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Ban Johnson (D. 1931) was the founder of the American League, Ban Johnson was baseball's most influential executive for nearly a quarter of a century. As president of the Western League, he changed its name to the American League in 1900 and claimed major league status the following year. Despite opposition by National League owners, the new league quickly proved its competitiveness on the field and at the gate. Johnson became the most significant member of the National Commission, baseball's ruling body until 1920. He was elected to the Baseball HOF in 1937.
We offer a two page Typed letter on American League letterhead to Baseball Hall of Famer, Eddie Collins c/o of the Chicago White Sox on October 5, 1917 which happened to be one day before the start of Game 1 of the 1917 World Series in which the Chicago White Sox (a team comprised of many of the players who would take part in the fixed 1919 World Series) vs the New York Giants.
Eddie Collins, the highest paid player on the team at $15,000 (compared to Joe Jackson at $6000 and Red Faber at $2200) was the star of the team and considered one of the brightest. He rose to the level of VP and GM of the Red Sox after his playing days ended.
Eddie Collins evidently had contracted to write his account of the World Series, but Ban Johnson, the American League President did not approve of players writing about their games and felt that writing should be left to the professional sportswriters. However, a ruling was made that as long as the ballplayer actually wrote their own stories and not submitting articles through a ghostwriter; he couldn’t stop them.
Johnson writes, “Personally, I would much prefer that you should not write for the papers, but under existing conditions, I do not feel that you can side-step the obligations you have assumed. I really think it is hurtful to the best interests of baseball that any of the players should occupy a field where they do not belong. It is departing from your profession, and gathering funds that rightfully belong to others. “
“I am sorry Mr. Jackson has created this embarrassing situation.”
Supposedly, Joe Jackson may have set it up for Eddie Collins to be the voice of the player’s for the World Series. Several mentions of Joe Jackson are in the letter and based on Ban Johnson’s tone, this may have caused some issues for Shoeless Joe just a few short years later.
Historical content between two Hall of Famers and several politely disparaging mentions of Joe Jackson in this Hall of Fame worthy document.
Signed in black steel tipped pen by Johnson.
Full PSA/DNA LOA
Item: 13294
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