Expert: George W. Case III - 4/12/2010

Question
Hello,  I was wondering if you had any information/references regarding the correspondence between Kenesaw M. Landis, FDR and Clark Griffith during the push to keep baseball alive during the war.   My grandmother was Clark Griffith's secretary for many years.  While she was alive, she would tell us stories of typing up letters for Mr.Griffith that pertained to the subject of baseball during the war.   I was wondering if you knew of any archived letters from Clark Griffith during this time period and where I may be able to obtain a copy or at least read excerpts.  Any information you have would be very much appreciated!  I treasure the letter he personally wrote to my grandmother on the day she gave birth to my father in 1950.  It is hand-signed and has the old Nationals letterhead at the top.    thanks!  Chris

Answer
Hi - it is really interesting that you should ask this question - my late father, George Case Jr. played with the Washington Senators from 1937-46 and again in 1947 - he was one of Mr. Griffith's favorite players and in fact, mentions the so called "Green Light" letter written by FDR in keeping major league baseball going during the "war years" and Mr. Griffith's role in that regard - you may wish to obtain the DVD - Around The League 1939-46 - $32.95 - please advise your interest and I'll be happy to provide you with the details.

In the book, Spartan Seasons - on pp 19-20, excerpts from the "Green Light" letter to Judge Landis.

"I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.  There will be fewer people unemployed and everybody will work longer hours and harder than ever before.  And that means that they ought to have a chance for recreation and for taking their minds off their work even more than before.  Baseball provides a recreation which does not last over two hours or two hours and a half, and for which can be got for very little cost...Here is another way of looking at it - if 300 teams use 5,000 or 6,000 players, these players are a definite recreational asset to at least 20,000,000 of their fellow citizens - and that in my judgment is thoroughly worthwhile."

There is a photograph on page 22 of Spartan Seasons of Mr. Griffith presenting FDR with season passes for himself and Mrs Roosevelt.  My dad is quoted in the book, again on page 22 - "Clark Griffith was really instrumental in baseball surviving, he was the guy responsible.  He spent considerable time imploring Roosevelt to continue baseball.  He kept getting assurances from the White House baseball would continue - but there wouldn't be any favors shown to baseball players."

"During the winters, Mr. Griffith kept in contact with the players.  He implored everybody to stay with baseball until they were called up.  He kept reminding us they were in close contact with the government."

Now, I do not know if any of the letters were archived - you may wish to check with the Washington Post - the late Shirley Povich was the great Washington sportswriter who covered the Senators for many years - possibly the Post would have archived copies of letters or the Smithsonian Institution - the Smithsonian produced a WWII Major League Baseball symposium several years ago.

On a personal note, I have several letters written by Mr. Griffith to my father - very possible that your grandmother typed these letters - thank you

George Case III
case67@verizon.net