Baseball executive who served as the founder and first president of the American League. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937 as one of its charter members. TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, American League letterhead, December 26, 1918. Letter to Ed Barrow. In part, “The agreement made between the New York and Boston clubs was filed in this office several days ago. The only serious loss to the Boston club was outfielder [Dutch] Lewis. There is some question as to the value of Shore and Leonard. Boston picked up a couple of good men in Caldwell and Walters. If you can handle the erratic pitcher, he will surely be a great help to the Red Sox. The price asked by Mr. Herrman for the Boston club was far in excess of the amount anyone was prepared to give. There is no baseball property in the country worth one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” Five days earlier, on December 21, 1918, the Red Sox traded Dutch Leonard, Ernie Shore, and Duffy Lewis to the Yankees for Ray Caldwell, Slim Love, Frank Gilhooey, Al Walters and $15,000. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from James Spence. In fine condition, with some mild toning and a few wrinkles. Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
