November 2016 Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2016
Bill Veeck (D. 1986), also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox. As owner and team president of the Indians in 1947, Veeck signed Larry Doby, thus beginning the integration of the American League. Veeck was the last owner to purchase a baseball franchise without an independent fortune, and is responsible for many innovations and contributions to baseball.
Finding it hard to financially compete, Veeck retired after the 1980 Chicago White Sox season. He died of cancer six years later. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame five years later in 1991.
Offered is a brief typed note (8.5” x 11”) signed by Veeck on Indians letterhead dated April 20, 1947 with original mailing envelope
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.