Dodger Correspondence: 1934 Wilbert Robinson Handwritten Letter to Casey Stengel

Check out this fantastic hand-written letter by retired Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson to old friend Casey Stengel that is currently on auction at Heritage (link here). Dated March 6, 1934, the letter expresses great fondness and admiration for Stengel -- adding that he's happy to know that he will be managing his old club.

As you may know, Uncle Robbie headed the Brooklyn ballclub from 1914 to 1931, and coached Casey when he was just a lad with the team from Flatbush. Below is an what's written (unfortunately, Robinson's handwriting is a little difficult to decipher, so it might not be entirely accurate). It says:

Dear Friend Casey: 

I am sure pleased you have the position as Manager of The Brooklyn Club. I know you will do well in fact better than any one I know of with the material you have. Mrs. Robinson joins me in wishing you success and good luck. 

I am glad you kept Otto. He is one hundred percent man at all times. I owe him a letter and will write him soon. 

I expect to drive down to some of the training camps the last of this month and if I do I will stop and see you in Orlando.  

Give them hell old boy and make a good showing.

Yours As Ever, 

Wilbert Robinson 

I believe Otto is in reference to Otto Miller -- who caught for Robinson for much of his time in Brooklyn and would later on become a coach.

BTW, Uncle Robbie would not survive the year. In August of 1934 he would fall and hit his head, while also breaking his arm in a hotel accident. He would soon utter these words,

"Don't worry about it, fellas. I'm an old Oriole. I'm too tough to die."

A few days later he would die of a brain hemorrhage -- just months after a Baltimore Orioles teammate and fellow legendary manager John McGraw passed away.

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Dodgers Correspondence: How a Dodger VP Responded to a Fan Rant

As you know, fans are the worst. We are a demanding bunch of miscreants, often insisting that we know more than any of those idiots in the front office. Heck, if you'd only listen to me the Dodgers would be perennial World Series champions. Instead, we are left to wallow in mediocrity and failure -- always playing second fiddle to this team or that team.

Right?

This is what we, as die-hard fans, all believe... And there's nothing wrong with that. That said, sometimes a little dose of reality is important to keep our heads on our shoulders.

Featured here is a letter written by Dodgers Vice President Fresco Thompson, dated August 19, 1964, to a fan named Frank D'Esposito of Orlando, FL (eBay Auction Link). Unfortunately, we do not know what D'Esposito had written to illicit a response from Thompson, but I think it's fair to assume he was critical of the lack of trades to improve the team that season (much like the complaints we hear today). In the Thompson letter he explains to the Dodger-fanatic that making trades is not an easy endeavor. In fact, it often results in deficiencies elsewhere. Below is an excerpt of Fresco's words:

Dodger Correspondence - From Garagiola to Buzzie on Sandy Amoros

It's been awhile since I've put together a post like this. I, like many collectors, enjoying viewing eBay auctions -- not just to add to the collection, but also to window shop. After all, there's always a bunch of fantastic and unique memorabilia to stare at, and oftentimes they tell a story that you likely never heard before. The letter above is a clear example of this (eBay auction link).

Apparently, the Dodgers Tried to Trade for Warren Spahn

I usually refrain from writing about trade rumors. After all, we all know that a vast majority of the 'Hot Stove' is bunk. That said, this one vintage, circa 1950's, rumor has my imagination flowing, so I thought I'd share it here. According to a newspaper cutout attached to a letter written by Walter O'Malley -- that's currently available at REA (Auction Link) -- the Dodgers were charging hard to trade for future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn from the Braves prior to the start of the 1953 season.

Dodger Correspondence: Jackie's Thoughtful Letter to a Fan

The sincerity and grace displayed in this letter is something I've come to expect from Jackie Robinson. He was not only a trailblazer in the field of civil rights and in the game we love, but he was also a man who had the humility to understand his role in the world and how he can help shape it. As you can see in the letter above, current available at auction thought RR Auctions (link here), he thoughtfully let a fan know how important his letter was and how it affected him.

