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Bill Klem Signed Handwritten Letter
The autocratic umpire known as "The Old Arbitrator" in his 35 years in a blue uniform (including 18 World Series) relished being the boss. Klem stories abound, such as his legendary bruhahas, and his contention that "I never made a bad call," but rare indeed is a good signature or significant memorabilia about him.This fabulous letter that Klem wrote to NL president Tom Lynch on July 22, 1912 fits the bill on both! Klem meticulously explains his position on a forfeit claim by the Cardinals after he refused to call a game because of rain with the Dodgers ahead in the top of the fifth (Brooklyn eventually won 7-1). An interesting sidelight is that Klem's decision went against Dodger manager Roger Bresnahan -- whom Klem had punched the previous season during an argument, drawing a $50 fine. The 2-page MT letter, on stationery of the Marquette Hotel in St. Louis, and the incredibly rare signature "W.J. Klem" are in black fountain pen, with only a bit of a smudge on the "K" mitigating a 10 rating. A great call!
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