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Lot # 814: Circa 1956 Jackie Robinson Handwritten Letter with Racial Content - "It's Not a Bitterness I Hold but I Sincerely Feel Sorry for the People" (Who are Racially Prejudiced) (PSA MINT 9)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 34 (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



Two-page handwritten letter (on each side of a single sheet), undated, signed by Jackie Robinson. PSA has encapsulated the letter and graded the signature MINT 9. In his letter, on his personal letterhead, Robinson writes to his good friend Bob Campbell. Robinson begins his letter by telling Campbell that he will be able to get him World Series tickets for Dodgers home games ". . . . providing we are able to hold our lead." He also writes about his desire to retire and spend more time with family before offering his opinion on prejudice in America. In part:

Mr. Campbell you have only scratched the surface as far as prejudice goes. I have had some real experiences as you probably know but it's not a bitterness I hold but I sincerely feel sorry for the people. It makes our entire country look so bad and the idea behind it is so ridiculous. But as you say, the change is coming I have seen it over the few years I have been in baseball and am sure with men such as you the task will become a lot easier.

Signed simply "Jackie" in blue ink. The letter (7.25x10.5") displays one vertical and two horizontal mailing folds. While the letter is undated, the fact that Robinson talks seriously about retiring, and provides the caveat "providing we are able to hold our lead" when discussing World Series tickets, makes it likely the letter dates from September, 1956. (The Dodgers had a fourteen-game lead entering September in 1955, but had to fight to win the pennant by a game in 1956; Robinson retired after the 1956 season.) 

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