TLS signed “J. Hans Wagner, Former Pirate,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Company letterhead, January 8, 1929. Wagner writes to an organizer of a benefit Old Timer’s Game. In full: “In reply to your letter of the 29th regarding the Old Time Baseball Game which you intend to hold sometime next summer in Boston, for the benefit of our old friend, Lou Criger. I will be glad to give you my services for such a worthy cause. I will also as you suggested, write Lou a letter. I am sure he will appreciate hearing from his old friends, that will help cheer him up. Drop a line to Charles Deacon Phillippi, c/o General Outdoors Advertising Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. I am sure he will be glad to give his services.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, a bit of trivial toning, typed name notation to upper right corner, and punch holes along left edge.
After a stellar career in the Major Leagues—catching for most of Cy Young’s 511 victories, as well as every inning of the first-ever World Series in 1903—Lou Criger retired from baseball in 1912. In 1914, he developed tuberculosis in his left knee, and the following year his leg had to be amputated. In failing health and declining spirits, he and his family relocated to the arid climate of Arizona in 1924, where they ran a bakery in Tuscon. In an effort to cheer up their friend and fellow Old Timer, legendary players including Honus Wagner and Deacon Phillippe, who had both faced—and lost to—Criger in the 1903 World Series. With significant baseball content and the highly appealing Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Company letterhead, this is a spectacular piece of baseball history. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
