
When Tim Keefe retired in 1893, his 342 career wins were second all-time. Only Pud Galvin had more. Today more than a century after Keefe threw his last pitch, his win total remains in the top-10 in big league history. One of the pitchers now ahead of Keefe’s on the list is the great Christy Mathewson.
In the collection is this letter written by Mathewson’s primary catcher, Chief Myers. It’s dated May 19, 1914 the same day Matty won his 342nd game to tie Keefe. On Goldsmith’s Sons Sporting Goods letterhead, Meyers writes, “In the game today, with the Cincinnati club with Mathewson pitching, I used the Model C.M. Catcher’s Mitt, made for me by your firm yesterday”
“In my many years of experience, I have never had a Catchers Mitt that I could use without extensive breaking in.
“The perfect balance, deep pocket, and excellent leather make it The Finest Mitt I have ever caught with.”
Working on three days rest, Matty threw a complete game – his fourth in the last 23 days – to gain the decision. By the time he retired, Mathewson would tally 373 victories – a total equaled by Pete Alexander and surpassed only by Cy Young (511), and Walter Johnson (417).