George Wright (1847-1937) was an American pioneer in the game of baseball. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937 in just its 2nd year of voting. His Cooperstown class which included Bulkeley Ban Johnson Lajoie Mack McGraw Speaker and Cy Young followed inaugural enshrinees Cobb Walter Johnson Mathewson Ruth and Wagner. Wright played shortstop for the original Cincinnati Red Stockings the first fully professional team and was the sport's first superstar. He is considered the best player in his era. In 1868 Wright won the Clipper Medal for being the best shortstop in baseball. In 1869 he led Cincinnati's undefeated continental tour and put up (unofficially) unfathomable numbers over 57 games including a .630 average and 49 home runs. He captained the Boston Red Stockings(1871-75) and Boston Red Caps 1876-78) to six pennants and player-managed Providence to another title in 1879. On April 22 1876 as a member of the Boston Red Caps he became the first batter in National League history. Elder brother Harry Wright managed both Red Stockings clubs and helped George become the team cornerstone. Both brothers are now in the Hall of Fame. George helped define the shortstop position and on-field teamwork but his main work as a sporting developer came after retiring from baseball.

After arriving in Boston as a player Wright entered the sporting goods business with the help of local businessman Henry Ditson. Together in 1971 they founded Wright & Ditson as a purveyor of tennis golf and baseball equipment. The history of Wright & Ditson is woven into the early fabric of American sports from the first official tennis ball of the U.S. Davis Cup to the publication of Wright & Ditson's Guide to American Golf [as revised by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1891]. The company was known for its precision craftsmanship from tennis rackets and golf club to by the turn of the century baseball equipment. By the early 1900's Wright & Ditson had become an industry leader in sports equipment and apparel in the U.S.

This original 8.5 x 11 two-page document dated October 31 1923 included the minutes from the Wright & Ditson-Victor Co. board of directors meeting held November 3rd of that year. Aside from a few minor tears at the edges (not affecting any of the typed content or signatures) it is entirely intact and in excellent condition considering its age and paper fragility. George Wrights beautiful signature in black ink adorns this document along with four other members of the Board: J.A. Addelman (west coast manager of Wright & Ditson) CB Whitney (brother of ballplayers Frank Whitney and Art Whitney and founder of Victor Sporting Goods) W. Wallace Furze and Helen G. ONeil. An extraordinarily rare piece of a baseball legend!

Full LOA from PSA/DNA.