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Lot # 1048: 1920 Jack Quinn Signed Spit Ball Permission Telegram Addressed to Miller Huggins - Full JSA LOA

This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction Summer 2026, which ran from Thu, Aug 27, 2026 11:59 AM to Thu, Sep 10, 2026 9:59 PM

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Description

One of the last spit ballers is recalled, with this Jack Quinn signed telegram regarding permission to use the spit ball pitch. During the 1919-1920 off season, a baseball rule was put into effect partially banning the spitter. Each of the existing teams was permitted to select two pitchers eligible for spit ball use, who be the last ever allowed to use the deceptive pitch. Quinn was chosen for the New York Yankees, and he sent this Postal Telegraph message to Yankees manager Miller Huggins. Dated April 6, 1920, this brief message relates Quinn received a letter from American League president Ban Johnson's office, stating he should notify Huggins to designate which two pitchers on his staff should be permitted to use the spit ball. Despite folds and creases, this historic telegram remains reasonably attractive, and Quinn's prominent signature is distinct.

Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.