This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2018
Hall of Fame shortstop Joe Sewell got his big break as a replacement for Indians star Ray Chapman after the latter was killed by a Carl Mays pitch in August 1920. Sewell proved to be a masterful replacement as the Indians won their first World Series that fall. He went on to become one of the best shortstops in AL history as well as a batter who was nearly impossible for opposing pitchers to strikeout. Using only a single bat he called “Black Betsy” throughout his entire 14-year career, Sewell retired with a .319 average and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1977. The old ballplayer was further honored in 1980 when he was elected to the Ohio Sports Hall of Fame.
In this two-page blue handwritten letter dated “Tuscaloosa, Alabama March 27, 1980”, Sewell thanks the Ohio Sports Hall of Fame upon his enshrinement and for remembering him and his time with the Cleveland Indians. Sewell reminisces about his first year with Cleveland in 1920 and how they won the first World Championship in franchise history. The Hall of Famer mentions several career highlights along with the names of some of the greats he played for, with and against: Connie Mack, Wilbert Robinson, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker, and so on. The old ballplayer reminisces on the first triple play in World Series history and his season with the World Champion 1932 New York Yankees. A very humble letter from an aging ballplayer thanking those who still remembered how he played the game, it is handwritten and signed by Sewell in neat 8/10 blue ink. The pages show some edge wear and light creasing as well as edge wear and horizontal folds from mailing.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.