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Crossroads
Deerfield Academy
South Deerfield, Massachusetts
November 16, 1932
Mr. Patrick O’Farrell
12 Lowell Road
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
Dear Dad,
I know I’ll be seeing you in just about a week when I’m home for Thanksgiving, but I have something on my mind, and I wanted to write to you about it right now. For one thing, I know that at home, with all the family around, it will be very difficult for me to have any time to talk to you privately. For another, I’m thinking about this so much that I’m having trouble sleeping.
I need your most honest advice right now, both as my father and as someone who evaluates baseball talent for a living. You know how eager the coaches at Notre Dame are to have me play football for them next fall. In fact, I received a very nice telegram from Coach Anderson yesterday, after he learned that I had made the All-State team. They have promised me a position on the team, and the opportunity to compete for a spot in their starting lineup next fall. Obviously, if I choose to attend Notre Dame, I wouldn’t be pursuing a professional baseball career, although I would be able to play for Notre Dame’s team in the spring.
I know I have some time to make up my mind, but the more I think about it, the more anxious and confused I become. You know I’ve always loved both sports, and I know the time had to come when I chose between them. I also know that my choice will be far easier if I have as much of an idea as possible about my chances for success in both sports.
The coaches at Notre Dame have made me very confident in my ability to succeed as a college football player, but I don’t have nearly as good a sense of my own talents as a baseball player. That’s why I’m writing to you tonight. Would you please, as honestly as possible, advise me about my chances for success in professional baseball?
Please don’t worry about hurting my feelings if you have to tell me that I don’t stand much of a chance to be a big leaguer one day. I would only be hurt if you weren’t honest with me in an attempt to spare my feelings. I’m seventeen years old now and am ready to take what you might have to say to me like a man. And I’m not asking you to tell me whether or not the Red Sox would ever be interested in signing me, although we both know I would rather play for the Sox than any other team. I simply need the best information I can get so I can make the best possible decision for myself.
Thank you in advance for being honest with me, and for all the support you and Mom have always given me. I know you’ve been here for me as much as your schedule has allowed.
Love, your son,
Mike
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