This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2021
This is an historical letter signed by New York Yankees owner Colonel Jacob Ruppert Jr. to famous baseball executive Edward G. Barrow. In his letter dated January 12, 1918, typed on the stationary of his “Jacob Ruppert Brewery,” to long-time baseball executive and future Yankee General Manager Barrow, Ruppert writes, “I deeply regret that your request, which I know means so much to you, comes at a time when I find myself not in a position to grant it. Please believe me sincere in saying that I would have been more than glad to be of service to you in the matter. But the fact is, I have made some large investments within the past month, outside of baseball - investments so advantageous that it would have been folly not to take advantage of them – and these have wholly absorbed all my cash resources, consistent with good business judgment. Furthermore, it is highly probable that I will have to raise considerable additional amounts for use in my baseball investment, so it became necessary just at this time for me to carefully husband my resources. I am making this frank admission to you because I want you to realize that my inability to help you in your plans is due to no lack of inclination; for, let me repeat, under ordinary circumstances, I would have been glad indeed to respond favorably to such a request,” “With kind regards, I am, Sincerely yours,” signed Jacob Ruppert in black fountain pen. Obviously Ruppert was responding negatively to a request for financial assistance. It was at this time that Barrow while President of the International League faced numerous financial challenges resulting from the successful fight to collapse the Federal League threat to organized baseball (1914-1915) and his own efforts to start a new organized “Union League,” at the same time that the international league reduced his salary by more than half. Ruppert on the other hand was busy trying to change the fortunes of the New York Yankees and expending his financial resources to do so. One year earlier Ruppert hired St. Louis Cardinals manager Miller Huggins to become the Manager of the New York Yankees. And, in 1918 in direct defiance of American League President Ban Johnson, hired pitcher Carl Mays from the Boston Red Sox. While unable to execute his plans without Ruppert’s financial assistance, Barrow accepted an offer to become the Manager of the Boston Red Sox in 1918, with a young phenom, Babe Ruth in their line-up. Barrow recognized Ruth’s exceptional talent as a ball player and had advised Red Sox owner Harry Frazee that he was making a mistake when he sold Ruth to the Yankees after the 1919 season. Perhaps Ruppert never forgot his inability to help Barrow in 1918 for following the 1920 season Ruppert hired Barrow away from the Red Sox to run the baseball operations of the Yankees. In Barrow’s first season at the helm, the Yankees won their very first pennant (American League) and went on to win three straight pennants including their first World Series in 1923. Whether or not Ruppert planned for such an evolutionary path to be followed between Barrow and himself following his letter of repose to Barrow at his time of need is a question to ponder considering that they went on to form one of the most successful baseball alliances in history a few short years later. Letter measures 8 x 10, framed to measure 17.5 x 30.5. Comes with a Sportscard Guaranty Certificate of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.