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1954 Jackie Robinson Signed Letter to Walter Winchell (JSA)
One-page type letter, dated February 25, 1954, signed by Jackie Robinson. In addition to breaking baseball's longstanding color barrier, Robinson also became the first black executive of a major radio/television network when he accepted the position of Director of Communication for NBC in 1952. In his letter, on National Broadcasting Company letterhead, Robinson writes to famed newspaper gossip columnist Walter Winchell in hopes of garnering some publicity for a singer friend of his. In part:"Dear Walter: As you probably know, I don't ordinarily like to ask for favors - - particularly of persons who have been nice to me. I have always felt that this was an imposition I should not force upon friends. However, for the past couple of years I have had the opportunity to watch the progress of a young singer by the name of Jimmy Randolph. . . . I sincerely believe that he is ready for the big time. A lot of more experienced people in show business seem to agree with me and it is for that reason that I am asking this favor now. I would deeply appreciate it if you would hear him sing sometime in the near future, at your convenience and I would be gratified to hear of your reaction. If this is at all possible, I would be pleased to hear from your office and would be delighted to arrange for Jimmy to sing for you. I am leaving town tomorrow for Spring training, but you can contact me through the Dodgers, % Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida."Signed "Jackie Robinson" in blue ink (grading 8/10). The letter (8.5x11") displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent to Mint condition. Together with a Jackie Robinson NBC jumbo postcard featuring a photo of Robinson sitting behind an NBC microphone (5.75x7.5"; EX). Full LOA from JSA.
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