Lot # 881: Hugh Jennings (HOF) Signed Letter to Hugh Duffy w/Significant Baseball Content (JSA)

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Item was in Auction "Spring, 2016 Premier Auction",
which ran from 5/26/2016 4:00 AM to
6/12/2016 10:00 AM



Outstanding letter from one Hall of Famer to another a rare letter from Hugh Jennings to Hugh Duffy with outstanding baseball content. The lietter recommends a young catcher named George D. Walsh of Newark NJ to Duffy who by 1920 was manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League. The 1920 Tigers managed by Jennings had no shortage of catchers and thus Jennings referred young Walsh to Duffy. The letter reads as follows: "Friend Hughie: I am recommending a catcher George D. Walsh address 366 Seymour Ave. Newark N.J. whom I feel will make good with your team. This young fellow caught for the federal plant in Newark last season and caught such pitchers as Keating and Love in semi-professional games. Love speaks very highly of him and but for the fact that I have five catchers on my staff I would take him South with me. I have advised him that I have written to you and urged him to accept whatever proposition you make to him. Trusting that he will make good and wishing you the very best of success in your new position I remain Your friend Hugh Jennings" A glance at the 1920 Maple Leafs roster shows that sadly Walsh was not a member of the team. Despite this the outstanding baseball content and the way different managers referred players to their old friends makes this a fascinating document. Jennings signatures are in high demand particularly on letters and this example - on Jennings' professional letterhead with a crisp bold signature - is particularly strong. LOA from James Spence Authentication.

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