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....