Below is what he wrote:

Dear Mr. Shaw, 

I may have written you before about the letter you wrote Miss Day. I can say it was so well done and I only wish I had fans such as you that when you felt they were wrong would write letters just as the one you wrote. We in public life need reminders such as yours and I assure you that type of letter is more effective. 

Incidentally I was very much impressed with your ideas on the injuries. I would appreciate it if you felt I need some advice to write because I believe we owe all our success to the public and have a responsibility to you. 

Sincerely, Jackie Robinson

Unfortunately, we don't have Mr. Shaw's original letter to Ms. Day, so we aren't exactly familiar with its context. Nevertheless, I think it's fair to surmise that Mr. Shaw had shown the same kind of sincerity that prompted Jackie to reach out and say not only 'thank you' but also express how important his message was to him.

I wish we had more Mr. Shaw's and Jackie's in the world today. It sometimes seems like our ability to address and admit our faults in todays world gets lost through our prism of social media and outrage news.

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Campanella Played the Outfield? -- Vintage Dodger Correspondence at Huggins & Scott Auctions

Here's a little bit of Dodger history found at Higgins and Scott Auctions. Featured above is a December 9, 1947 letter written by minor league catcher Roy Campanella to a chap named Al -- who is assumed to be then Dodger scout Al Campanis. (Auction Link Here)

Hi Al, 

Just a few lines to say I am well & getting along fine & also hope you are doing the same. Our team is in first place, with a two & half game lead. Newcombe hasn’t lost a game as yet, won his first five starts. 

Sal Ragovin [sic] is here also, we beat him last Sunday two to nothing, it was his first loss in five games. Max Surkont arrived here last week, he is playing with the same team Ragovin [sic] is on. 

Drop me a line, when you get time. What is this talk about me, playing the outfield?  (emphasis mine) Write by air mail $.10. 

As always, Campy.

Writing to a Distraught Fan - O'Malley's Correspondence About Trade Rumors

After what was no doubt the most frustrating year in Dodger history, fans unsurprisingly lashed out following the 1951 Brooklyn Dodger season. They complained at the dinner table, they whined to their neighbors and ultimately they wrote about their deepest concerns to the Dodgers themselves. After all, you must be heard when your team gives up a 13 game cushion to lose the pennant. And to make matters worse, they lost it on the last day of the season.

Featured above is a response to one of those irate letters to the club. It is written and signed by from Walter O'Malley to Dodger fan Robert Gray, and it is current available on auction at Hunt Auctions. In it O'Malley writes:

Dr. Mr. Gray, 

Please do not be disturbed about rumors of a trade in the papers. We have no intention of breaking up our fine team, which we regard as the best in the league, and we will make no deal unless it is a one-sided deal in our favor. 

I do hope that we can give faithful fans like yourself something to cheer about next year.

It's good to know that reporters have always wantonly thrown around baseless trade rumors.

As you know, this was the year Bobby Thompson hit his "shot heard 'round the world" that elevated the Giants over the Dodgers for the pennant. So, I imagine a rabble-rousing press corps in New York took the opportunity that winter to suggest that the Dodgers were ready to cut-bait after such a disappointing season.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. the team would instead stay the course and eventually win their only championship in the Brooklyn borough four years later.

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A Dodger Christmas Card and a Letter to a Fan at BST Auctions

With the Baseball world's attention focused on the playoffs, I thought it would be a nice little respite before the start of this evenings Game 4 to point to an auction currently ongoing. Shown here are a couple of Dodgers related items that jumped out at me in BST's current auction.

Since the holidays are just around the corner I though the above 1955 Dodgers Christmas card would be fun to point out. (Auction Link) As you know, this year was the franchises first championship, so naturally their Christmas card had to reflect that. Above is both the front and back of the card. Below is a team photograph that was placed inside. As you can see, it reads on the reverse:

Uncle Robbie's Letter to Scoops at Christie's Auction

The often venerated Christie's auction house is currently running their "Golden Age of Baseball" auction, and it includes numerous historical artifacts; including this fantastic vintage original letter featured here.

