Cardinals Legend Rogers Hornsby Bold Signed Letter on Leaving Chicago PSA Mint 9

Title:
Rogers Hornsby Handwritten Letter (ALS) – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto, Graded 9 (Encapsulated #85641673)

Description:
This is a rare Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by baseball Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby, dated January 10th, 1961, and addressed to a friend named Max. Written entirely in Hornsby's hand, the letter is composed in black ink on a single sheet of lightly toned paper and features a bold, full signature: “Rogers Hornsby.”

In this short but personal message, Hornsby acknowledges receiving plane tickets and shares his travel itinerary, noting his excitement to reunite with old friends—likely for a baseball-related reunion or old-timers’ event.

Full transcription of the letter reads:

Jan 10th 1961

Dear Max,
I received plane tickets today. Will leave Chicago Sat. Jan 14th 7am United – arrive N.Y. 9:55am
Will go to Roosevelt Hotel.
Looking forward to seeing all the fellows!

Sincerely,
Rogers Hornsby

The letter remains in very good condition for its age, though some tape remnants and adhesive staining are visible at the edges, likely from prior mounting. It is preserved in a PSA/DNA encapsulation case, with Hornsby’s autograph earning a grade of 9 for its clarity and strength.

Historical Context:
Rogers Hornsby (1896–1963) was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, finishing his career with a staggering .358 lifetime batting average, second only to Ty Cobb. Known for his intensity, hitting prowess, and strict personal discipline, Hornsby was a seven-time batting champion and two-time National League MVP. By the early 1960s, long retired from playing, Hornsby remained active in baseball circles and was frequently invited to old-timers’ games and ceremonial events.

This 1961 letter—just two years before his passing—offers a personal glimpse into Hornsby’s post-playing life and enduring relationships within the baseball fraternity. His reference to meeting "all the fellows" reflects the camaraderie among former players and adds warmth and nostalgia to this artifact.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified authentic by PSA/DNA with tamper-evident encapsulation

• Certification Number: 85641673

• Label reads: "LETTER / ROGERS HORNSBY / PSA/DNA CERTIFIED / AUTHENTIC AUTO / GRADE 9"

• Slabbed in archival PSA holder, preserving both the autograph and the content

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This handwritten and signed letter from the legendary Rogers Hornsby is a rare and poignant artifact from the twilight of his life. Letters from Hornsby are exceptionally scarce, especially those that speak to his continued involvement in the baseball community. Authenticated and graded by PSA, this piece combines excellent autograph quality with a personal narrative that enhances its appeal to collectors of sports history, Hall of Fame memorabilia, and early 20th-century Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.