Auction Item Details
Lot 2x
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Lot Number: 2x
Description: Historic and important 1910 Ty Cobb handwritten (9) page letter with exceptional content. (9) Page handwritten letter to D.A. Fletcher on "Hotel Ponchartrain" stationery dated September 22, 1910. Much had been made of the National Commission ruling that the Series was not to be played and Cobb, throwing his unwavering support behind Fletcher, vents his frustration and unleashes upon the members as well as NL President TJ Lynch. The letter reads in part "I will send my uniform measurements and I want to say I am certainly glad that we will pull off the series as I felt that I had lost some money by signing up with you as I turned down another good sure proposition down south to accept yours. Now Mr. Fletcher I received some letters from this man Wilbern + Livingstone asking me to send my check that is signed by you back them now I never heard of these fellows until National Commission ruled against our playing...I was awfully glad to get your message that we were to play as I made all my plans to play and to fail would be a disappointment...my suit measurements are as follows (sizes listed)...This is the measurements as used by Spalding + Bros. I have noticed several articles in papers about National Commissions rulings and what they had to say concerning the all-star series. I think they are treading on dangerous grounds as the star players wont stand for this funny work and they have the power but it is not organized. I noticed where Mr. Lynch President National League said that we would hippodrome the games and I think any man who is always looking for crooked work must be well verse in that art himself. The star players who were selected to play in these games are all gentleman as players or men in any line can't advance to the top of their professions and be crooks as he states and I think it was one of the greatest insults that could be offered and he should be forced to apologize...Noticed where Hermann was going to fine us if we did not return checks he must be a wonder he should be in the museum business. ...he may have power but he will have to be immortal before he can make me return my check and I dare him or anyone else to fine me for not returning it. He is only showing after all how flimsy and unreasonable their baseball laws are and it shows their hands to the public...we have been wronged and I don't care if all the newspapers know it the players are wrought up..." Signed at the close "Ty Cobb" with an emphatic underlined "I am with you" written below. Light consistent age toning throughout with discoloration to upper portion of several pages. All have small hole at top where they were previously bound together. Handwriting/signature rate 8/9 out of 10. A fascinating glimpse into the personality of Cobb and the general frustrations of the players of the day. One of the most important pieces of baseball related correspondence we have handled. Includes letter of provenance and auction LOA from JSA: VG/EX-EXEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)