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.

Presented here is an incredibly rare 8 ¼ x 11-inch letter that was handwritten and signed by the great Lou Gehrig in 1936 that was written to Lou's accountant, Mr. Theodore Witkin. Handwritten and signed letters by Gehrig are extremely hard to find and this example is one of the premier exemplars. Dated “April 6, 1936”, this letter was written on the stationary of the “Andrew Jackson Hotel” in Nashville, Tennessee and penned in black ink. The letter reads “Dear Mr. Nitkin, Enclosed please find another letter which is self explanitary. I just dropped Mr. Palmer a letter advising him that I felt quite sure this matter had been adjusted by you. Many thanks again, and hope you are having a little leisure now. Cordially Lou Gehrig”. The letter displays toning and there are three crease folds, consistent with being placed in an envelope. This letter has been encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA (84212938).