Extraordinary 1938 Lou Gehrig Handwritten Letter with Outstanding Baseball Content - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$16,800

Year:

1938

Auction:

2018 Spring

Lot #:

1851

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

One-page handwritten letter signed by Hall of Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig. Of the few Lou Gehrig handwritten letters we have handled, this remarkable example certainly ranks among the finest, especially given its content and to whom it is written. On May 8, 1938, a high school student named Tom Templeton, from Hawthorne, New Jersey, wrote to Gehrig as part of an assignment for his history class. The students were told to choose a vocation they would like to pursue and then contact someone in that field to learn about the profession. Templeton chose professional baseball player and wrote to the legendary "Iron Horse," asking him to answer 10 separate questions. Amazingly, Gehrig was nice enough to take the time to respond (in the middle of the season no less) and dutifully answered each question on a blank page of Templeton's original letter. Gehrig prefaces his answers by writing "Dear Tom - Briefly - " The questions and Gehrig's handwritten answers (in bold) are as follows: 1) What sort of people will I meet and work with in this profession? - "The finest people." 2) What are the hours of work? - "From noon till games are over." 3) How much leisure time do you have? - "Entirely up to yourself." 4) What is the income at the start, at the average point and at the peak of this vocation? - "Start at 250 average per month and pd according to your ability." 5) Are there any special dangers or health problems connected with this work? - "This work requires best of health at all times." 6) Is there a pension or compensation insurance connected with this work? - "No." 7) Is the work interesting most of the time? - "Most interesting." 8) How expensive is the training? - "Ball clubs pay for it." 9) Where are some of the best places to go for training in this field? - "Practice wherever you can. Some scout will pick you up." 10) What drawbacks are there? - "I can't think of any." Gehrig closes his response by writing "Best Wishes Lou Gehrig." Gehrig's entire response and signature have been beautifully scripted in pencil and grade "9" overall. One of the most amusing elements of this dialogue is Templeton's closing remark, in which he urges Gehrig to please respond promptly because his assignment is due the following week. The original letter was written in blue ink on two sides of a single fold-over sheet. Gehrig's entire response was written on the blank interior page, opposite the second page of Templeton's letter. The letter (10.25 x 6.5 inches; unfolded) is lightly toned and has benefited from minor professional restoration with regard to a few tiny tears along the fold lines. Light creases are evident throughout. In Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open).