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Lot # 643: 1965 Jackie Robinson Handwritten Letter with U.C.L.A and Lew Alcindor Content - "There is Great Ability in Him but There is More Pride" (PSA)

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 31 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer Classic 2022",
which ran from 8/28/2022 7:00 PM to
9/17/2022 10:00 PM



Two-page handwritten letter (on each side of a single sheet), undated, signed by Jackie Robinson. Although the letter is undated, it is accompanied by its original mailing envelope, which is postmarked December 27, 1965. In his letter, written on his personal letterhead to his good friend Bob Campbell, Robinson first discusses his health, but then turns his attention to U.C.L.A. basketball star Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar). In part: "Lou [sic] Alcindor went on T.V. and made a comment that was totally taken out of context only because the commercial came on and he had no chance to  explain what he meant. He seems to be highly intelligent and I think its a shame youngsters like him are not understood. There is great ability in him but there is more pride. I would think some understanding of his concern would help a great deal. If I were close to him or his coach I would call him aside and tell him I understand. I would then suggest we work together to see what we can do to help solve the problem. U.C.L.A. with Wooden could make a real contribution if the will was there. . . ." Signed simply "Jackie." Both the text and signature are scripted in blue ink and grade 9/10 overall. 1965 marked Lew Alcindor's freshman season at U.C.L.A. and even though freshman were unable to play at the varsity level at the time, he was still the most well-known collegiate athlete in the country given his incredible abilities on the hardwood. He was also, like Robinson, a social activist with a focus on civil rights, so it was only natural that Robinson took special interest in him, especially since Robinson was a U.C.L.A. alumnus. The letter (7.25x10.5") displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent condition overall. Accompanied by its original mailing envelope (9.5x4"; Good condition). Full LOA from PSA.

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