Lot # 768: 1940 Walter Johnson Handwritten Letter Signed with Original Mailing Envelope & Full PSA/DNA LOA

Presented is a beautifully preserved one-page handwritten letter from Washington Senators Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson, dated April 24, 1940, and signed in full at the conclusion. Written entirely in Johnson’s hand, this one-page letter to “Eleanor” provides a rare, candid window into the private world of baseball’s most gentlemanly legend as he corresponds with a female penpal. Penned on Johnson’s personal stationery and accompanied by the original postmarked mailing envelope, the correspondence reveals his warm humor and simple, down-to-earth nature as he reflects on walks outdoors, the passage of time, and life after baseball. The letter’s tone is unmistakably personal and engaging. In it, Johnson writes not as a sports idol, but as a humble and thoughtful man enjoying the quieter rhythms of farm life in Germantown, Maryland. A number of fascinating lines are included within the letter. Johnson writes "I have heard all work no play is bad." He continues to muse about what his penpal might look like, rattling off age, height, and weight guesses despite never having met her in person. "Let's each start hitch hiking and see where we would meet," is how he starts the letters final paragraph. Both the letter and envelope exhibit expected mailing folds and light handling, but no significant detracting flaws, representing an exceptional state of preservation for an 85-year-old piece of handwritten correspondence. Johnson’s autograph is among the most sought after in the hobby, and complete handwritten letters of personal content are exceedingly scarce. This is a superb piece that offers collectors a uniquely human glimpse of “The Big Train” in his own words. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.