TLS signed “Lou,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, April 24, 1938. Letter to NY Daily News sportswriter Jimmy Powers, in full: "I am sorry you took the incident so seriously; it didn't annoy me to that extent, but I did mention it to Jack Smith because I was a little afraid that the quotation might put me in a bad light with my fellow players. I have noticed my name in your column many times and recognized it as a friendly attempt to give me a boost. However, I appreciated your note, and I hope you do no feel that I am angry about the quotation." The lower half bears pencil office notations in another hand. In fine condition, with a bit of light creasing near the salutation. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Styled in the muckraker mode, Jimmy Powers was no stranger to controversy in the New York sports world. Although the exact quote referenced by Gehrig in this letter is unknown, the athlete and journalist would seriously butt heads two years later when Powers unscientifically speculated that Gehrig's 'polio germ' had infected the rest of the slumping Yankees lineup. Gehrig launched a libel lawsuit against Powers and the NY Daily News, which was eventually settled for $17,500. A highly unusual format, this is the only letter from Gehrig we have ever offered.
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
