In this instance, no. While evidence points to Alex being a humble and gracious autograph signer, he lived an itinerant lifestyle following his career. This is the reason for his signature being more difficult to procure than the other original HOF inductees who were alive to witness the 1939 enshrinement ceremonies. In fact, something signed by Alexander in the last year of his life is more easily procured than material signed in earlier times. According to an obituary, he had settled down in a bungalow in the Los Angeles area at the very end. Collectors obviously located this address and sent their requests, or at least the Hall of Fame and the Sporting News had a physical location to forward the mail.
While there is a market for "tail-end" autograph examples in some instances, sadly the demand appears to coincide more with a tragic ending in the Munson, Gehrig or Clemente sense. Ironically, for a man such as Alexander whose entire life was marred by tragedy, an added value for a "final autograph" would likely carry no significant consideration.
Edited to add a point of interest: One obituary actually mentions that Alex was typing a letter to his ex-wife at the time of his death. The letter was unfinished and still rolled up in the typewriter upon discovery of Pete's body in the room of the Nebraska house which he was staying. If he had managed to autograph it, then this particular item would have slightly refuted my opinions expressed above!
Last edited by BillyCoxDodgers3B; 07-18-2016 at 11:04 AM.
|