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Fascinating Death Threat Letter to Joe Wood
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In the 1912 season, Smokey Joe Wood was at the top of his game. The 22-year-old Boston Red Sox pitcher was on his way to leading the American League in: wins (34), complete games (35), shutouts (10), and innings pitched (344). A letter, postmarked on Sept.6th. in New York City, was sent to Wood in care of the Detroit Tigers</span>. The typed letter said, "Joe Wood, Say your final farewells to friends and mates at once. You will be no more within a short time. We always warn our victims beforehand [sic] but so far [,] they have never escaped us.... Eight members of our gang took up your trail yesterday.... We never fail.... The return ad. is false." Apparently, gamblers or crazed fans, were threatening Wood. The Red Sox were in Detroit for a series later that month, and on Sept. 20th, Smokey Joe pitched and lost to the Tigers as he gave up six runs on seven hits and an uncharacteristic five walks in eight innings for only his fifth and final loss that season. Did the threat work? The letter and partially torn envelope, framed and matted at 12x17.5", are offered. The Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 1912, but exactly what happened regarding this letter and any possible influence on the game on Detroit September 20, 1912, remains an intriguing mystery. </p>
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