This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
For years Ty Cobb had been portrayed as a selfish, bitter man, resentful of the younger generation of ballplayers. However, recent scholarship has shown that the original Hit King was actually very supportive of younger players and an astute judge of talent. This letter is case-in-point.
Penned by a young Tigers fan in the summer of 1953, the writer praises Cobb’s career and then asks the Hall of Famer what his thoughts are about current Yankees shortstop Phil Rizzuto. Cobb responds on the bottom portion of the original letter in part, “If they lose Mantle or Reynolds or even Berra, N.Y. could go on and win, but if they should lose Rizzuto that might be different, he is the key man.” High praise indeed from the greatest pure hitter in history. What makes this already fascinating letter even more unique is that Phil Rizzuto himself replies on the page, adding his trademark “Holy Cow” expression with his signature, although this appears to have been done much later.
The letter is written on a sheet of 9” by 5.75” sized paper which has taken on some aged toning with some bent and dented edge wear. The Georgia Peach's handwritten response comes in his trademark green fountain pen and signed “Ty” – all neatly done in 9/10 boldness. The Scooter’s inscription and signature is in 8/10 black ballpoint. The original mailing envelope with the address written in Cobb’s hand accompanies the letter. A very unique piece revealing how much esteem one legendary Hall of Famer had for another.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA for the autographs of Cobb and Rizzuto.