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Branch Rickey (D. 1965) was an innovative Major League Baseball (MLB) executive elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967. He was perhaps best known for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier by signing African American player Jackie Robinson, for drafting the first Afro-Hispanic superstar, Roberto Clemente, for creating the framework for the modern minor league farm system, for encouraging the Major Leagues to add new teams through his involvement in the proposed Continental League, and for introducing the batting helmet.
Pete Castiglione (1921–2010) was a Major League Baseball infielder who played eight seasons from 1947-1954 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .255 over his career, with 24 home runs and 150 RBIs.
He’s also tied into The Punisher mythology: in the Netflix series The Punisher, Frank Castle uses the alias “Pete Castiglione”. This nod draws on the Punisher comics’ lore, where the character’s original surname is Castiglione, born Francis Castiglione.
Offered is a rare typewritten letter from Pittsburgh Pirates (on Bucs letterhead) GM, Branch Rickey to infielder Pete Castiglione in 1951. The letter reads,
“Dear Pete:
I do not recall ever having met you but all the boys hereabout call you “Pete” so I have taken the privilege of addressing you in that familiar manner. I am hopeful that our association together will be mutually helpful.
You will find enclosed contract for the season of 1951 with the Pittsburgh Club calling for $9,250.00 which is the same amount you received last season. Will you please sign and return one copy, keeping the other for your own?
The club will train at San Bernardino again this Spring, and the opening day for Spring Training is March 1st. Upon receipt of your signed contract Bob Rice will arrange your transportation and reporting instructions.
I am very anxious to meet you and to have a visit with you and this we will arrange as soon as convenient after we get into San Bernardino.
With good wishes, I am
Very truly yours,
(signed)
Branch Rickey
Exec. V. Pres. and General Manager”
Rickey has signed the letter “Branch Rickey” in black steel tipped fountain pen.
Item: 14150
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