Mickey Cochrane played from 1925-1937, serving as the backbone for four pennant-winning clubs. A two-time Most Valuable Player, Cochrane played nine years for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics and four more for the Detroit Tigers.

The catcher’s .320 career batting average as well as his .419 on-base percentage remain the highest in baseball history among men at his position.

In the collection is this beautiful photo of Mickey Cochrane as a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics. Cochrane offers a rather long inscription adding to the value.

The back of the photo features Cochrane’s handwritten pointers about proficiently playing the catching position. Perhaps what set Cochrane apart from his contemporaries was the willingness to do whatever it took to win. Indeed, his nickname was “Black Mike” because of his fire and competitiveness.

An incredible athlete, Cochrane played five sports at Boston University. Perhaps better on the gridiron than the diamond, Cochrane chose professional baseball because of the lack of an established pro football league at the time.

Pitcher Elden Auker broke into the big leagues with the Tigers in 1933, playing the season’s final two months with the big club. The following year Auker was in the big leagues to stay as he won 15 games to start a string of five straight seasons with double-digit win totals for Detroit. Auker’s primary backstop with the during his six years with the Tigers was Mickey Cochrane who served in the role of player/manager in in Auker’s final four seasons with the club.

In the collection is Elden Auker’s handwritten recollections of Hall of Famer Cochrane. “Mickey Cochrane was one of the great catchers of his day. I pitched to him for 5 years and played under his management. He was very aggressive, quick temper, and a great leader. Highly respected by all members of the Tigers. He was quick on his feet and an excellent hitter. High principles and very loyal to his club + his players. Best regards, Elden Auker”

The correspondence provides insight into the career of one of the best catchers in baseball history.