Auction Item Details
Lot 474
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Lot Number: 474
Description: Scarce 1899 Ed Delahanty autographed handwritten letter. Handwritten letter dated Dec. 27, 1899 as sent to "J.F. Hillerich & Co." with content regarding his endorsement of Louisville Slugger bats. Delahanty writes, "Gentleman, It affords me much pleasure to say a few words in favor of the "uniform run" of your Louisville Slugger bats. It has been my good fortune to always find them up to the highest standard of good workmanship. Yours, E.J. Delahanty". The letter displays at a size of 4 1/2"x7" but is actually written on a folded full sheet of lined paper. In starting a draft of the offered letter, Delahanty also wrote a date and "Philadel, PA" on the interior fold. The letter and writing itself remain very clean with a few small tape reinforced splits on the back. Delahanty was one of the finest batsman of the 19th century and was the only player in Major League history to lead the American and National leagues in batting average. On July 2, 1903, Delahanty elected to leave the Washington American League team in order to join the New York Giants of the National League. He left the team in Detroit and took a train eastward towards New York. Apparently, Delahanty was removed from the train for rude behavior and possibly intoxication; while crossing a bridge over the Niagara river, he plunged to his death. For years there was speculation as to whether it was an accident, suicide, or foul play. For all of these reasons, and the more obvious fact that Delahanty died a sudden and early death, his autograph is considered by many advanced collectors to be the most elusive of all HOF inductees. Spectacular rarity from an unimprovable source. Includes LOA from James Spence Authentication and letter of provenance from the Hillerich & Bradsby Co.: EX
Estimated Price: ($10,000.00-$15,000.00)
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