This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/30/2012
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. As the first black man to play in the major leagues, he was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball, which had relegated black players to the Negro leagues for six decades. The example of his character and unquestionable talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation, which then marked many other aspects of American life, and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement. In addition to his cultural impact, Robinson had an exceptional baseball career. Over ten seasons, he played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers' 1955 World Championship. He was selected for six consecutive All-Star Games from 1949 to 1954, was the recipient of the inaugural MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949 – the first black player so honored. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. In 1997, Major League Baseball retired his uniform number, 42, across all major league teams to signify his monumental impact upon the sport, and to life in America in general. Showcased here is a very scarce and desirable letter from Robinson, drafted by the legend himself in the early part of the 1949 season (June 19th to be exact). Typed by Robinson on personal letterhead, Robinson acknowledges the receipt of an autograph request from a fan, cordially replying in part, “You mention sending a ball to me but I did not receive it…if you send me a ball, I will see to it that it gets autographed and returned.” Beautifully hand signed by Robinson at the conclusion of the letter in a rich vintage black fountain pen ink. While any letter bearing the efforts of Robinson is of tremendous demand, it is important to note that a letter from Robinson during his playing days—not to mention his MVP season of 1949-is of utmost rarity and presents tremendous investment potential! Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.