Due to a farm-machinery accident in his youth Brown lost parts of two fingers on his right hand and as a result turned this handicap into an advantage by learning how to grip a baseball in a way that lead to an extraordinary curveball. With this technique he became one of the elite pitchers of his era from 1903-1916 predominantly with the Chicago Cubs.  Brown's most productive period was when he played for the Chicago Cubs from 1904 through 1912. During this stretch, he won 20 or more games six times and was part of two World Series championships.  He recorded 239, posted a career era of only 2.06 and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1949.  <p><p> The lot offers a unique piece of fan mail on “Lee Motor Company, Inc.” stationery, dated “April 4th, 1940” and addressed to Brown at his Terre Haute, Indiana residence. The typewritten letter asks Brown for the dates of his playing career. Brown’s handwritten reply reads:

”Started 1901, Retired 1916 from the Majors, ” 1921 “ organized ball, Hope this will fill the Pill….”Been to Mayo Bros Hosp. or would of answered before” - Mordecai Brown”

Accompanying is the original mailing envelope with Mordecai's return address printed as "Mordecai (Three Finger) Brown” and addressed to the return recipient written in the hand of Mordecai Brown.The letter has been signed and penned in graphite pencil in reply to a fan’s inquiries regarding Brown’s career and his signature projects (“8”) strength. Full photo LOA from JSA.

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