Vintage Sports Related Letters

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I thought I'd throw out a call for some interesting VINTAGE sports related handwritten letters that are out there. We are always looking at snapshots of time through the photo lens but sometimes getting in the head of the athlete, coach or fan can be just as interesting. Show us some of the interesting material that is out there!

I'll start with a 1931 Negro League letter from the powerful Hilldale Club (aka Hilldale Giants, aka Hilldale Daisies). This 1931 team had players such as Martin Dihigo, Biz Mackey, Nip Winters and Judy Johnson. The letter is written by Lloyd Thompson, one of the players from the original Hilldale team, who went on to become one of the team officers. He is writing to veteran player Joe Lewis. The letter is addressed to Lewis at the "Woodmen of Union Hotel" which was an all-black spa in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is asking Lewis to return and play for their team in 1931. Lewis, at the age of 36, did return and play for Hilldale that year.


April 10, 1931

Mr. Joseph Lewis
c/o Woodmen of Union Hotel
Hot Springs National Park, Ark.

Friend Joe:
Rec. your letter and as Judy [HOFer and Team Captain Judy Johnson] told you we are holding a place open for you. We offer the same salary as last season, but make no deduction for days lost. Since you have talked with Mr. Drew [Team President] I am sure that you are convinced that he is a strict business man and you need have no hesitancy regarding agreements being carried out. In defense of myself and others connected last season I can simply say that we done the best we could under circumstances [not sure what this is in reference to]. About the Boston team I hope you didn't make promises to Dan McClellan [one of the top negro league pitchers of his day and now a manager of a rival team] because he and Mr. Drew had a long conversation and parted with the understanding that we would do nothing to hurt Danny [Dan McClellan]. We will talk it over when you get in. Players have already reported, so will look for you right away. Send air mail letter advising when you are leaving. We start playing Sat. 18th.

Very truly yours
Hilldale Club Inc.
By Lloyd P. Thompson

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