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1953 Chief Bender Signed Envelope (PSA)
Displayed is a 1953 signed envelope with all of the handwriting by Hall of Fame right-hander Charles "Chief" Bender. The pitcher had a 212-127 lifetime record, with a career ERA of 2.46. He pitched in 16 Major League seasons: Philadelphia Athletics (1903-14 and 1916-17), Baltimore, in the Major league Federal League (1915), Philadelphia Phillies (1918-1919), Baltimore, and a one-game cameo appearance, while a coach, with the Chicago White Sox in 1925. After his playing days, Bender worked for the Philadelphia Athletics for years as a scout, coach and executive. As an Athletics' pitching coach, Bender's tutoring of Bobby Shantz helped the diminutive left-hander win the AL MVP in 1952. Bender was a part Native-American, whose father was of German descent. Bender was from the Ojibwe Tribe of Minnesota, and he went to high school at the famous Carlisle Indian School in Carlilse, Pennsylvania, and he also attended Dickenson College. He played for manager Connie Mack with the Athletics, and he tied a record when he pitched three complete games in the 1911 World Series. Bender had his best season in 1910, when he went 23-5, with a 2.21 ERA. His nickname of "Chief" was a common nickname used to describe Native Americans, and Bender was often portrayed in news articles and cartoons as an offensive stereotype, common at that time, with his being depicted with a headdress and a tomahawk. When fans or opposing players would taunt him with cries of "Back to the reservation," Bender would usually remain calm. But upon finishing a particularly well-pitched half-inning, on his way back to his dugout, sometimes Bender couldn't resist taunting his tormentors by shouting at them, "Foreigners! Foreigners!" The envelope measures 4x6.9". The postmark reads, "Dec. 10, 1953 8 P.M. Philadelphia." Using blue ink from a fountain pen, Bender wrote on the front of the envelope: "Mr. Mike Anderson/225 Barbary Lane/Lexington, Kentucky." On the back of the envelope, Bender wrote, "From "Chief" Bender/5431 N.12th St./Phila Pa." The envelope shows water damage, darkening and some significant stains. It has three cancelled 1-cent stamps on the front. The envelope has been encapsulated and PSA/DNA has certified the Bender autograph as "AUTHENTIC." Bender's signature is significant, as he had a long and varied baseball career, and he was a major part of three Philadelphia World Series Championships in manager Connie Mack's first "dynasty."
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