I was once on Hank Sauer's Christmas card list (seriously)

[53Browns]

I've been meaning to post this for several years now. Back in the late 90's I wrote a few retired major leaguers I admired to let them know how much I enjoyed either watching them play or in some case, because I was too young, reading about them. One of the latter was Hank Sauer. I had been a fan of his for years but never got the privilege of seeing him play. So I wrote my letter and was hoping just for an autograph in the return mail. Instead, what I got blew my mind. His lovely wife, Jeanne, was so touched by my letter, she compiled a photo album of Hank's career which included multiple photographs, clippings and autographs. This was in the fall of 1999. She enclosed a card (pictured) that read: "Dear Bill, as a great fan of Hank I have a collectible album for you of his illustrious baseball career for your enjoyment. Travel down memory lane of my love's life's dream! Warmly, Jeanne Sauer. P.S. Your letter to Hank was full of care to him!!" Then a few months later, in early December, I received a Christmas card from them (also pictured). She wrote: "May the 2000 New Year be a "Grand Slam" for you. The Best, Mr. & Mrs. Hank Sauer. Just wanted to share my most prized possession....

[KingFisk]

That is incredibly cool and truly priceless.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[ALR-bishop]

Very nice story

[KCRfan1]

Bill, that is so neat!!! The look on your face must have been priceless when you received those goodies!

[jerseygary]

I've never seen anything like that! Those two are really class acts!

[Stonepony]

That's really a special keepsake. Nice!

[7nohitter]

That is incredible! Very very cool.

[LeftHandedDane]

Thats a great story, and cool, one-of-a-kind stuff. I especially like the photo of Hank with Ted Williams.

[gregr2]

WOW, great stuff and an awesome story.

[sbfinley]

That is amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[Neal]

good stuff!

[egri]

Bill, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[Abeabe]

That is an amazing story. I have had some very nice gestures from some players, like full letters written back, but nothing to the magnitude of a scrapbook.

[The-Cardfather]

Great, great stuff!

I just did a quick Google search on Hank and learned that he passed away just two short years after sending that scrapbook (in 2001 at age 84).

Apparently, he never had any children of his own. I also found it interesting that he was married to his second wife, Esther from 1940 until her death in 1979 and then re-married his first wife; Jeanne.

[53Browns]

Thank you all for your appreciation of this great item. Truthfully I shared it with you because you guys are the only ones I know who would truly appreciate it. No one in my circle would have any interest or even know who Hank was. Up to now it's been like a secret I always felt I needed to share. Another reason I love this board (and not to be too sappy, you guys too). Thanks again!

~Bill

[DBesse27]

Very cool Bill.

[Exhibitman]

Fantastic!