LEO DUROCHER ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 'NOTICE TO PLAYER OF RELEASE' DOCUMENT WITH BROOKLYN CONTRACT NEGOTIATION (DISPUTE) LETTERS AND MORE WITH SIGNATURES
Ephemera items from 1937 and 1938. Included in this lot is a Branch Rickey signed letter to Leo Durocher of his "formal notice of the assignment of your contract to the Brooklyn Club, of the National League, without right of recall" dated October 5, 1937 on "St. Louis National Baseball Club - Cardinals" letterhead hand signed by Branch Rickey and Cardinals envelope postmarked Oct. 8, 1937, along with the Branch Rickey signed "Notice to Player of Release or Transfer" document "No. 832". Included in this lot are several letters of correspondence between Leo Durocher and newly appointed Brooklyn Dodgers Executive Vice President Larry MacPhail.
One letter dated January 29, 1938, from MacPhail to Durocher on Brooklyn National League Baseball Club - Ebbets Field letterhead and matching envelope, hand signed by MacPhail, explaining in a stiff tone why Durocher won't be paid what he wants (a good read), envelope post marked Feb 16, 1938. Also included is a Western Union telegram dated "1938 Feb 15" to Durocher from L S MacPhail, announcing "MANAGE GRIMES HAS SELECTED YOU... ...TO REPORT AT HOTSPRINGS ON MONDAY FEBRUARY TWENTY FIRST...".
A 2-page letter from MacPhail to Durocher dated February 11, 1938, on Brooklyn letterhead with matching envelope showing the same postmarked date, with MacPhail explaining his stance on the proposed salary for Durocher with reasons, including the fact the Durocher was being "traded from a First Division Club to a Second Division Club", hand signed by MacPhail. Another 3-page letter from MacPhail to Durocher dated February 17, 1938, on Brooklyn letterhead as well including the postmarked envelope for the same date, in a somewhat argumentative tone once again explaining why Durocher won't be paid what he wants with explanations including his poor performance in 1937, as well as bringing up why St. Louis may have let him go, hand signed by MacPhail. The last, a type-written letter from Durocher to Mr. Larry MacPhail (penciled on top as a "Copy" , assumed to be in Durocher's hand) is evidently a cover letter sent by Durocher with an unsigned contract that was sent to him by MacPhail. The letter shows Durocher trying to explain why he should be paid, ending with "I do not want to dicker back and forth, or be classed as a holdout player, but I expect a new contract from the Club for $13,500.00". An entirely type-written letter to all players on Brookly letterhead dated February 15, 1938, with details of "Spring Training Camp" and details for the camp with typed signature of MacPhail. And a Missouri Pacific Lines train schedule for Leo E. Durocher to Hot Springs for February 20th, with a handwritten note to Leo from Brooklyn Dodgers road secretary John McDonald.

The Western Union telegram is a bit rough. Note the thin straight horizontal crease just off the bottom of the "Notice of Player Release" document. Torn envelope postmarked Feb. 17, 1938, through the Brooklyn return address area. Some other rough areas. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Reference to condition written, oral or within a condition report shall not be regarded as a full account of condition and may not include all defects, alterations, or restorations. Absence of a condition report does not imply a lot is flawless or lacking imperfections or damage. Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Returns shall not be accepted on the basis of condition.