Dated February 9th, 1930, Dodger manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson writes to friend and ex-Dodger Max Carey. (auction link)

As you may know, future Hall of Famer Max Carey had just retired from the game after having spent 17 years with the Pirates and the past four seasons in Brooklyn. So now he was looking towards life after playing, and naturally wanted to stay in the game. After all, he was a captain and a leader throughout his time as a player, and many believed he would eventually make a fine manager.

Writing to a Fan -- Brooklyn Dodgers Catcher Mickey Owens

Mickey Owens is one of a long line of fantastic defensive minded catchers to wear Dodger Blue, and if not for a bungled play during the 1941 World Series he might be considered the best ever.  Nevertheless, his miscue that Fall did little to sully his reputation.  He would go on to be an All-Star four times -- even though he would only slash .257/.316/.310/.627 during those season. 

Which brings me to the letter shown above.  Featured is correspondence written by Mickey from 1991 to a fan named Jim Forrest. (eBay Auction Link)  In it he writes:

I am in the eleventh year of my retirement.  When I retired in 1980 my wife had to handle all the check writing so I have no personal checks.

The clipping you sent me were right.  I paid $2500.00.  And I learned a lesson.  After retirement from Baseball I was elected sheriff of Greene Co., Missouri in the Ozark Mountains.  Served 16 years.  During those years I was stabbed and shot at by some of Missouri's meanest criminals.

When in danger act quickly and give no quarter.  It may save you from serious injury or your life.

Inept is what Billy Martin Called the Dodgers

These were fighting words.  No doubt! 

Featured above is an October 27, 1953 letter written by Dodgers President Walter O'Malley to Collinsville Herald columnist Elmer Hazzard that is currently available at Hunt Auctions (auction link here).  The Illinois reporter had sent along a story he had written focusing on Yankees infielder Billy Martin.  Below is what O'Malley wrote:

Thank you for sending along a copy of your column on Billy Martin.  We here in Brooklyn do not think that the Dodgers are as inept as Martin claims.

Ouch!  Billy was slinging some mud.

When Walt Disney Tried to Trade for Tommy Davis

Once a upon a time, Walt Disney visited Dodger Stadium and tried to orchestrate a trade.

Don't believe me?

Check out this letter written by Walt to Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi that is found at Paragon Auctions current offering (Auction Link Here).  He writes, dated May 22, 1962, the following:

An Invitation Game to Circumvent Blue Laws - Let's Play Some Sunday Baseball

Once upon a time it was illegal to have any fun on Sundays.  It was the day of prayer and reverence, and folks throughout America were required to abstain from leisurely activity.  This even included a restriction on professional Baseball teams playing a game on that day. 

How crazy is that, right?

It's hard to imagine a Sunday afternoon in the middle of summer without Baseball.  They go hand in hand, and I dare say that if not for the melding of the two it would be that much harder to get up the next day for the start of the work week.  I think that we as a country and culture need Sunday Baseball, and from what I understand Baseball owners needed it too.

A Duke Snider Report from the Trenches of the Minor Leagues

After retiring from the game in 1964 Duke Snider rejoined the Dodgers franchise as a scout and manager in the minor leagues.  Tasked with leading the Class-A Tri-City Atoms of Pasco (but playing in Kennewick), Washington in 1966, he shares his utter dismay at the state of affairs with Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi in an letter featured in this post.  It is currently for sale through Heritage Auction.

In the letter Duke sends along his thoughts about a couple high-flying prospects he has and provides a report on the happenings at the clubs Class-AAA team in Spokane.

Billy Sunday's Message of Temperance to a Brooklyn Dodger

If you study the game long enough you start to realize that those early days hardly provided the kind of family entertainment we come to expect today.  Instead, Baseball was a rough and tumble sport.  It was filled with ruffians and gadfly's bent on ranting like a sailor and partying like the end of the world was around the corner.  Some of the games earliest heroes were known to fight with the fans (like Ty Cobb) and imbibe in all hours of the day (like Babe Ruth, Mike Kelly and just about everybody else).  So, it's no surprise that some thought that Baseball was a game for delinquents.

