Title:
President Gerald R. Ford Signed White House Letter Regarding Baseball Cards and a Ty Cobb-Signed Collectible for the President's Sports Collection – PSA Authenticated #AR05364

Description:
A highly desirable White House Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by President Gerald R. Ford, dated October 2, 1975, on official The White House, Washington stationery. Addressed to Mr. Mort Shanerman of Richmond Hill, New York, the letter documents a fascinating exchange involving vintage baseball cards and a Ty Cobb-signed collectible offered for President Ford's personal sports collection.

The correspondence was prepared and signed by Mildred Leonard, President Ford's Personal Assistant, conveying the President's appreciation for Shanerman's thoughtful gift of baseball cards. The letter specifically acknowledges the offer of a Ty Cobb-signed item, which President Ford politely declines, explaining that the sender has already been "much too generous," while expressing his sincere gratitude. The letter also confirms that President Ford would be pleased to sign and return the requested photograph, which would be mailed separately.

Enhancing the significance of the piece, President Gerald R. Ford personally added his bold signature beneath the typed signature of Mildred Leonard, transforming an already interesting White House letter into a highly collectible presidential artifact with exceptional crossover appeal to both presidential and baseball memorabilia collectors.

Full Transcription:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

October 2, 1975

Dear Mr. Shanerman:

The President has asked me to thank you for your kind letter and the assortment of baseball cards you recently sent to him. He greatly appreciates your special thoughtfulness in providing these additional cards for his sports collection.

It was good of you to offer the item signed by Ty Cobb, but the President feels you have already been much too generous. Please know he is nonetheless grateful.

President Ford will be happy to sign the photograph you requested, and it will be sent under separate cover.

With the President's warm regards.

Sincerely yours,

(Miss) Mildred Leonard
Personal Assistant

Gerald R. Ford (signed)

Mr. Mort Shanerman
95-16 130th Street
Richmond Hill, New York 11419

The letter remains in excellent collectible condition with light mailing folds and minor evidence of normal handling consistent with age. President Ford's bold signature is clean and well-positioned, making for an attractive display. The content is especially noteworthy for documenting Ford's appreciation of baseball memorabilia while revealing his gracious decision to decline an offered Ty Cobb-signed collectible.

Historical Context:
Gerald R. Ford served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. A lifelong athlete and former University of Michigan football star, Ford maintained a deep appreciation for sports throughout his presidency. This uncommon White House letter offers a glimpse into his personal interest in collecting sports memorabilia, acknowledging baseball cards that had been added to his collection while politely refusing a valuable Ty Cobb-signed item out of concern that the donor had already been too generous.

The reference to Ty Cobb, one of baseball's most celebrated Hall of Famers, adds considerable historical interest, creating a unique intersection of presidential history and America's national pastime.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This letter has been fully authenticated by PSA Authentication.

• PSA Letter of Authenticity Certification Number: AR05364
• Authentic autograph of President Gerald R. Ford on official White House correspondence.
• Letter discusses baseball cards, President Ford's personal sports collection, and a Ty Cobb-signed collectible.
• Accompanied by the original PSA Letter of Authenticity with matching certification number and reference image.
• 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:
Combining President Gerald R. Ford's authentic signature with exceptional content involving baseball cards, his personal sports collection, and a Ty Cobb-signed collectible, this White House letter is a remarkable crossover collectible. Its historical significance, engaging subject matter, and full PSA authentication make it an outstanding addition to collections of presidential autographs, White House correspondence, or baseball history.

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.