Lot # 1038: Connie Mack & Howard Ehmke "Most Thrilling Experience" Signed Letter Pair with 1929 World Series 13-Strikeout Record Content

Over several decades, Mr. Oliver Compton of Bridgewater, New Jersey sent letters to multiple Major League players asking them to relate their most thrilling experience in baseball. This is just one of the many offered in this auction.

These two letters, from manager Connie Mack and his pitcher Howard Ehmke detail both sides of a decision that changed the 1929 World Series. Both letters show removal from an album and are in Good condition.

Howard Ehmke signed typewritten letter on 8 ½ x 11 “The Howard Ehmke Co., Inc. - Philadelphia, Pa.” stationery dated August 17, 1943. The pitcher writes, “I must say that the opening game of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs in 1929 at Chicago would come first. It is always a pitchers ambition to take part in a World Series game. I felt extremely proud about receiving nomination as the opening pitcher when we had such great ones on the team as Earnshaw, Walberg and Grove. I was only happy that I could fulfill Mr. Mack's judgment. No doubt you know the outcome of the game as I broke the World Series strikeout record by fanning thirteen batters.”

Signed “Howard Ehmke” (“9-10”) in blue ballpoint.

Connie Mack signed handwritten letter on 8 ½ x 7 ½ (trimmed) “American Base Ball Club of Philadelphia” stationery dated August 24th, 1948. The Hall of Fame executive writes, “In 1929 against the Chicago Stubs (his word for the Cubs), Howard Ehmke was my pitcher. He broke a record that day that was held by Edward Walsh. Walsh had struck out twelve batters Ehmke struck out thirteen batters. I had such pitchers as Grove, Walberg both left handers and George Earnshaw a right hander. The fans expected one of three to pitch as Ehmke had only pitched six games all season. This was my greatest thrill.”

Signed “Sincerely, Connie Mack.” (“9-10”) in black pen.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.