Still, America embraced the sport, and not everyone was uncouth.  In fact, America's most successful evangelist was a former Baseball star himself (also known as a straight-laced church going fella during his playing days) in the late 19th century.  His name was Billy Sunday, and as the letter above shows (currently on auction at REA) he would take an interest in a talented Brooklyn player that appeared to be going astray.

Jackie Robinson Correspondence to a Brooklyn Dodgers Fan

With the seasons start around the corner and Jackie Robinson day soon to follow, I thought I would take a moment to share a couple personal letters I ran into written by Jackie to an adoring fan.  In fact, the letter wasn't written to just any fan. These two letters were written to Margaret "Peggy" Dwyer - President of the Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider fan clubs.  (Auction link here and here)

As you can see, these letters were written on Jackie's own personal letterhead, and in both he expresses great admiration for his teammate Pee Wee Reese.  Check out what he wrote below:

1946 Vintage Baseball Letter - The Brooklyn Brown Dodgers

Prior to Branch Rickey and the Dodgers signing Jackie Robinson they had to lay some groundwork.  This included doing some scouting, and in order to disguise their intentions they got involved in the short-lived United States Baseball League.

What's that, you say?

In 1945, legendary and often controversial Negro League pioneer, William A. "Gus" Greenlee, started up the league in order to compete with the much more established Negro National and American Leagues.  By this time he had been pushed out of those organizations, and he was looking for an avenue to get back in the game.

Now here's where the Dodgers get involved.  Branch Rickey, no doubt recognizing an opportunity, immediately and publicly lent the Dodgers support to the effort in May of that year.  Soon, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers were born (well... moved from Hilldale to Brooklyn), and they would play their first season at Ebbets Field later that year. 

Corresponding About Campanella - Letter from Felton to O'Malley

This is fantastic. 

Featured above is an letter from former Brooklyn Dodger pregame television host Happy Felton to LA Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley in 1958.  It is currently for sale in the Lelands 2015 Winter Auction (auction link here).  In it he writes about recently taping an interview with Roy Campanella, who was paralyzed by this time, and how he was doing his best to help Campy earn a little bit more income.  Furthermore, Felton spread some good news that Roy was physically improving just a bit.

As you know, the Dodgers eventually put together an fund raising event for Campanella at the LA Coliseum that drew 93,103 fans (a record for a game at the time) in May of 1959 that raised a whole bunch of dough.  I wonder if this letter was one of many that lead to that endeavor.   After all, it appears that everyone involved truly wanted to do everything they can for Campy.

Below is what Felton wrote to O'Malley:

Deal Walter,

Saw Campy last Thursday, and this morning I taped an interview show with him.  Dr. Rusk and the rent of the staff seem to think it would be very good for him therapeutically, and, of course, if I am able to sell it, it would be a source of income for him.  I am taking it to the American Tobacco Co. tomorrow.

They had him in a chair for the first time today, and they seemed to be well pleased.  He is moving both arms and was able to feel a piece of paper between his thumb and fore finger on his right hand.  This cheered him up quite a bit.

Don't let those Californians get you down.  Good luck next Tuesday.  Our love to all of you.

Thine,
Happy Felton

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Vintage Dodger Correspondence from Head Trainer Doc Wendler

I came across this neatly typed letter the other day while perusing eBay, and found myself immediately drawn to it.  Not because it's from a superstar we all had heard of, or even a ballplayer who once wore Blue.  Instead, it's a bit of correspondence from someone behind the scenes - an important cog that helped keep the players healthy and in tip top condition.

Featured above is a letter written by Dodger trainer Harold W. Wendler, or Doc Wendler.  Check out the auction here.  Wendler joined the club prior to the 1943 season after spending 26 years as the head athletic trainer at Mississippi State College.  Then for the next 17 years, the golden years as they say, he became a mainstay in the Dodger clubhouse.  Doc assessed injuries, mended broken bodies and massaged aching muscles.  He saw everything from Pete Reiser crashing into the outfield wall to Jackie Robinson being spiked by passing runners.

