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Good news
287 E. 10th Avenue, S.E.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Miss Eleanor Flaherty
303 East University Street
Wooster, Ohio
August 30, 1939
Dear Ellie,
It was wonderful to get your letter this afternoon. I hurried back home after the game so I could pack my bags and catch the night train to Boston. I've enjoyed my time back here in Minneapolis, but at the same time, I'm very anxious to show the Red Sox what I can do.
I realize now what a good decision the club made when they sent me back to the minor leagues. I was too caught up in my own "celebrity" for my own good, and I allowed myself to be distracted by a lot of so-called "fans" who, as it turned out, didn't care one bit about me unless I was making headlines. It's a funny thing; when I got sent back to the minor leagues, I found out who my true friends really are.
People like Johnny Kelly, Joe Kuharich, Nile Kinnick, and Don, of course, have done nothing but encourage me and support me. Meanwhile, the people who wanted to be around me while I was playing quarterback for an NFL championship team and pitching in the big leagues have all disappeared.
And nobody has been as consistently supportive as you have, Ellie. I smile every time I look in my mailbox and see a letter from you. I know the Red Sox will play a series in Cleveland in three weeks, and I would love it if you can come up to watch one of the games. Hopefully I'll have a chance to pitch there. I'll see to it that you have a ticket waiting for you at any rate.
Thank you again for your letters, Ellie. I hope I see you in Cleveland next month,
Fondly,
Mike
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