This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
Clark Griffith's ownership of the Washington Senators lasted for half a century during which time he won respect far and wide for his innovations, including the signing of Cuban players and the development of relief pitchers. There was irony in Griffith being an owner, given that when he was a player in the late 1800s he led baseball's first player strike. His demand that players have a $3,000 minimum salary caused a player walkout from the NL to the new AL. Although beset with financial problems, Griffith kept the team going and eagerly responded to any interest in the Senators, such as this letter dated July 8, 1953 when he personally sent a photo of Griffith Stadium out to a fan. The letter is on Senators stationery and is signed "With all good wishes, I am yours most sincerely, Clark Griffith," in blue ballpoint pen. The signature rates a 7. The letter is mounted in a good-condition 13 ½" x 15 ½" brown frame with a blue interior background.