(pic via Brooklyn Library)

In the letter, dated December 14, 1957 and addressed to Buzzie Bavasi, Doc Wendler tackled a rumor heard in the Dodger front office about his status with the club.  Apparently, gossip spread that Doc would be retiring and not join the franchise out west.  Of course, that couldn't be further from the truth.  Doc was indeed interested in staying, but had some financial concerns that needed to be addressed.  He writes:

Your letter of Dec. 10th arrived just a few hours ago.  The contents surprised me very much.  And I am extremely sorry you heard of my hypothetical retirement plans "second-hand".  I believe you know how impossible retirement is for me also.  Let me assure you of one thing, Buzzie, when I do decide to leave the Dodgers, you will be the first to hear of it, and the news will come direct from me -- not via grapevine.

I must admit there were times over the past four years, and especially last year, when my ulcers hurt to the extent I felt I could not keep going.  During such periods I did remark to John, Jake, Herman, Lee Scott, and others too I'm sure, that "if I didn't feel better, this was going to be my last year."  Pain often makes you say and do things you would not say or do under normal circumstances.  However, for the past two months I have never felt better, and believe the stomach condition has entirely cleared up -- so no problem there.

Going to LA does create problems though -- main one financial for me.  As you no doubt know, I have never signed a contract during my fifteen year affiliation with the Dodgers -- not even a one year one.  When spring training time came I would receive a letter from whoever was road secretary telling me when to report.  It was as simple as that, and I hope no change is necessary.  However, for the past few years, had it not been for World Series help, I would have been operating in the red.  Therefore, I prefer we reach some kind of financial understanding before spring practice begins at Vero. 

Obviously something was worked out between Wendler and Buzzie.  Doc continued as the Dodger trainer until 1959 - receiving one more World Series check.

For Dodger autograph collectors, something signed by personnel can be extremely tough to come by.  So, I suspect the $695 asking price on ths eBay auction might not be entirely out of line.  Also, there is only one known memorabilia item (not including press photos) on the market, that I know of, featuring Doc Wendler doing what he does.  Check out the 1955 Gold Stamp below.  It shows Doc doing something to Carl Furrillo's head.  What exactly, I do not know.

(1955 Golden Stamps)

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Some Great Dodger Memorabilia at SCP Auctions - Roseboro's Uni, Claire's Ring and a Letter from Ebbets

Following up on the Happy Felton letter to Walker O'Malley letter I shared the other day, below are a handful of other great Dodger collectibles available at SCP Auctions.  Go here to check out all of the items at SCP.

(Auction Link)

Check out this fantastic game-worn uniform of Johnny Roseboro from the 1963 Championship season.  This was the year the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the Fall Classic.

(Auction Link)

Here is Fred Claire's 1981 World Champion ring.  He was an public relations executive for the club starting in July 1969 and remained there until he assumed player personnel responsibilities after Al Campanis' shafu in 1987.  Soon thereafter he was named the General Manager.

Here's a fantastic letter signed by Charles Ebbets to an unnamed ballplayer just prior to the start of the 1915 Baseball season.  In it he suggest that it's a good time to start working out for the upcoming season.  Check out what it says below:

(Auction Link)

The time for reporting at Daytona, (set by Manager Robinson for March 1st), and the opening of the National League championship season is fast approaching.  I believe if you will all buckle right down to hard conscientious work, get in condition quickly, have no material accidents or illness and we get good results in the pitching department, that we will win the championship, possibly the Worlds Championship.  This goal I know is the ambition of you all; the pride and glory of winning one or both championships cannot be calculated in dollars and cents; with the championship goes the material part, (the monetary amount), of which all who participate receive their proper proportion; last but not least is the great advertising Brooklyn would receive and the pride and gratification of the people (who support the Brooklyn Club so loyally), by reason of your winning the championship.  For all these reasons my friends, I want each of you to commence now to take light exercise so that when you report to Manager Robinson on March 1st there will be comparatively little "tuning up" to do.  I know you all have the same confidence in Manager Robinson that we the owners have, and I want you to at all times to give him the best there is in you; we cannot expect more, er do not expect less.

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