The great Ty Cobb finished his career in 1928, after two seasons manning the center field position at Shibe Park as a member of Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Eight years later, Cobb became a member of the inaugural class of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, alongside all-time greats Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. Of all these distinguished men, it was Cobb who received the most votes for induction, appearing on 222 of the 226 ballots. The amount of ballots he appeared on, 98.2%, remained a record until Tom Seaver reached 98.8% in 1992 and then Ken Griffey Jr. with 99.3% in 2016.

Offered here is a two-page letter, hand-written by Ty Cobb himself in green pen on “TYRUS R. COBB GLENBROOK, DOUGLAS COUNTY NEVADA” stationary, dated “5/29/59”. This letter was written only two years before his passing. Each page is 6 x 7 inches and has horizontal folds. Cobb was responding to an invitation he received to attend a “National Dog” event. The letter reads: “Dear Mr. Scott: - Yours received and feel honored your invitation to attend the National Dog week for Miss. I have hunted so many years of my life, have had same really great shooting dogs also good one in Field Trials. I have much enjoyed that part of my life. I am not in position to accept your invitation, there are so many demands also distance, time and health which forces me to deny myself of many things would like. I am in no serious condition as to health but have to follow my managers directions, doctor. I am under a strict diet and certain medications. Thanking you and with wishes for a very successful event. Yours, Sincerely Ty Cobb”. The papers display only minor toning and Cobb’s signature at the end of the letter is an excellent Cobb exemplar. This item comes with a LOA from JSA (Z39443).

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