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It's over
Hotel Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Mr. Donald Flaherty
281 East Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio
September 25, 1938
Dear Don,
I wanted to write you a quick note to thank you and Ellie for coming up to Cleveland yesterday to watch me pitch. I wish you'd been able to see a game that had some meaning in the pennant race, but unfortunately that wasn't the case.
Bucky Walters simply didn't have his best stuff two days ago against the Tigers, and with the lineup they have, a pitcher can't afford to be less than his best. With our loss, we needed some assistance from the Browns to remain in the race. I have to tip my cap to the Yankees for coming back to beat the Browns after they fell behind by four runs. Most fans believe the Pirates will take them pretty easily in the Series, but I'm not so sure. I've never faced the Yankees myself, and I can't say I'm sorry.
You're right; I was getting tired by the time the ninth inning rolled around. Bill Carrigan wanted me to finish out my own game if I could, and I had a nice six-run lead to work with. I still have a lot to learn about pitching in the major leagues, and the experience of working my way out of a jam and retiring the side to close out the game was one I had not faced at this level. You and Ellie will always have the somewhat dubious distinction of watching my first major league complete game!
With the baseball season over, I'll be taking the train to Detroit this evening to join the Lions. I believe Dutch Clark intends to put me in the lineup for the game against the Rams this Sunday, so I'll be right back here in Cleveland before I know it. I'm sure I can work out a way to get tickets for you and Ellie, if you'd like to come to the game.
It was swell to see a pal from our Notre Dame days once again. Thank you for allowing me to treat you to dinner. I hope to make it to Wooster to visit you sometime soon, too.
Give Ellie my very best, buddy. You're right; your "little sister" has certainly grown up!
Your pal,
Mike
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