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Big Six · 05-07-2003, 10:39 PM

Mr. Patrick O'Farrell
Amherst College
Amherst, Massachusetts

December 8, 1908

Dear Patrick,

I hope this letter finds you as well as yours of the 5th found me. I was sitting by the window of my dormitory, watching the snowflakes drift down, absentmindedly reading my American Literature assignment, when Mary came bounding into my room, bearing your letter. I had asked her to check my mail for me, since she was going to check her own, and while she had nothing in her box nearly as interesting as what she found in mine, she did have great fun teasing me about the letter from my "baseball beau." I blushed the same shade as your uniform stockings at that comment! Nevertheless, I am secretly quite proud to be known by that title.

I know I have told you this several times, but I still have the warmest memories of the trip I made to Boston with your parents last June for the All-Star game! I was afraid your parents, your father especially, might take offense at my attempts to enlighten them somewhat concerning base ball. I believe your father is much less bothered by your decision to pursue the career you've chosen now that he has observed your obvious talent. The idea that his son was recognized as one of the finest players in the entire American League impressed him, and as you have said, he values excellence in any worthwhile endeavor. Perhaps now, he considers ball playing such an endeavor; we can only hope!

I know I have also told you many times how proud I am of you, Pat, but allow me to say so once more! I never doubted you would make the major leagues, but I must admit I was surprised by how quickly you managed it! You told me once that you hoped to spend twenty years in professional base ball, and now it seems that you might spend that many at the highest level. Why, you'll only be a young man of forty when that milestone is reached!

I was flattered greatly by your invitation to attend the Christmas gathering at your parents' home as your guest, and I shall be more than glad to attend. Now, to find something suitable to wear, something fitting for me to wear while on the arm of the Red Sox' second baseman! The nonsense about ball players being less than respectable companions is just that, by the way, nonsense. Mrs. Collins, especially, is a most gracious lady.

I shall not bore you with such things any longer, but will close my letter with my best wishes for your health and your success in your studies. You will master American history as skillfully as you mastered the curve ball, of that I am sure.

I shall see you back in Stockbridge on the 21st, and until then I remain,

Yours,
Sarah

05-07-2003, 10:39 PM	#46 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	A letter to warm a cold winter's day Mr. Patrick O'Farrell Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts December 8, 1908 Dear Patrick, I hope this letter finds you as well as yours of the 5th found me. I was sitting by the window of my dormitory, watching the snowflakes drift down, absentmindedly reading my American Literature assignment, when Mary came bounding into my room, bearing your letter. I had asked her to check my mail for me, since she was going to check her own, and while she had nothing in her box nearly as interesting as what she found in mine, she did have great fun teasing me about the letter from my "baseball beau." I blushed the same shade as your uniform stockings at that comment! Nevertheless, I am secretly quite proud to be known by that title. I know I have told you this several times, but I still have the warmest memories of the trip I made to Boston with your parents last June for the All-Star game! I was afraid your parents, your father especially, might take offense at my attempts to enlighten them somewhat concerning base ball. I believe your father is much less bothered by your decision to pursue the career you've chosen now that he has observed your obvious talent. The idea that his son was recognized as one of the finest players in the entire American League impressed him, and as you have said, he values excellence in any worthwhile endeavor. Perhaps now, he considers ball playing such an endeavor; we can only hope! I know I have also told you many times how proud I am of you, Pat, but allow me to say so once more! I never doubted you would make the major leagues, but I must admit I was surprised by how quickly you managed it! You told me once that you hoped to spend twenty years in professional base ball, and now it seems that you might spend that many at the highest level. Why, you'll only be a young man of forty when that milestone is reached! I was flattered greatly by your invitation to attend the Christmas gathering at your parents' home as your guest, and I shall be more than glad to attend. Now, to find something suitable to wear, something fitting for me to wear while on the arm of the Red Sox' second baseman! The nonsense about ball players being less than respectable companions is just that, by the way, nonsense. Mrs. Collins, especially, is a most gracious lady. I shall not bore you with such things any longer, but will close my letter with my best wishes for your health and your success in your studies. You will master American history as skillfully as you mastered the curve ball, of that I am sure. I shall see you back in Stockbridge on the 21st, and until then I remain, Yours, Sarah