Presented here is a government postcard signed by Hall of Fame shortstop, occasional pitcher, and eventual player manager Roderick “Bobby” Wallace. Wallace debuted as a pitcher in 1894, but due to his spectacular fielding skills was moved to shortstop. He played 25 total seasons, eventually becoming the oldest man to ever start a game at shortstop. Although Omar Vizquel broke this record nearly a century later, Wallace still holds the American League mark for most infield assists as a shortstop in a single game (17). As a hitter, Wallace more than held his own in an era where middle infielders were expected to contribute with their glove first and bat second. His best offensive season came in 1899 with the St. Louis Perfectos, who became the Cardinals the next season. That year, Wallace hit 12 home runs with 108 RBI, a .295 batting average, and 17 stolen bases. Wallace retired from playing after the 1918 season, and would be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 1953.

     Wallace signed this postcard in black pen as “R.J. ‘Bob’ Wallace”. He added the inscriptions “Again, Thank you John”, and “Redondo Beach City / 10-14-53” on the postcard. It is addressed to a “Dr. John Davis, Jr.” of Topeka, Kansas. This item has been encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA (83902242).

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