Just like millions of other immigrants to the United States, Bernhard Dreyfuss adopted the game of baseball in his new homeland, and became part of the American fabric. Changing his name to the more American “Barney,” the German immigrant journeyed to Paducah, Kentucky, where he learned the Bourbon distilling trade. Two years after moving to Louisville in 1888, Dreyfuss bought a piece of the Major League’s Louisville Colonels and soon after hired a young shortstop named Honus Wagner. Dreyfuss moved to Pittsburgh when the National League contracted teams in 1900 and became owner of the Pirates. For the next three decades Dreyfuss presided over two separate Pirates dynasties and had a hand in developing some of the greatest players in the game including the aforementioned Wagner, Lloyd and Paul Waner, Arky Vaughan and Kiki Cuyler.

This outstanding 1924 typed signed letter shows how hands-on Barney Dreyfuss was in running his ball club. Dated August 27, 1924, the curt letter to NL President John A. Heydler accompanied statements from his manager Bill McKechnie and several others regarding what he perceived to be a blown call in a recent game. As the Pirates were battling for the pennant at the time, every win was important and this letter shows the frustration brought on by a close loss. The letterhead boasts a beautiful etching of Forbes Field and has been beautifully signed in 8/10 black fountain pen by Barney Dreyfuss. The letter shows creasing from mailing as well as light toning and edge wear. A very interesting letter from one of the great early baseball owners. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.