Lot # 2116: 1926 Jim Thorpe Handwritten Letter with Baseball Content - JSA

All Jim Thorpe letters are extremely rare, but the fact that the content of this one refers to him looking for work in an Ohio barnstorming baseball league makes it all the more extraordinary. The handwritten letter (5.25 x 8 inches) is dated "July 23, 1926" and includes Thorpe's home address in Marion, Ohio, where he lived in the 1920s. It is beautifully written in black fountain pen and reads in full: "Mgr Legion Base Ball Team - Glouster Ohio - Dear Sir- Could you use me for the balance of Summer and what would be your best terms for each game. How many games per week do you play. Respectfully, Jim Thorpe P.S. wire if you want me Sunday, Jim." When Thorpe won both the pentathlon and the decathlon at the 1912 Olympics, King Gustav of Sweden, the host country, said, "Sir, you are the greatest athlete in the world." Sadly, Thorpe had to return his Olympic medals when it was discovered he'd played professional baseball in a low minor league for about $60 a month in 1909. Signed by the Giants in 1913, Thorpe played six seasons in the Major Leagues. Thorpe was twice All-American at Carlisle Indian School, and his later professional football career earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thorpe handwritten letters are exceedingly rare, particularly those that feature significant baseball-related content. The letter has a moisture stain along the bottom (which does not in the least affect the extremely strong and bold legibility of the signature), and is otherwise in Very Good condition with normal mailing folds and some minor edge wear. Mounted (by means of photo corners) and framed together with a photograph of Thorpe to total dimensions of 21.5 x 16.25 inches. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.