1960 "Wait Till Next Year" Book Signed by Author Jackie Robinson to Teammate Pee Wee Reese....

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Sold on Feb 26, 2022 for:

$144,000.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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One of the greatest baseball brotherhoods is commemorated...

1960 "Wait Till Next Year" Book Signed by Author Jackie Robinson to Teammate Pee Wee Reese. While reports have varied on the location and the date of the event, Robinson himself writes in this volume that it happened in Boston in 1948. As racist epithets rained down upon him during a Brooklyn Dodgers visit to the Braves, the Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese trotted over to Jackie and slung his arm around his teammate's shoulder in solidarity. The brave and kind gesture echoed throughout the sporting world, and when African-American pitcher Joe Black got his own call up to the Bums, he quickly sought out Reese to tell him he was the most beloved white player among Negro Leaguers.

We see the evidence of the heartwarming friendship between Robinson and Reese in the emotional inscription penned to the opening page of this hardcover first edition:

"5-13-60, 'Pee Wee' whether you are willing to admit what your being just a great guy meant a great deal to my career, I want you to know how much I feel it meant. May I take this opportunity to say a great big thanks and I sincerely hope all the things you want in life be yours. Best to the family. Sincerely, Jackie Robinson."

All writing is 9/10 or better, and the book lacks its original dust jacket but presents well otherwise with minor wear to spine. The internal pages are filled with pencil underlines and notations indicating a close reading by Reese. A truly inspiring keepsake representing the absolute best of American sports as a tool of social justice. The book was originally delivered to auction by Reese's son in 2004, and includes his letter of provenance. Letter of provenance from son of Pee Wee Reese. Full LOA from Beckett Authentication Services. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.