Throughout his historic career with the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig often played second fiddle to the boisterous and affable Babe Ruth. This changed in 1935, when Ruth left the Yankees to join the Boston Braves and Gehrig assumed the mantle of team leader and star. In 1936, Gehrig won his second American League MVP award after leading the Yankees to their first World Series win in the post-Ruth era. Gehrig was one of five Yankees, including the hotshot rookie Joe DiMaggio, to drive in over 100 runs in 1936, finishing the year with an impeccable Triple Crown slash line of .354/49/152 with 37 doubles, 130 walks, and 167 runs scored.

Offered here is a letter handwritten by Gehrig in February of 1936, before he reported to St. Petersburg, Florida, for New York’s Spring Training. Gehrig wrote this letter to Larren Hopkins of Ferndale, Michigan, writing “Many thanks for your kind letter, and please pardon delay in answering. Its really funny, Larren, but I find it takes all my effort to earn that first base job, without becoming a statistician. However, I am taking your note to St. Pete with me, and there give it to a competent sports writer, who, I feel sure will give you desired information. With kind regards- Cordially, Lou Gehrig”. This letter is handwritten on Gehrig’s personal stationary in black fountain pen. It is displayed alongside an envelope addressed to Hopkins stamped on February 26th, 1936. On the envelope, Gehrig wrote “Mr. Larren W. Hopkins / 371 E Dray Ave / Ferndale, Mich.” Additionally, a black and white photograph of Gehrig scoring the first run of the 1938 World Series is included in this display. The framed display measures 22 x 18 inches. Please note the frame displays minor chipping. This handwritten and signed letter comes with a LOA from JSA (Z67484).

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