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Lot # 813: 1954 Pair of Extraordinary Jackie Robinson Handwritten Letters to Obsessed Female Fan - "You Must Realize How This Whole Thing Could Look if Something Had Happened and I was in Possession of Your Property" - Four Robinson Signatures in Total (PSA)

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 24 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



In 1954 Jackie Robinson found himself involved in an awkward situation with a teenage girl named Miss Duke Agen that, as he was smart enough to realize, could have caused him considerable trouble had the circumstances been different. Luckily, he was proactive in the matter and contacted the young girl's parents before things went any further. These two handwritten letters, written six weeks apart, provide insight into the affair. PSA has individually encapsulated each letter and graded each signature MINT 9.

Both letters are written in blue ink on Hotel Schroeder (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) letterhead, which is where the Dodgers were staying while on the road against the Braves, and are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes. The first is a standard letter of thanks to Miss Agen who expressed interest in Robinson and the Dodgers. Robinson not only signed the letter, but added "Best Wishes Jackie Robinson" at the base of the page, with both signatures graded MINT 9 by PSA. The letter is not dated, but the original mailing envelope is postmarked June 3, 1954.

The second letter to Miss Agen, which was written six weeks later, shows that her actions had gone beyond that of a normal fan. Apparently, she had left home to follow the Dodgers for a short period and then sent her ring to Robinson, who became alarmed at its meaning and contacted her parents. In his letter, Robinson conveys that he was sincerely concerned about her, but admonishes her for her actions. In part: "Please tell your folks for me that my concern was simply because you had sent the ring and I have never seen or talked with you. You must realize how this whole thing could look if something had happened and I was in possession of your property. . . . I have had so much work with teenagers and young adults that I have seen things happen. I just hope you take this letter in the spirit in which it was written." Signed "Jackie Robinson" (graded MINT 9 by PSA)

Like the first, the letter is undated, but is accompanied by the original mailing envelope postmarked July 17, 1954. On this envelope, Robinson has written "J. Robinson/Dodgers" (7/10) above the hotel's return address (encapsulated by PSA, with the signature certified as "Authentic").  Both letters (6x9.5") display horizontal folds, with the first also having a few tiny areas of light discoloration. Each mailing envelope (approximately 6.25x3.75") is in Good condition. 

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