1978 Effa Manley Handwritten Letter - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

$13,200

Year:

1978

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1985

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Two-page handwritten letter (on both sides of a single sheet) signed by Effa Manley, the only woman elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The letter, dated August 20, 1978, is written to Negro League baseball historian John Holway. She begins by discussing her relationship with the daughter of former Negro League pitcher Joe Williams and then informs Holway of Chet Brewer's work with young ballplayers. In part: "Did you know Chet Brewer? Well, he has never been able to retire from the baseball, so he has led a program going, every Saturday & Sunday teaching young ball players. The games are played in a playground park here. Chet's wife came and got me a couple months ago and took me out to see one of the games. She and Chet pay all expenses - they have bought uniforms, the balls + bats, pay insurance - all expenses and don't charge the kids." The letter is signed "Effa Manley" in blue ink, with both the text and signature grading "9." Chet Brewer was a former Negro League pitcher who played with a number of teams, most notably the Kansas City Monarchs, where he teamed with Satchel Paige. Effa Manley, together with husband Abe, owned the Newark Eagles, which was a member of the Negro National League from 1936 to 1948. Effa ran the team's business affairs, and she later became a strong advocate for both players' rights and civil rights. In addition to her baseball duties, Manley was treasurer of the Newark chapter of the NAACP and often used the team to promote civic causes. In 1946, following the death of her husband, she assumed total control of the team. During the next two years she fought vigorously against the raiding of her players by Major League clubs (she lost top stars such as Larry Doby, Don Newcombe, and Monte Irvin). Unfortunately, it was a battle she could not win, and in 1948 she was finally forced to disband the club. Effa Manley letters are scarce, especially those featuring baseball content. The letter (5.75 x 7.75 inches) displays two horizontal mailing folds and is otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).