Lou Brissie was a major league pitcher who first had to overcome a severe left leg injury he suffered during World War II before throwing his first strikes for the Philadelphia Athletics. Brissie, who stood 6' 4" tall, was a talented pitcher from Ware Shoals, South Carolina, who first attracted the attention of A's President Connie Mack while still in high school. After graduating from high school, Brissie went on to serve in the U.S. Army, enlisting in December of 1942. Less than two years later, he suffered a devastating leg injury during fighting in Italy after a shell exploded near Brissie that shattered his left leg (tibia and shinbone) in 30 pieces. Despite doctors telling him they might have to amputate his leg, Brissie pleaded with them to save it and miraculously picked up his baseball career just two years later! This lot features a series of 17 typewritten letters from Mack to Brissie during the 1944 to '48 time period and one letter from Mack to Brissie's father, L..V. Brissie Sr.
All but one of the letters, which seems to have been cut off at the salutation, is typed on official "AMERICAN BASE BALL CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA - Office of the President" letterhead. Five of the letters are signed authentically by Mack, while the remaining 13 letters are secretarial-signed. Nevertheless, the letters are very personal and show the attention that Mack paid to Brissie in his pursuit of the young ballplayer for his future services to the A's. Some of the letters are inquiring about his rehabilitation from the injury such as this one dated January 16, 1945: "Am in hopes you will be ready, if necessary, to continue your baseball playing this summer. The doctors can do great things today as they have already proven by their work in helping some of our boys." And this one, dated January 31, 1945: "Was very much pleased to hear of your improvement and from what your doctor states, your recovery is going along very satisfactorily. Am always pleased to hear from you, more so now than ever, so please keep on writing as I am interested in your condition."
Includes LOA from the Family of Lou Brissie. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.