Offered here is a handwritten 2-page letter written by Hall of Famer Ty Cobb to “Christy” (which could have been famed promoter Christy Walsh) dated July 1, 1951. The letter has been penned in green and the first page has “TYRUS R. COBB 48 SPENCER LANE, ATHERNTON MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA stamped in blue at the top. The two second page does not have the Ty Cobb stamping. This letter goes into detail pertaining to Cobb’s heart condition, which he used this letter to decline an invitation to receive an award.

The letter reads: “Dear Christy: yours received with reply card enclosed decided to answer by letter and air mail. I received invitation sent out by Mr. Mack and replied explaining my position fully to him. I regret so much I am unable to attend Luncheon and receive in person the honorary award they are giving, no expense naturally would enter into the matter of my attending. I have had a fibrillation of the heart and followed with two different types of virus flu was in hospital two weeks with heart thing and some 16 days with flue. In bed at home. I know feel fine but if I increase pace at what ever I do which includes walking I have a shortness of breath,

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I am not allowed to play golf and of course think the doctor is playing it too fine but he is the boss. My son Ty Jr. had a most serious brain operation in N.Y. I was not allowed to go, an aunt passed away in Georgia, not allowed to go, have summer place on Lake Tahoe and just now given permission to go there, the elevation 6259 ft at my place, the doctor may relent very soon but advises caution. I have (“refused” crossed out) reduced by dieting some 31 lbs and really feel fine, but when the doctor states he will not take responsibility I heed. So I hope it can be understood my position and my not being able to attend especially such an honorary thing for me as one of those so selected. With Kindest regards, I am. Sincerely Ty Cobb.”

Cobb’s signature is in bold green ink to close the letter. The letter itself is in good condition, displaying only minor toning and having the fold marks consistent with being placed in an envelope and staple holes on the top left corner of each page. Also handwritten in pencil is the notation “ans 7/25”. A wonderful artifact from one of the best baseball players of all-time. This letter comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (M01042), who have authenticated Cobb’s signature.

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