For hardcore Lou Gehrig nerds only
 

I've mentioned to a few board members some pieces I acquired in the most recent Christie's baseball sale. I bought a collection of documents that were from the files of Milton "Mickey" Eisenberg, who was Lou's and later Eleanor's personal lawyer for many years. It was advertised as roughly 17 pieces, and most post Lou's death. I figured with Christie's one never knows what the heck they are going to sell you so I took a shot. Mostly mundane stuff after Lou's passing but one very cool piece tucked away folded up that no one probably even looked at.

It's a three page statement in Lou's voice from late 1940, a few months before he died, about his lawsuit against the NY Daily News, where he sued them for suggesting that his disease was contagious and possibly why the entire Yankee team was playing so terribly. A truly grotesque example of irresponsible sports writing. To this day people write about terrible it was that Gehrig had to endure this during the final stages of his life.

The statement (below) is unsigned. It's Lou recounting the story of the Daily News editor coming to the Gehrig house to apologize. Some amazing detail and clearly in Lou's voice. My suspicion is that Lou dictated to someone in Eisenberg's office who dutifully transcribed it. I guess possibly Eleanor typed if for him. Seems very unlikely that Lou was typing letters this deep into his illness.

In any event, pretty amazing historical document I believe. I hope it's readable but likely will need to expand it a bit.

If you want to know more about the whole Daily News incident see link below.

http://baseballegg.com/2020/09/08/th...m-the-yankees/

That is a very very cool item. Congrats in finding it.

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And yes. I am a proud member of the hardcore Gehrig nerd club.

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I believe you are a charter member.

You too. We need membership cards and maybe a secret handshake.

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That's pretty great.

Amazing stuff.

Fantastic find. Thanks for sharing.

If theres a Lou Gehrig Nerd club, I already have the profile picture :)

fantastic
 

I know this goes against all monetary sense but something like that is better than any card. It shows the character of the man in his own words. One of a kind!

fantastic
 

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I think that you understated this with your reference to hardcore Lou Gehrig nerds only.

Reading that was nothing short of amazing.

Truly a piece of history recorded in real time.

Thank you VERY MUCH for sharing it.




P.S. Or maybe I'm a nerd!

Quite a wonderful historical document. I know I am in a very small minority, but, to me, historical trumps cards, grades and cut signatures. Well done.

Glad you guys enjoyed it. To me I thought it was something special.

My wife chuckled when Lou said the earlier article put him "in a picklish spot" with his teammates. I mean c'mon. That's the man's choice of words. Incredible.

dup