 1916 and 1920 while winning nearly 1,400 games as manager. Robinson also helped develop generations of players during baseball’s formative years and became a beloved figure throughout the sport.

A seven-man panel guided the voting process behind the historic election. Hall of Fame president Stephen C. Clark chaired the committee with firm leadership. Treasurer Paul S. Kerr handled official correspondence and served as secretary throughout deliberations. Yankees executive Ed Barrow, joined Connie Mack, Braves president Bob Quinn and veteran writers Sid Mercer and Mel Webb on the panel.

A surviving letter connects directly to that 1945 selection process. Barrow signed the document and sent it to Kerr during committee discussions. In the letter, Barrow urged inclusion of Pirates great Fred Clarke among the Cooperstown candidates. Clarke later gained unanimous election alongside Robinson and Boston third baseman Jimmy Collins.

The remarkable 10-man class also featured Dan Brouthers, Roger Bresnahan, Ed Delahanty, Hugh Duffy, Hugh Jennings, Mike “King” Kelly and Jim O’Rourke..