1944 Alex Pompez Signed Letter on New York Cubans (Negro League) Letterhead PSA/DNA GEM MINT 10

Sold For:

$26,400

Year:

1944

Auction:

2024 Fall

Lot #:

2254

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

One-page typed letter, dated May 23, 1944, signed by Alex Pompez, Hall of Fame Negro League owner and executive. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the letter and graded the signature GEM MINT 10. In his letter, on New York Cubans letterhead, Pompez writes to John Williams, expressing his sincere apology for a misunderstanding. In full: Dear Sir, According to my letter I expected you to look me up however I was with Mr. Wilson League President and of course he was the authorized man to carry on the transaction and I was sure that you were to have been the man to handle everything that I even had my secretary mail you publicity on the promotion. I was in Detroit only a few hours and I am sorry you got the wrong impression and I am soliciting you to accept an apology from me for this misunderstanding. I was sold on you and I was glad to have you represent the N.Y. Cubans in your capable way. Hoping that you and I still have a good understanding. I remain yours truly, Alex Pompez [signed]. Pompez's signature is scripted in blue ink. Pompez, a Cuban American, was one of the most important figures in Negro League baseball. He founded the New York Cuban Stars in 1916 and owned the club for its entire 35-year existence, during which time the club imported most of the top Latin players in the game. After the Negro Leagues folded in 1950 the Giants hired Pompez as a scout, as they recognized his eye for talent, and more important, they realized his value with regard to recruiting Latin American players. Pompez was also almost single-handedly responsible for opening up the Dominican Republic market to major league baseball. Pompez died in 1984, but wasn't elected to the Hall of Fame until 2006. As a result, his signature is very rare today. The letter (8.5 x 11 inches) displays five horizontal mailing folds and a staple mark in the upper left corner. In Excellent condition overall. Opening Bid $500.