From My Collection: Wally Judnich, cf/1b, Cleveland Indians

Wally Judnich is one of the tougher autographs from the Cleveland Indians 1948 World Champion team. I got this index card years ago. Its not perfect–he signed it in pencil–but it’s still pretty nice.

Judnich was a role player by the time he was on the ’48 team, but there were points early in his career when he looked like a future All-Star. His first three seasons in the league were very impressive: he hit for average (in ’40 he was one of only seven AL players to hit .300, and averaged .299 over his career), good power (Top 10 HR’s twice and averaged 18 per season), could get on based (.385 OBP) and excellent defense. He even garnered Top-20 in MVP voting in 1940 and 1942. But, like so many players in the 40’s, the second World War required his services and he was a member of the Army Air Corp from 1943-1945. And, like so many players, he was not the same when he returned.

He was still an asset to the Indians during the ’48 season, playing in 79 games and getting 218 at-bats in the outfield and at first base. His numbers, despite the limited duty, were impressive: .257 avg with a .411 OBP, 2 HR and 29 RBI. His power was gone at this point in his career (he did hit 18 in 1947, but would only hit two more HR in the remainder of this career), but the man still knew how to work the zone, with 56 walks to only 23 K’s. The Indians did carry nine outfielders that season, but between him and Allie Clark, the Indians had a fantastic pair of backups that probably could have started on some non-contending teams.