Ed Kranepool spent his entire career with the New York Mets from 1962 – 1979 and was a key member of the 1969 World Series Championship team. Offered are two letters from Hillerich & Bradsby and the New York Mets that were sent to Kranepool. The first is letter from bat manufacturer Hillerich & Bradsby is dated July 31, 1962, less than two months prior to his Major League debut on September 22, 1962. Kranepool was still playing in the minor leagues at that time in Knoxville, Tennessee. The letter reads: “Dear Eddie: I am very pleased to enclose our check for $100 as first payment on your signature contract. Since you were on a Triple A roster at the time, I am happy that I can give you this $100. The next $100 will come when you play Big League Baseball. Incidentally, I would appreciate it if you would use the enclosed self addressed envelope to tell me the name of the town in which you live. I know it is in and around New York City, but I am not sure of the exact town. I have your address at 847 Castle Hill Avenue but no city. The two bats will be sent to your home when the die is made of your autograph, and that will be in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again for singing and best of luck for a wonderful career in professional baseball. If ever we can be of service to you, don’t hesitate to write me. Kindest regards. Sincerely yours, HILLERICH & BRADSBY Co. (signed Frank Ryan)”

      Two years later, a typed letter was written from New York Mets letterhead from Vice President John J. Murphy to Kranepool, dated December 30, 1964 in reference to basketball games Kranepool was planning on participating in. The letter reads: “Dear Ed: It has been called to my attention that you have agreed to play some exhibition games in basketball, under the sponsorship of Mr. Baumgarten. I wish to call your attention to a paragraph in your contract, which is on page two – at top of the page and it reads as follows: “Other Sports – (b) The Player and the Club recognize and agree that the Player’s participation in othe sports may impair or destroy his ability and skill as a baseball player. Accordingly the Player agrees that he will not engage in professional boxing or wrestling; and that, except with the written consent of the Club, he not engage in any game or exhibition of football, basketball, hockey or other athletic sport.” The New York Club feels that an exhibition game of basketball might result in some personal injury which would hinder your performance on the baseball field, and we don’t consent to your engaging in any type of game or exhibition of basketball. Very truly yours, (Signed John Murphy) John J. Murphy Vice President”

      Both letters are in excellent condition, display light toning and have staple holes on the top left corner. Each letter is folded to fit in an envelope and the original envelopes that these documents were mailed in accompany these letters.

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