Scarce ALS signed “Ted,” one page, 7 x 10, Benjamin Franklin Hotel, Philadelphia, no date [circa 1951–52]. Williams writes to John [Corcoran]. In full: “Received your letter today. Also inclosed [sic] find a contract [not present] that Wheaties has offered me. I think under the circumstances I’m worth more now. However let Fred decide on that. Letter explains our contacts last spring. Will try & call you or have Fred call me in Detroit or Cleveland….” He adds a terse postscript: “Personal appearances out. OUT [underlined four times].” Intersecting folds and mild scattered wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. Williams hired Fred Corcoran to be his agent in the 1940s, a time when very few sports figures had agents. The “Breakfast of Champions” Wheaties contract was ultimately signed, as Williams appeared on the cereal box in 1952. His remark, “I think under the circumstances I’m worth more now” may have referred to hitting his 300th career homerun at Fenway Park in May 1951, and ending the 1951 season hitting .318, with more than 100 runs in the season. It may have also been because in February 1952, the Marine Corps announced that Williams would be called back into active duty for two years because of the Korean War. Williams played his last game with Boston before being sent to Korea on April 30, 1952. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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