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Proud grandpa
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Mr. Michael O'Farrell
c/o Boston Red Sox American League Baseball Club
Fenway Park
Boston, Massachusetts
September 1, 1937
Dear Mike,
I hope this letter finds its way to your hands quickly. I confess that I found it exciting to address it to you as a member of the Boston Red Sox; that is why I did not send it to you at home. I hear you will be living with your Mom, Dad, and siblings until the baseball season ends. Then, I suppose you will be off to Detroit.
You may or may not be aware of the fact that years ago, when your Dad first told me he was interested in a career as a professional athlete, I did almost everything in my power to prevent him from pursuing that course. Thirty years ago, the public perception of a man who made his living as a ball player was much different than it is today, and I confess that I believed your Dad would be wasting his mind if he became a ballplayer. I made him promise me he would continue his studies at Amherst, at least until he had demonstrated that he indeed could earn an honest living in baseball.
I am not ashamed to say that I was wrong thirty years ago. I know I don't have to tell you what a fine man your father is, and I hope you know how proud I am of his accomplishments. He is truly one of the most beloved men in all New England, if not the entire country, and he has achieved that acclaim while exhibiting the highest standards of sportsmanship and gentlemanly behavior.
When I discovered you had inherited your father's considerable athletic ability, I wondered if you, too, would try your hand at a similar career. I was not the least bit surprised by your choice; I wasn't even surprised when you chose to continue playing both baseball and football at Notre Dame and as a professional.
In five years' time, you appear to have matured from a budding troublemaker to a fine young man who is mature and responsible enough to make his way in the world. I am honored that you will carry the O'Farrell name with you as you begin your career as a major league baseball player, a career that might already have begun as I write this letter. I trust that you will only do what will bring further honor to our family.
I realize that since you will be used as a relief pitcher, neither you, your father, or Mr. Carrigan can say with any certainty when you might pitch. Grandma and I plan to take the train to Boston for a weekend's worth of games; perhaps we will get to see you pitch at least once. I am looking forward to that experience very much, and until them please know that I am "rooting for you."
Good luck, best wishes, and much love,
Grandpa O'Farrell
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