Lot # 807: 1969-1970 Washington Senators Team-Signed 1969 Program with Ted Williams & Nellie Fox

Recognize the high point of the current Texas Rangers tenure in Washington, DC, with this 1969-1970 Senators team-signed 1969 program. A 1961 expansion team, the second Senators franchise called Washington home from 1961-1971, before relocating to Texas in 1972. Seen on the front cover of this 1969 program, is first year manager Ted Williams, who is smiling broadly. With "Teddy Ballgame" in charge, the Senators hitting experienced a healthy uptick, and the 1969 squad finished 86-76, the only winning record for the franchise during its eleven years in DC.

A total of (29) signatures are counted on the front cover of this vintage program. These signatures are distinct, and nicely matched in quality, though two are located over the dark area of Williams jacket at lower-left. (20) Signers were on the Senators 1969 MLB roster, the others were either minor leaguers who made their MLB debut in 1970 or 1971, veterans who were on the Senators 1970 MLB roster, or in one case, undetermined.

Featured signers are 1969 player and coaches, unless noted, with: Ted Williams (HOF, manager), Nellie Fox (HOF, coach, d.1975), Jim Hannan, Sid Hudson (coach), Joe Coleman, Bill Fahey (1971 rookie), Bernie Allen, Del Unser, Jeff Burroughs (1970 rookie), Ken McMullen, Bill Jurges (scout), Ed Brinkman, Zoilo Versalles, Joe Camacho (coach), Rich Stelmaszek (1971 rookie), Paul Casanova, Mike Epstein, Hank Allen, Lee Maye, Wayne Terwilliger (coach), Tim Cullen, Dave Nelson, Jim Mason, Tom Ragland (1971 rookie), Rich Donnelly (minor leaguer), Tom Grieve (1970 rookie), George Brunet (1970 player), John Roseboro (1970 player), and one undetermined.

Also present is a 1969 Boston Red Sox file copy press release, with a statement from team owner Tom Yawkey giving his positive opinion on Ted Williams becoming a manager.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.