One of the Hall of Fame’s five original inductees in 1936, Honus Wagner combined rare offensive and defensive excellence throughout a 21-year career. Also was the first baseball player to have his signature branded into a Louisville Slugger baseball bat. TLS signed “J. Honus Wagner, Former Pirate,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Honus Wagner Sporting Goods Company letterhead, January 8, 1929. Wagner writes to an organizer of a benefit Old Timer’s Game. In full: “In reply to your letter of the 29th regarding the Old Time Baseball Game which you intend to hold sometime next summer in Boston, for the benefit of our old friend, Lou Criger. I will be glad to give you my services for such a worthy cause. I will also as you suggested, write Lou a letter. I am sure he will appreciate hearing from his old friends, that will help cheer him up. Drop a line to Charles Deacon Phillippi, c/o General Outdoors Advertising Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. I am sure he will be glad to give his services.” Lou Criger lasted sixteen years in the majors because of his ability as a catcher. Beginning in 1896, he was the battery mate of Cy Young in Cleveland and St. Louis of the National League, and Boston in the American League. Criger caught most of Young’s 511 victories; the two played together until Criger’s December 1908 trade to the Browns. During the first World Series, played in 1903 between the Boston Pilgrims (later the Red Sox) and Pirates, gamblers offered Criger a bribe to throw the games. Criger spurned it, and caught every inning of the eight games in the Boston victory. Double matted and framed to an overall size of 14 x 16. In fine condition, with intersecting folds. Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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