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1955 Insulting Letter from Branch Rickey to Roberto Clemente
This is a first draft letter with corrections in the hand of Branch Rickey, Jr, who at the time ran the front office of as the general manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates and will always get the credit for the drafting of Roberto Clemente. Clemente is seeking a salary increase to $10,000 and Branch Rickey seems appalled. He says in the first paragraph "I am sure you have less idea of major league salaries and the method of their determination than any other player with whom I have dealt for many years." He also says "I did not know that you regarded your year as highly successful....Your batting average of .255 (1955) with your power percentage certainly does not demonstrate you can play in the major leagues." He goes on and on about Clemente's inability to understand salaries in light of performance and he seems to downplay the importance of Clemente as a player. The letter is three pages and EX-MT.
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
Other past auction items that may be of interest to you.
Forbes Field "Section 17" Stadium Sign (12x18")
Forbes Field Section #14 Sign
1973 Dave Parker First Major League Game Worn Cap
1978 Dave Parker Silver Bat (33.5”)
Roberto Clemente Bobbin’ Head
Three Rivers Stadium Banner & Bunting From Opening Day
1960 Dick Schofield World Series Game Used Bat (35»)