408001
Albert B. “Happy” Chandler
Chandler politely defers accepting a banquet invitation
Albert Benjamin Chandler, 1898–1991. Governor of Kentucky; United States Senator from Kentucky; Commissioner of Baseball; Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Typed Letter Signed, A. B. Chandler, one page, 8” x 10½”, on stationery of the United States Senate, Committee on Military Affairs, February 26, 1940.
Chandler, who explains that he had “been on the sick list” and “just now able to be back at my desk,” politely defers accepting a banquet invitation. In part: “I am unable at the moment to definitely accept your kind invitation. I do appreciate the honor and hope that if I cannot attend this affair, I shall be able to see you on some other occasion in the near future.”
Chandler succeeded Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis as Commissioner of Baseball. He exerted authority as commissioner, taking swift action against players who left to play in the Mexican League. In 1947, he backed Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey’s move to make Jackie Robinson first African-American player in the major leagues. Chandler served as commissioner for six years, 1945–1951. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Chandler served twice as governor of Kentucky, wrapped around his service in the United States Senate and as the Commissioner of Baseball. Chandler served as governor from 1931 until 1935, when he resigned to accept appointment to the Senate. He remained in the Senate until November 1, 1945, when he was appointed Commissioner of Baseball. He returned to the Senate in 1955 and left office in 1959.
Chandler has signed this letter boldly in blue fountain pen. The letter has file holes at the top and the notation “29” in another hand below the date, but overall the letter is in very fine condition.
Unframed.
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