early Cobb letters to friend Erwin Manley

[Bicem]

Sorry if these were already discussed (amazing find), but does anyone know what they sold for? Couldn't find the info anywhere online and the AH won't get back to me. Thanks!


LINK (http://www.sportscollectorsdigest.com/early-ty-cobb-letters-to-friend-detail-early-playing-days-personal-life/)

[WillowGrove]

I lost track of this Jeff. Hope you get an answer.

[Bicem]

I was lucky enough to pick up what I believe was the only letter from the find that wasn't sold off privately as a group last year by Roykas.

Here is the first and last page of my 4-page letter and a transcript of the entire thing, interesting look into the mind of a then 17-year-old Cobb playing semipro ball with the Anniston Steelers.

http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/cobbletter/websize/IMG_20170116_134841.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/cobbletter/websize/IMG_20170116_134655.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/cobbletter/IMG_20170126_105924.jpg

I particularly like the part about Ty perfecting his bunting, ties back nicely to my favorite Cobb photo which shows him laying down a bunt.

http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/vanoeyen/websize/1908%20L%20Van%20Oeyen%20Cobb.jpg

[ramram]

WOW!!!!

Rob M

[ksfarmboy]

Very nice Jeff!

[Jason]

That is a fantastic piece. Its so interesting to read Cobb's thoughts in his own words. You can tell he was dealing with a bit of home sickness. Thank you for sharing it.

[btcarfagno]

That is insane Jeff. Congratulations. While it may not be the most valuable item I have ever seen having been acquired by someone on this board, I think it might be my favorite. There are so many levels of awesomeness to it.

Tom C

[irv]

That is insane Jeff. Congratulations. While it may not be the most valuable item I have ever seen having been acquired by someone on this board, I think it might be my favorite. There are so many levels of awesomeness to it.

Tom C

I agree!

Unbelievable P/U!

[sayheykid54]

Great find. Did the lots sold include Psa/Dna or any other authentication?

[Bicem]

Authenticated by Ty Cobb historian Wesley Fricks.

PSA would definitely authenticate it for whatever that's worth. To me, nothing.

[perezfan]

I particularly like the part about Ty perfecting his bunting, ties back nicely to my favorite Cobb photo which shows him laying down a bunt.

[IMG]http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/vanoeyen/websize/1908%20L%20Van%20Oeyen%20Cobb.jpg[/QUOTE]

Great stuff... In terms of the personal content, and the super-young age at which it was written, it doesn't get much better. I like the part where he talks about his bunting skills too... but am not so sure the photo depicts him bunting. That looks like his normal split-handed grip, for which he was so famous. I think his hands would be spread apart much further if it was a bunting pose. I believe this shot is more of a mid-swing pose.

Incredible photo, either way. The clarity and intensity of his face are both incredible. Congrats on an amazing find!

[Bicem]

Thanks!

I think that was his bunting grip (http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/ty-cobb-shows-a-bunting-technique-while-trainig-at-augusta-ga-picture-id515163270)as well.

Van Oeyen also wrote a message to Cobb on the back of my photo about showing him in the act of bunting...

http://photos.imageevent.com/bicem/cobb/vanoeyen/large/1908%20Van%20Oeyen%20Cobb%20back.jpg

[ramram]

Wow, it only gets better! Love that note.

Rob M