First baseball commissioner. Landis was elected to office on November 12, 1920, and helped restore public confidence in baseball following the Black Sox scandal of 1919. The former U.S. district judge banned eight White Sox players for life, despite their acquittal in a court of law. Landis subsequently issued other edicts utilizing the “absolute power” granted him by the owners to ensure the game’s integrity. TLS signed “Kennesaw M. Landis,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Baseball letterhead, January 22, 1923. Landis politely declines an invitation to an American Legion meeting. In part, “The fact is that I have managed to accumulate such a mass of Legion engagements running into October that it is impossible to take on anything more. The embarrassing element in my situation is that I am obliged to give some attention to things other than Legion interests, which I wish were not the case.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with expected folds and some light toning. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
