Really cool tiny slice of baseball history

[JoeDfan]

Mail day!
I picked up this very cool letter and envelope for my Maine baseball collection.

It is from 1889, from a player pleading for a spot on the Augusta baseball team. Apparently, the two men had some kind of falling out in the past:

Portland July 22

Friend Wilson

I suppose you will say that I got a gall to write to you for a chance to play ball. I know we had trouble but we must forget old sores. I would like to play in Augusta very much so if you can get me a chance to play in the field or first base you won't lose nothing by it. over..

The Bangors wanted me to stop a catch but I gave catching up but I could go in in a pinch so Wilson if there is any show let me know. You can get me a chance if you want to. Let me know whether you can or not and oblige me.

James McGovern 437 Fore St. Portland, Me.

I researched his name, and it would appear that Mr. McGovern did in fact get his wish to play pro ball, even if only for a short time.

Not a big name player; not even a lengthy career. But I just thought I would share (in my opinion) a really cool piece of one minor league player's life.

[bnorth]

That is awesome, I love the oddball stuff.

[Dewey]

A pretty sparse address on that envelope! Very cool.

[Bpm0014]

A pretty sparse address on that envelope! Very cool.

Was thinking the same thing!

[stone193]

I was thinking that also.

I really enjoy stuff like this - it's a small piece of baseball history.

Thanx!

[tjb1952tjb]

Wonder who the "Mr. Wilson" was? ("Base Ball Player")

[JoeDfan]

I looked for Wilson in the baseball reference. I found a few candidates, but nothing I could confidently call the same guy.

But he must have been somebody, because all you had to write was Mr. Wilson, Baseball Player to send him a letter!
Plus he apparently had the power to say who did (or didn't) play ball in Augusta!