Offered is a rare letter signed by former Cleveland Indians General Manager Billy Evans. Evans spent the first part of his career as a Major League umpire. He was the youngest umpire at age 22, when his career started, and would umpire in six World Series (1909, 1912, 1915, 1917, 1919 & 1923). After retiring from his umpire duties, Evans would become the general manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1927. The letter offered here is dated to January 14, 1932 and has on the top “THE CLEVELAND BASEBALL COMPANY” which reads:

     “Mr Ralph Winegarner

     Benton

     Kansas

     Dear Ralph Winegarner:

          As you know, the depression has affected baseball like all other business. The present owners of the Cleveland Club have operated for four years without paying any dividends. To all appearances, 1932 will be the toughest of all. At the Major League Meeting it was agreed that there should be a general reduction in salaries in keeping with the times.

          We are enclosing your contract for 1932 calling for $2400.00. While, no doubt, last year was a disappointing one to you, I trust it has in no way discouraged you. Possibly, we should have started you in Class B, rather than in A, where the going would have been a bit easier. Then there is the possibility of playing under lights for the first time affected your batting. However, forget about last year, figure you have had a year’s experience and that 1932 will produce much better results. That is my sincerest hope.

          Kindest personal regards,

          Very sincerely,

          (signed Billy Evans)

          General Manager.”

     This slightly toned letter is typed in black and features a quarter sized Indian marking on the bottom left of the document. This signed document comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AA07653).

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