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Albert Chandler was a Senator, and Governor (twice), for Kentucky. He was also the Major League Baseball commissioner from 1945-1951, and approved Jackie Robinson’s contract, thereby integrating MLB.
Although Chandler's name was the last to be brought before the meeting of owners on April 24, 1945, he was elected unanimously. With World War II still in progress, he remained in the senate until October 29 of that year
Letter from Senator Albert B. Chandler, on United States Senate letterhead, and inside a Senate envelope.
In the letter of April 28th 1945, he is thanking a Mrs. Bell of Gradyville Kentucky for her letter of April 25th. “I shall enter upon my duties as Baseball Commissioner with a heart full of gratitude for the good wishes I have had from a multitude of friends”.
Typewritten letter signed by him, as is the UR of the envelope. Postmarked Washington April 30th 1945.
Letter folded, some creases. Envelope folded, creases and toned.
10 ¼” x 8”
Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler Sr. (July 14, 1898 – June 15, 1991) was an American politician from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He represented the Commonwealth in the U.S. Senate and served as its 44th and 49th governor. Aside from his political positions, he also served as the second Commissioner of Baseball from 1945 to 1951 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. His grandson, Ben Chandler, later served as congressman for Kentucky's Sixth District.
…In 1945, Chandler resigned his senate seat to succeed the late Kenesaw Mountain Landis as commissioner of baseball. His most significant action as commissioner was the approval of Jackie Robinson's contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, effectively integrating Major League Baseball. He also established the first pension fund for Major League players, earning him the title "the players' commissioner". Baseball owners were upset with Chandler's governance, however, and did not renew his contract in 1951.
WIKIPEDIA
