This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Near the turn of the century Fred Clarke was one of the game's most well-known stars. He was a fearless hitter, a speedster on the bases, and a ferocious competitor, as well as a highly respected player-manager. He batted a career-best .406 in 1897, while also earning his stripes as baseball's first successful "Boy Manager." When Clarke took the helm as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1900 he led them to a trio of NL pennants, culminating in a losing effort against the Boston Pilgrims in the first-ever World Series. Clarke's Pirates defiantly returned to the World Series in 1909, defeating the Detroit Tigers to claim the franchise’s first world championship.
In 1945 Clarke wrote this gracious, heartfelt letter to Baseball Hall of Fame President Paul Kerr. In the one-page missive, Clarke expresses great appreciation for his election to the Hall. The typewritten message appears on Clarke’s personal “Little Prairie Ranch” letterhead and closes with his bold and clear fountain pen signature (graded MINT 9 by PSA/DNA). The 8-1/2" x 11" page presents in EX condition with standard mailing folds and routine evidence of past filing including a "Received" stamping. Nicely framed and matted.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA (auto. grade MINT 9).