[Big Six]

Congress Hotel
520 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Miss Elizabeth Ann O'Farrell
148 Cherry Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Dear Beth,

I promised you I would write you a special letter, just for you, when I went on my next road trip. I am, as you have probably already guessed, in Chicago, where we are playing a series of games against the White Sox. Unfortunately, we did not win our game yesterday. We played our best, but the White Sox beat us, 7-4. Art Nehf, our pitcher, was very disappointed, but we tried very hard to make him feel better.

I knew how Mr. Nehf felt, because I was not very happy with the way I played, either. I got one hit and drove in one of our runs, but I also made the third out of two different innings when we had runners on second and third bases. Fortunately, we have a game again tomorrow, so we have another chance to win. Things don't always work out the way we like, but we should never stop trying.

Even though we lost, we are still in first place, because the Tigers lost too. Have you noticed how well the Washington Senators have been playing? They have won six games in a row now, and they are only one game behind us, just like the Tigers are. I think it is exciting when several teams have a chance to win the pennant, although I do prefer the Red Sox to have a large lead.

You had asked how our newest player, Lou Gehrig, has been doing. I am happy to report that so far, he has been a success. Since he has been playing for the Red Sox, he has batted thirty-three times and has made eleven hits. I know that you can figure out his batting average all by yourself! He has not hit a home run yet, but we expect that he will soon. He is very strong, and many believe he might one day hit as many home runs as Babe Ruth.

You also asked if I missed having Babe Ruth on our team. In some ways, yes, I do. I think he is an outstanding ball player, and his home runs helped us win lots of games and two World Series. However, as the newspaper said, I don't think he was always happy playing for the Red Sox. I wonder if he is happier playing for the Yankees, since they are in eighth place?

Finally, I want to tell you how proud I am of you for doing so well in school this year! I will be just as proud of you if you don't win the Mathematics or English prizes for your class, too. You are a sweet, wonderful girl, and Mommy tells me that you are a big help to her in caring for your younger brothers and sister. I believe that is even more important than winning prizes in school, Beth.

I miss you very, very much, and I cannot wait to see you, Mike, Mary Catherine, Johnny, Billy, and Mommy when you all arrive in Boston next month! We shall go out for a fabulous dinner at the Parker House or at the Union Seafood House, and of course, we will have a picnic in the Public Garden.

Give my love to all the family for me!

Love,
Daddy