Stanley Covelski was a right-handed pitcher who escaped a boyhood spent in the mines at Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and rose all the way to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Displayed is a Stan Covelski March 11, 1956, handwritten, signed letter. Stan Covelski, born as Stanislaus Kowaleski, worked in the coal mines as a boy, starting at 12-years-old at a local colliery as a "breaker boy," working 72 hours a week for five cents an hour. "There was nothing strange in those days about a twelve-year-old Polish kid working in the mines 72 hours a week for a nickel an hour," said Covelski. "What was strange is that I ever got out." Covelski pitched in the Major Leagues for 17 seasons: Philadelphia Athletics (1912), Cleveland Indians (1916-24), Washington Senators (1925-27), New York Yankees (1928). Covelski had a brother, Harry Covelski, who also was a Major Leaguer, and a 4-time 20-game winner. Stan Covelski had a career 215-142 record, with a 2.89 ERA, and a 2-time AL ERA Champ. He was a World Champion with the 1920 Cleveland Indians.

The offered handwritten letter was written with blue fountain ink. The letter comes in its original envelope, and it is addressed to a Fred Sticha, in Cleveland, Ohio. The letter is written on one side of three pages of lined, 4.8x8" notebook paper. In part, it reads, "Mar. 11-56/Dear Friend:- First of all accept my apology for not answering sooner, as you know how much I like to fish, as I go every chance I get so the time does fly for me. The dollar you sent me, I did as you suggested and bought a plug. (named it Freddie) believe it or not I caught quite a few fish (bass) on it. Can't put into words, of your kindness to me. So I can only say ("Thank You") believe me they have lots of meaning, as it comes from the bottom of my old heart.... I still have a great deal of friends who think as you do, & good many from Cleve. & here.... in closing May God Bless & protect you and yours at all times & keep you healthy & happy. Yours Truly, Stanley." The letter's envelope is postmarked Mar 11, 1956, at South Bend, Indiana. The 3.6x6.5" envelope exhibits some darkening and foxing. The back of the envelope has Stanley Covelski's name and his address in South Bend. The letter itself is beautifully scripted and in EXCELLENT condition. The letter's pages have two folds from mailing. The signed Stan Covelski letter shows a warm and personal reply from the Hall of Famer.