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Still strong
The Plaza Hotel
New York, New York
Mr. and Mrs. Francis O'Farrell
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
May 29, 1927
Dear Mom and Dad,
I have just finished my breakfast, and I have gone back up to my room for a short rest before we go to the ball park for today's game against the Yankees. Julius Johnson, my room mate, has already left, although it is still two hours before our usual departure time. Many ball players are a suspicious lot, and "Judy," as he is called, is no exception. Last week in Philadelphia, he misunderstood our directions concerning the time we needed to be at the park, and he arrived very early. He got three hits that day, and since then, he has been hitting the ball well. Of course, Johnson now makes sure to arrive at the park early every day; sometimes, he is there before the gates are unlocked.
I am certainly pleased with the way our season has gone so far. There is a spirited three-team fight for the top spot, and the positions of the teams changes almost day by day. Today we are tied for first with Detroit, and Philadelphia is a game behind us. We have all heard talk that if the Red Sox do not win the pennant this year, the ownership will probably "break us up," meaning that older players will be sold or traded for younger ones, in an attempt to give the younger men the seasoning they will need to keep the team strong for years to come.
We players have talked about this among ourselves, and the news has created a renewed determination to give this year the best shot we have. Of course, we would try to win anyway, but we will need every bit of motivation we can find to carry ourselves through the long season.
Before you worry, I don't believe I would be traded, and if I were, I would probably retire rather than play for any other team. As for Joe, I can't see him being dealt, either. Before his recent injury--which I can assure you is a very minor one, a bit of tightness in his arm--he was throwing as well as he has in several years. I don't think Joe liked being a relief pitcher very much. He gets a certain sparkle in his eye the morning he is to start a game, and as a relief man, one never knows when he will be called on to work.
I have been struggling a bit lately, but this week I have shown signs of snapping out of my slump. I had four hits over the weekend, and a double yesterday, and I stole another base. I have tried to steal 26 times this season, and have been caught only once! I know I am certainly no faster than I was as a teenager; I suppose I have learned to pick my spots better over the years.
I am going to close this letter now, so I can relax and listen to the radio for a bit before I leave. Please give my regards to everyone in Stockbridge, and please make sure to thank Mrs. Powers for the card her fourth grade class sent to me. Miss Mary Catherine O'Farrell might have had something to do with it, I am guessing. Sarah will have already thanked the class, I am sure, and I also sent a reply to them, but it was such a pleasant surprise that I want to take every opportunity to let the students know how much I appreciate their support.
Take care of yourselves, and I hope you will feel like another train trip out to Boston to see us again soon.
Your loving son,
Pat
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