Lot # 565: Gorgeous 1953 Clark Griffith Signed Letter to George Weiss With Significant Baseball Content (JSA)

Category: Baseball

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 15 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring, 2015 Premier Catalog Auction",
which ran from 3/3/2015 5:00 AM to
3/29/2015 10:05 AM



An interesting window into the minds of Baseball management this August 28 1953 letter was sent by Washington Senators President Clark Griffith (HOF) to Yankees GM George Weiss (HOF) proposing a possible trade. It seems Griffith was unhappy with the performance of shortstop Pete Runnels and was hoping to make a trade to the Yankees for Jerry Coleman Billy Martin or reserve infielder Jim Brideweser. Ultimately the Yankees stood pat and so did the Senators keeping Pete Runnels through 1957 as he bounced back and began hitting again. The letter reads as follows: Friend George: Now that you have Jerry Coleman back it would appear to me that you might have an extra infielder to trade for an infielder. Our Shortstop Pete Runnels was the best ball player on the Washington Ball Club last year. He lead the team in hitting but he is not going very well this year. I know Casey Stengel always liked him. Should you care to trade either Martin Coleman or Brideweser for this fellow I would be glad to talk with you in the Fall when it is possible to make deals. Please let me hear from you. With all good wishes I am Yours most sincerely Clark Griffith The letter printed on colorful Senators stationery is in excellent condition exhibiting only the type of wear consistent with being mailed. The signature in Griffith's typical shaky hand has been authenticated with a full LOA from James Spence Authentication. An outstanding piece with significant baseball-related content.