Lot # 2326: 1942 Clark Griffith Signed Letter with Night Baseball Content

One-page typed letter, dated June 16, 1942, signed by Clark Griffith in his capacity as president of the Washington Senators. In his letter, on official "Washington American League Base Ball Club" letterhead, Griffith writes to Jack Zeller, secretary of the Detroit Tigers, expressing his desire for more night games for the Senators. In full: "My dear Jack: You, of course, remember the request and argument I put up before the two big leagues at the annual meeting last winter in reference to night baseball in Washington. I explained to you at that time that I had been through World War I here and that our attendance practically went to nothing. In 1917 the Washington Club only drew 89,000 people. The following year, a very little better, so had the war continued, I feel sure that we would have to quit playing ball here all together. Our day games here of late have not amounted to anything. In fact, we can't even draw 1,000 people, but night ball is good and there is strong demand for night baseball. Were we permitted to play all night ball, I feel sure that the Washington Club would be able to carry on. Therefore, I am requesting the privilege of the two big leagues to play all night baseball in Washington, except Sundays, holidays, and doubleheaders, commencing with my next home stay which is July 3rd. However, this would not affect the present schedule until we get to July 11th. From then on to the end of the season it would only give me thirteen additional games. I have written the Commissioner on this subject and have told him I intend to write all the big league clubs asking for their vote on this question. I would like you to send me your opinion and I will forward it to the Commissioner. Yours most sincerely. It is signed "Clark Griffith" in black fountain pen. It is interesting to note that Griffith's request for home night games beginning July 3rd was accommodated. The letter (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds, two staple holes, and handwritten notations along the bottom left. Excellent condition overall. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.