Longtime owner of the New York Yankees (1867–1939) who was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. TLS, one page, 7.75 x 10.25, personal letterhead, January 12, 1916. Letter to Ed Barrow. In full: “I deeply regret that your request, which I know means so much to you, comes at a time when I find myself not in a position to grant it. Please believe me sincere in saying that I would have been more than glad to be of service to you in the matter. But the fact is, I have made some large investments within the past month, outside of baseball—investments so advantageous that it would have been folly not to take advantage of them—and these have wholly absorbed all of my cash resources, consistent with good business judgment. Furthermore, it is highly probable that I will have to raise considerable additional amounts for use in my baseball investment, so it becomes necessary just at this time for me to carefully husband my resources.
I am making this frank admission to you because I want you to realize that my inability to help you in your plans is due to no lack of inclination; for, let me repeat, under ordinary circumstances, I would have been glad indeed to respond favorably to such a request.” Double-matted and framed with two photos of Ruth, induction day information, and a Yankees pin to an overall size of 30.5 x 17.5. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a uniform shade of light toning.
Ruppert had purchased the Yankees—his "baseball investment"—in January 1915, just one year before writing this letter. This was a time of inter-league turmoil within organized baseball, as the American, National, Federal, and International Leagues struggled against each other to gain superiority and control of the professional baseball market in each region. Barrow was president of the International League, and throughout the month of January 1916 he was amidst negotiations with the competing leagues regarding their financial and territorial disputes—based on Ruppert's response, it seems Barrow may have been asking for an investment in this endeavor. His efforts were largely unsuccessful, and in 1917 Barrow resigned to become manager of the American League's Boston Red Sox. Two years later, the Yankees’ owner would make baseball's most notorious deal of all-time in purchasing Babe Ruth from the rival Boston club. Barrow left his post as Red Sox manager and followed Ruth to New York, moving to the front office as the Yankees’ general manager. With Ruppert’s finances and Barrow’s baseball-smarts, the tandem assembled some of the greatest teams to ever grace the diamond. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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