History and Relics LLC

Any 1940’s Cincinnati Reds fans in the house?

Sharing some vintage memorabilia of Ernie Lombardi including a vintage Gold Smith Glove, Type I photographs, and Ernie's personally owned silver MLB Lifetime Pass and Association of Professional Ball Players of America metal Membership Card, as well as sharing photos of his statue at Great American Ball Park!

Ernie Lombardi nicknamed “the Schnozz” due to his rather large nose, is a Hall of Fame catcher (inducted 1986) who played 17 MLB seasons (1931–1947). He was known as one of the best-hitting catchers in history. He was a 7x All-Star, 2x NL batting champion, 1938 NL MVP, and a 1940 World Series champion with a career .306 batting average, 190 home runs, and 990 RBI.

In 1953, Lombardi had been battling depression and agreed to go to a sanatorium but before he set foot in the facility, he attempted to commit su***de. He received blood transfusions and was initially listed in critical condition, but within a couple of days newspaper reports said that he would survive. He later fully recovered and worked as an attendant in the Candlestick Park Press Office and later became a gas station attendant in Oakland, CA.

Lombardi was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 1958. He died on September 26, 1977 at the age of 69. He is buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, CA.

Enjoy the memorabilia!

This should be a lot of fun seeing baseball of old!

Step Back in Time…

Vintage Base Ball at Clague Memorial Park!

This summer, the Westlake Historical Society invites the community to experience America's pastime as it was played more than 150 years ago. On Saturday, June 27, Clague Park will transform into a living history field as the Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club (pictured above) take on the Spring Creek Base Ball Club of New York in an authentic vintage base ball match.
Vintage base ball (spelled as two words, just as it was in the 19th century) is more than a game it's a fully immersive historical reenactment. Players compete using rules, equipment, and customs from the 19th century, offering spectators a glimpse into the origins of the sport we know and love today.
Unlike modern baseball, vintage base ball is played without gloves— players rely on their bare hands to field the ball. Pitchers deliver the ball underhand, and their role is to initiate action rather than overpower the batter. The atmosphere of a vintage game is as engaging as the play on the field. Players wear historically accurate uniforms, and their language and conduct reflect the gentlemanly spirit of the era.
Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an ice-cold soda or other
delicious

First pitch is at 6 p.m., don't miss this opportunity to cheer on these remarkable teams as they bring the early days of America's sport to Westlake.