OCT. 27, 1994: JEFF BAGWELL NAMED UNANIMOUS NL MVP

Following a strike-shortened season, Jeff Bagwell was named the unanimous National League MVP 27 years ago this week. Bagwell led the league with 116 RBI, a .750 slugging percentage, 300 total bases and 104 runs scored, and his .368 average was second only to Tony Gwynn's .394. Click here to read more about Bagwell's career year.

#Shortstops: Bump in the Vote

Braves outfielder Ralph Garr got off to a scorching start to the 1971 season, batting .360 as late as June 9. But he was left off the All-Star ballot - so the Braves took matters into their own hands, distributing bumper stickers like this one on “Write-in-Ralph” day at Atlanta Stadium. Click here to read more about the unique promotion.

#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Freddie Patek

Listed at different times anywhere from 5-foot-4 to 5-foot-6, Freddie Patek fought for every minute of his 14 years in the big leagues with the Pirates, Royals and Angels. Click here to read more about the former shortstop in this week's #CardCorner.

#Shortstops: Lefty's World

Perhaps no Hall of Famer could weave a tale like Lefty Gomez. The left-hander, who won five World Series rings with the Yankees, gave a speech to the Novato Historical Guild in Novato, Calif., on June 3, 1978, that is preserved in our collection. Click here to read more about Lefty's speech.

HELP CARE FOR A CAP

A Milwaukee Braves cap worn by pitcher Vern Bickford in 1953 is in need of cleaning and repairs to the interior bill and sweatband.

After being drafted into the Army during World War II, Bickford played baseball alongside other major leaguers who were stationed with him and picked up valuable pointers.

Bickford debuted as a 27 year-old rookie for the Boston Braves in 1948. He pitched in Boston through the 1952 season before moving with the Braves to Milwaukee in 1953. He spent one year in Milwaukee before he was traded to the Orioles for his final season in 1954. He was an All-Star in 1949 and threw a no-hitter in 1950.

To learn more about Bickford and to help care for this artifact in our collection, click here.