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Lot # 716: 1957 Dodgers Leaving Brooklyn "Official Announcement" Letter

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 10 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2018 Invitational",
which ran from 7/15/2018 9:00 AM to
8/17/2018 10:00 PM



Important letter was not only the official announcement, but also tells the real truth of the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. One-page, typed letter on Brooklyn Dodgers letterhead is addressed "Dear Dodgers Fan" making it THE letter that tears the bandage off in one painful rip. Signed by A. E. (Red) Patterson, the Assistant General Manager of the Dodgers, a legendary exec who saw Lou Gehrig's streak end, staged the first Old Timers Game (for Babe Ruth), conceived the "tape measure" home run after Mickey Mantle's 565-footer and will forever be known as the man who announced the Dodgers were leaving Brooklyn (as evidenced here). The letter touches on the Dodgers proposed $5,000,000 investment and $500,000/year rent that was offered to the borough of Brooklyn to remain. Patterson goes on to say, "There is not anything else we can do to keep the Dodgers here unless there is some meeting of the minds by the political powers that be." Walter O'Malley was blamed unjustifiably for this blight, but it was in fact a conspiracy by mega-developer Robert Moses, the most powerful man in NYC. Aided by his consort, NYC Mayor Wagner, Mega Moses wanted New Yorkers living out of Brooklyn and onto Long Island where they would be riding on his bridges, highways and paying the monstrous amount of toll money that flowed directly through him. Therefore, Ebbets Field was expendable. Mr. O'Malley and the Dodgers were essentially forced out of Brooklyn. The borough of Brooklyn would be decimated until today where it is now finally seeing the heyday it deserves.

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