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1907 Teddy Roosevelt National Association Lifetime Pass Production Mock Up
Presented here is one of the most unusual pieces we have handled, and one that should appeal to both baseball and political collectors alike: a paper mock up of President Teddy Roosevelt's lifetime pass issued by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues in 1907. This is NOT the actual pass, but an early design on paper, complete with an affixed portrait photo of Roosevelt in the upper left corner. Included in the design is the date of issue ("April 1st. 1907"), the facsimile signature of John H. Farrell (longtime secretary of the National Association), and a long list of the the many baseball leagues included within the National Association.The provenance for the piece is in the form of two separate letters, one written by the original owner, Maurice E. Rose, and another, from the Baseball Hall of Fame, to Mr. Rose. In the letter from the Hall of Fame, dated May 16, 1974, written by the Hall's Director, Ken Smith, the Hall expresses great interest in obtaining the pass offered here. In part: "Dear Mr. Rose: Thank you for writing about the interesting mementos. The museum is eager to obtain the National League pass to Theodore Roosevelt, in particular. . . . "Because the Hall could not purchase the pass, Mr. Rose later sold it privately. In a one-page typed-signed letter, undated, from Rose, to the recipient of the pass, he provided its history. In part: "My sister was secretary to John Farrell and when she passed away I found these among her papers etc. I can not truthfully tell you whether Theador [sic] Roosevelt had/or used the pass-however the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown wrote me and wanted the pass but everything had to be by donation and subject to tax exemption as a gift. . . . I am sorry I have no other information that may help you. Mr. Farrell passed away some years ago, my Sister passed away in the middle sixties. . . . "Also accompanying the pass is a copy of a page from the May 25, 1907, edition of "Sporting Life" which pictures the actual pass issued to Roosevelt. As one can see, the final design of the pass presented to Roosevelt (which was metallic) is slightly different than the paper mock up offered here, indicating that it was either an early design, or one of several different versions created, but not chosen for production of the actual pass. Either way, it remains an interesting and rare baseball and Teddy Roosevelt piece.The pass (4x3.5"), produced on paper stock, displays several moderate creases, along with a 1.5-inch horizontal tear along the right border. Good condition overall.
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