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Karl Spooner (D. 1984 at the age of 52) was considered by many in Major League Baseball to be the next superstar after his stellar rookie year of 1954. Although he only started two games on the mound for the Dodgers, Spooner compiled two complete game shutouts throwing all 18 innings and giving up 7 total hits with no runs. Spooner struck out 15 batters in his very first game, setting a Major League record. He was a member of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers. He is an elusive autograph!

This letter from Dodgers amateur free agent Karl Spooner was sent to the Brooklyn Minor League Operations head, Matt Burns (who will live on in infamy for being the man who turned in the keys to Ebbets Field in 1959)  December 15, 1952. Spooner handwrote the entire letter in green ink, and signed at the close. He also signed his name at the top of the letter with his address (he was living at the YMCA in Howell, N.J.).  He writes to Burns telling him that Fresco Thompson told him to write in advisement.  Spooner is asking for special shoes to be made up like his spikes. Spooner was having serious foot troubles.

As it goes in baseball lore, Spooner’s physical ailments would basically destroy his baseball career in which showed Hall of Fame type promise. He had all the physical tools, but unfortunately he was built like a china doll.

Once he was out of the game, he became pretty reclusive until he would pass away 20 some years after his last major league game. Two autographs on the same piece. RARE!!!