This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2018
Christy Mathewson is considered as one of the most dominant pitchers of all time. He played 17 seasons with the New York Giants, ending his career with 373 wins and an ERA of 2.13. At a time when baseball players were mostly associated with gambling, boozing, and womanizing, this American sports hero stood out with his intellect, clean-cut looks, and kind demeanor - proving to other players that there was indeed another way to live. He instilled in the game the values of sportsmanship, moral code and integrity, something largely amiss in that era. Proving his selflessness, Mathewson enlisted in the United States Army for World War I late in the 1918 season. Unfortunately, he was accidentally exposed to mustard gas during a chemical training exercise in France, weakening his lungs and eventually leading to his early death by tuberculosis. So widespread was the admiration for Mathewson that following his death, the 1925 World Series participants each wore black armbands to express grief for their fallen friend. Baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis said of Mathewson, ""His sense of justice, his integrity, and sportsmanship made him far greater than Christy Mathewson the pitcher."" He was also one of baseball's ""First Five"" inductees to the Hall of Fame in 1936, with his plaque reading simply ""Matty was master of them all."" Matty is a tough autograph in any format, and handwritten letters are practically non-existent. Offered here, however, is one of those rare gems, in a 4.5" x 8.5" letter written to an unknown correspondent, in which he seems to dole out some life advice. The text reads in full, ""I have come to the conclusion that it is best for the ""Lefty's"" of this world to work out their own problems. As for advice - mine would be - 'Get a good education and a diploma.' Sincerely Yours, Christy Mathewson"". Apt advice from the unabashedly ""righty"" pitcher and well-educated collegiate! Please note that the page is separated along the original mailing fold of the right 1/3 of the page. It is a clean break that can easily be repaired with a strip of acid-free tape on the reverse. Otherwise in good condition with light surface impressions from general handling. Don't miss the opportunity to own this rare handwritten relic from The Christian Gentleman. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.