Think of the historical import of a letter from a Hall of Fame ballplayer one who was a member of the infamous 1919 Black Sox team but was not implicated in the "throwing" of the World Series writing to the penurious Charles Comiskey with his salary requests for the coming seasons(s). Calling them "demands" seems a bit hyperbolic given a century's worth of baseball lore detailing Comiskey's hard line negotiating with his subjects. In the fascinating letter written in pencil on both sides of the 8-by-12-inch paper Eddie Collins politely asks for $17500 per season in a two-year deal which sounds reasonable considering that his first contract with the club eight years previous was for $15000. Collins alluded to recent efforts to trade him to New York and calls the $17500 figure a "fair adjustment" in view of Collins' long and continued service and other reasons. Ultimately Collins ended by trusting that his request would meet with Comiskey's approval. Fully transcribed the body of the hand addressed and dated letter reads as follows

My dear Mr. Comiskey

Your letter dated Dec 28th was received a few days ago.

In reply to your request for my playing terms for the coming years I might add years as it looks as though I was to remain with the Chicago Cubs in spite of the efforts of the press to trade me to New York. I beg to say I feel that a contract for two years at $17500 per season would be a fair adjustment between us-In view of my long and continued service and numerous other reasons of which you must be cognizant I think I am entitled to the increase specified.Trusting that this will meet with your approval.

I am

Sincerely yours

Edward T Collins

This unique and remarkable piece of correspondence shows typical fold lines and some light wrinkles that do nothing to diminish its visual quality. It's historical importance needs no embellishment.

Full LOA from JSA.