Let's see some letters with great content.

[CooperstownExpert]

I think letters with interesting content are my favorite thing to collect. Here are some inexpensive examples. Would love to see others.

Brief descriptions, from left to right starting in the top row. I've also inserted links in case you want to see the person's page on CooperstownExpert.com

1. Ford Frick letter dated two months after the first HoF induction. Frick writes about Christy Mathewson's autograph.

2. Sam Breadon letter to Stan Musial for contract negotiations just after Musial's first year and just before his first MVP season. The rest of the letter and other letters from the same negotiation are found on either guy's page.

3. Letter about a ball signed by George Wright. Imagine having that! It's from Warren Giles.

4. Letter about Ripken, McGwire, Sosa, and Maris from then-Marlins advance scout Joe Moeller.

5. Letter about Sandy Koufax picking up a save for teammate and letter author Joe Moeller.

6. Details about the signing of Tony Gwynn from then-Padres scout Gary Sutherland. Fun content.

7. William Harridge letter to Clark Griffith instructing him to give the AL Season Pass to President Eisenhower and VP Nixon.

Please share your letters, inexpensive or not!

[Wrightfan85]

I wrote a TTM request to Johnny Bower just before he passed away. He accidentally signed my index card on the wrong side. He preceded to give me a signed picture, ANOTHER index card signed on the unlined side and returned my letter with a note saying "sorry I signed the wrong side, I hope this makes it up to you, JB."

Class act. RIP Mr. Bower.

[Runscott]

I collect 19th century baseball letters, as well as Civil War letters with Mississippi content. This one has both, mentioning a friend getting injured at Port Hudson and their cricket club changing over to baseball:

City of Plymouth Mass. June 22nd '63

"Perhaps you may be interested in knowing that "The Plymouth Rock Cricket Club" has been turned into "the Plymouth Rock Base Ball Club", where at "Ben" is quite dissatisfied. Most of us think that rather a better game than Cricket, and we play the New York game."

[CooperstownExpert]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I collect 19th century baseball letters, as well as Civil War letters with Mississippi content. This one has both, mentioning a friend getting injured at Port Hudson and their cricket club changing over to baseball:

City of Plymouth Mass. June 22nd '63

"Perhaps you may be interested in knowing that "The Plymouth Rock Cricket Club" has been turned into "the Plymouth Rock Base Ball Club", where at "Ben" is quite dissatisfied. Most of us think that rather a better game than Cricket, and we play the New York game."

How about that? Sweet content and great part of the game to collect. Thanks for sharing!

[RichardSimon]

I have posted this before but it is my favorite and I never miss a chance to post this great letter from a great man.

[dgo71]

Wow. Just wow. That Greenberg letter is amazing. Captures so perfectly the sentiments of so many in that era.

[roarfrom34]

From one Hall of Famer to another:

[CooperstownExpert]

Neat to see Weaver get disciplined a little! Imagine a $200 fine today!

[Runscott]

Richard, here's a follow-up to your Greenberg letter. I used to own this one, but foolishly sold it on ebay at straight auction, for I think around $35.

[JollyElm]

Transcript of the previous letter post:

March 4, 1968

Dear Roger -
Having served 4 1/2 years in the Air Force during World War II, it hardly seems possible that young men are once again leaving their homes to serve in another war. I hope your tenure in the service will not be as long as mine and that you will return safe and sound and proud of your contribution to your country, as I was.

Your mother tells me of your love for baseball and I hope you will be able to continue your interest in the game while you are away.

God speed, good luck and my very best wishes.

Cordially yours,
Hank Greenberg

[Lordstan]

Here is letter from Mel Ott to New York HOF sportswriter and future BBHOF museum curator, Ken Smith.

[rlevy]

Jackie Robinson's sentiments about watching baseball games after he retired. Speaks to his competitive nature.

Rick

Jackie Robinson letter 30%.jpg

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Richard, here's a follow-up to your Greenberg letter. I used to own this one, but foolishly sold it on ebay at straight auction, for I think around $35.

$35????
Wish I had seen it.

[jgmp123]

Ty Cobb writes back to a fan inquiring about what it was like playing with her father. Also, instructs her on how to gain access to his playing stats/records.

[T206Collector]

Don't think Byrne signed Milan's -- or had Milan's signed for Doc Steen. But he managed to get Milan's signature one way or the other!

[Scott Garner]

Here are a couple of great letters that relate to Nolan Ryan's time spent with the California Angels:

1) Nolan's hand written letter to the Traveling Secretary of the NY Mets dated January 30, 1972. Nolan thanks him for all of his help while on the Mets and discusses his very early beginnings with the California Angels. Historic in nature as it covers what arguably was one of the best or worst trades in history. Terrible trade for the Mets- An over-the-hill Jim Fregosi for Nolan Ryan and 3 other players. Incredible trade for the Angels!

One special note which not everyone knows:
Nolan Ryan struggles with dyslexia. Hand written letters like this are extremely rare for this reason.


2) A December 7th, 1974 letter from Nolan Ryan to Angels GM Harry Dalton outlining his request of a $500K multi-year contract. Check out GM Dalton's sarcastic hand written notes on the letter. LOL

[Scott Garner]

I love this hand written letter from Vandy to his long-time booking agent Bob Allen regarding his punk-ass nephew & how to deal with his antics.
A fun read. Vandy was a no nonsense kind of guy!

[Scott Garner]

This is seriously one of the greatest fan letters that I recall reading...

Superfan Stephen Winsten, a transplant from NYC, took the time to write a (somewhat colorful- LOL ) account of what he noticed about Nolan Ryan's pitching struggles as a NY Met and how to groom him to be the star that he certainly would be. The letter was sent to California GM Harry Dalton immediately after the Angels got him in a trade that sent SS Jim Fregosi (RIP) to the NY Mets
Dalton read the letter, seemed to see merit in some of Winsten's observations and forwarded copies of the letter to Pitching Coach Tom Morgan and Angels Manager in 1972 Del Rice.
Letter originated from the Angels file on Nolan Ryan.

Tom Morgan is credited with turning Nolan's career around along with catcher Jeff Torborg (Ryan's 1st no-hitter). Winsten's guidance was actually based on pretty solid scouting for a fan, and this letter undoubtedly helped Tom Morgan develop a plan for harnessing Nolan's undeniable talent. I personally would give Steve Winsten an A+ for his wisdom.