Letters to the President

Reprinted from the OAH Magazine of History
7 (Summer 1992). ISSN 0882-228X
Copyright (c) 1992, Organization of American Historians

January 14, 1942

Dear Mr. President:

The time is approaching when, in ordinary conditions, our teams would be heading for Spring training camps. However, inasmuch as these are not ordinary times, I venture to ask what you have in mind as to whether professional baseball should continue to operate. Of course my inquiry does not relate at all to individual members of this organization whose status in this emergency, is fixed by law operating upon all citizens.

Normally we have, in addition to the sixteen major teams, approximately three hundred and twenty minor teams--members of leagues playing in the United States and Canada.

Health and strength to you--and whatever it takes to do this job.

The President With great respect
Washington, D.C. Very truly yours

Kenesaw M. Landis

(Original handwritten letter written on Comisioner's letterhead, Chicago, Illinois.)

Roosevelt's "Green Light" Letter