The Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie was a stalwart of the inter-war era of baseball, managing first in the Federal League with the Newark Pepper before steering the Pirates, Cardinals, Braves/Bees, and Cincinnati Reds until 1946. McKechnie won titles in 1925 with the Pirates and in 1940 with the Reds, finishing his career with 1,896 managerial wins in 25 seasons.

Offered in this lot is a photograph signed by McKechnie, as well as a letter with one side written on by McKechnie. The photograph measures 8 x 10 inches and shows McKechnie in a Boston Red Sox home uniform. He has signed this photograph in blue pen, inscribing “To Joe + Mike Hipius / with best regards / Bill McKechnie”. The offered letter is written on one side by Joe Hipius, the father of Joe Jr. and Mike, and the letter boasts Court of General Sessions of the County of New York letterhead. Hipius has written the letter in blue fine-tip marker. On the reverse side of the letter, McKechnie wrote “Dear Joe + Mike / I only do autos for boys such as you providing you promise to be good students + have good marks in school. With my very best regards to you both + also to your Daddy / Sincerely / Bill McKechnie P.S. I’ve been away on a hunting trip excuse delay”. McKechnie has signed this letter in blue pen. This lot, which was previously matted in a single display, comes with a LOA from JSA (Z64968).

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