Lot 81008
1912 Smoky Joe Wood Death Threat Letter.
View Catalog
Description
1912 Smoky Joe Wood Death Threat Letter. The 1912 "New York, NY" postmark on the included envelope stands as a testament to the advanced vintage of baseball's greatest rivalry. These Yankee fans may have taken matters a bit too far though, as they advise Wood, who would finish the 1912 season with a thirty-four and five record and three Fall Classic victories for the World Champion Boston Red Sox, of his impending doom. The typed letter features the grammar and punctuation one might expect from your standard early twentieth century goon, with such charming phrases as "Say your final farewells at once as you will be no more within a short time. You will be in danger every moment from now on, especially on the grounds. nothing stops us, and we never fail to put an end to our victim." The letter is accompanied by another from Wood's son, who notes that the threat was reported to the American League and that his father was undeterred from his duties. Typed page measures approximately 5x7" and exhibits no condition problems. Envelope is trimmed of postage stamp but otherwise fine. Letter of provenance from Wood's son.
