This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Hall of Famer Mel Ott was a friendly, approachable kind of guy who liked to call opposing pitchers his "cousins." Because many people regarded him as family, it was not unusual for the man who hit 511 home runs over a 22-year career with the New york Giants to receive requests for tickets. In this letter written by Ott on March 30, 1943, when he was the team's player-manager, he tactfully replied to an impatient request for a season ticket. The letter is written on the stationery of the Brannick Arms in Lakewood, New Jersey, where the Giants were holding spring training. Ott writes, "Dear Sally, I'm sorry you thought I had forgotten you. I really haven't, it's just that I've been quite busy," and promises that the ticket will be sent soon. The letter is signed, "Sincerely yours, Mel Ott" and is written in black pen, with the signature rating a solid 9. The season pass was subsequently sent by the Giants on April 14. The pass and letter are in the original envelope and includes a card reading "Compliments of New York Baseball Club." The letter and pass are in excellent condition.