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Lot # 1292: 1925 Mel Ott Recruitment/Introduction Letters (4) - Ott Family LOP

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Description

Young "Master Melvin" Ott's baseball future was on the line, when these (4) 1925 recruitment and introduction letters were drafted. A native of New Orleans suburb Gretna, Louisiana, Ott was just sixteen years old at time, playing high school and semi-pro ball. Though he lacked size and was described as raw, his exceptional hitting and fielding skills are noted in this collection of correspondence.

Featured are:

(2) handwritten recruitment letters from Louis G. Zehner, with:

1.) July 11, 1925 handwritten cover letter addressed to Mel's father Chas Ott, and a handwritten contract to play for the New Orleans Pelicans of the Class A Southern Association, for $300 a month. Both pages have some holes, though the content remains distinct and the context is clear. A Pelicans pitcher in the early 1900s, Zehner (d.1942) has signed the cover letter, and he has made the unsigned contract in the name of Pelicans president and stadium namesake A.J, Heinemann, whose name has been mostly obliterated by surface loss.

2.) July 25, 1925 two-page letter to Mel Ott, signed by Zehner. This letter is an appeal to young Ott to sign with Zehner when he is ready. Stated content mentions Ott would not have to miss any school to play for the Pelicans, and that Heinemann would not compel him to do so, but Ott would have to report to the Pelicans when school let out.

(2) signed typed introduction letters from Ney York Yankees alumnus Harry P. Williams (d.1963), on his personal letterhead. Both of these crisp letters are affixed to a scrapbook page, along with newspaper photograph and article clippings about Ott and a teammate. with:

1.) August 21, 1925 letter addressed to New York Giants manager John J. McGraw, introducing the bearer of the letter, M. Ott, with mention of his hitting and fielding prowess.

2.) August 31, 1925 letter addressed to active New York Giants star pitcher Art Nehf. The letter indicates the bearer Ott was a catcher at the time, and includes Williams' request for Nehf to "help him out".

Ott Family LOP signed by his granddaughter.