Baseball Hall of Famer (he was voted in less than one year before his death) and member of the Chippewa tribe who overcame discrimination, including the derisive nickname “Chief,” to become one of the top pitchers of the dead ball era. Vintage 5 x 6.5 photo of Bender in his A’s uniform, signed in black ink, “‘Chief’ Bender 1953.” Accompanied by a two page ALS from Mrs. ‘Chief’ Bender, dated September 16, 1954, reading, in part, “I got in touch with Bing Miller one of the A’s scouts who has been a lifelong friend of the Chief, he told me he would try to get you a baseball…About a month ago I had to go to the Nat. Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York to receive the ‘Chiefs’ plaque. Am mailing today…a picture of the ‘Chief’ he autographed this picture about two weeks before he passed away.” Both items are matted to an overall size of 21 x 9.75. In fine condition. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
