ALS signed “Ted,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, January 16, 1927. Letter to legendary second baseman Eddie Collins, addressing him by his nickname, "Cocky," in part: "I think that your attitude all along, ever since the day in Cleveland that I worked in two games, and your advice and censure, have been the one big factor that caused me to stick with the Sox. There were times, I am sure, when my actions shouldn’t warrant even the slightest consideration from anybody…but I find that you knew me…even better than I knew myself…and caused me to do the proper thing…It would not lessen the importance of your advice if I should mention Cracker as a running mate as he was always patient and willing to do anything that would help…so I would place you two in the permanent winning class as developers of young inexperienced players. A little sentiment doesn’t hurt so why not tell of a fellow’s appreciation where it is due? I am getting just a little anxious for the training season to come around and think I will report with the first squad so that I may take a little more time to get in shape…Think I’ll feel much better this year as I had my tonsils removed and they were real bad…Cocky, it was too bad about those dirty liars trying to make a story out of the 17 incident and they were proven exactly that. Although it was regrettable, I am sure the newspapers and the two accusers didn’t phase the public. Landis’ report was the best news I’d seen in years, when I returned from a hunting trip. Too bad about them trading my buddy wasn’t it? Don’t know who’ll yes me now with Hop and Spencer gone. I’ll find somebody though. Again, Cocky, I want you to know that as a result of four years association and the above mentioned facts, I hold highest esteem for you." In fine condition. Accompanied by a 1926 telegram from Lyons to Collins, offering him good wishes.
Collins and Lyons—both Hall of Famers—were teammates on the Chicago White Sox from 1923 to 1926, along with Ray 'Cracker' Schalk, who Lyons references as a "running mate." Lyons also mentions a report by Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the commissioner of baseball who had infamously expelled eight members of Collins's 1919 'Black Sox' team from the sport. In this case, Lyons may be referring to Landis's 1926 inquiry into gambling allegations against Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. An extraordinary piece of correspondence between Chicago ballplayers.
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