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 one-page letter, hand-written by Ty Cobb himself in green pen on “TYRUS R. COBB GLENBROOK, DOUGLAS COUNTY NEVADA” stationary, dated “4/3/59”. This letter was written only two years before his passing. The 7 ¼ x 10 ½ -inch page has two horizontal folds and the letter was written to Joe Clement of Sinclair Oil Co of Idaho. Cobb wrote: “Dear Joe: Nice of you to write me, this will be very brief. I was a much sicker person than I know, first I had a badly infected tooth which caused my back + neck troubles also neuraljia in face, had it extracted and three days of acute pain my face and back, then to a doctor put me in hospital now 11 days and will be released Sunday, because very strict reducing diet, lost 12 lbs, have had 3 urine tests each day and from one to 3 blood tests. My blood sugar was up to 280 where I cause here, an insulin last 5 days, reduced my blood sugar to 175 all these tests was to find out my insulin dosage. I felt terrible since I last saw you, went through quite a bit. I am allowed out from 12 30 PM until 4 o’clock all other time must be in hospital for diet food and the many tests. Hope you had nice trip back, this is all new best to you + yours. I am Sincerely” signed “Ty” and “Regards to Sid + Bill”. The letter is in excellent condition, displaying only slight toning, a couple of marks and the aforementioned crease folds. The original 4 x 7 ½ -inch envelope that is addressed to “Mr. Joe Clement” is included. The envelope has an Abraham Lincoln 4-cent stamp and a stamped postmark from Scottsdale, AZ dated April 5, 1959. This letter comes with a LOA from JSA (BB31435).

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