Rare Jackie Robinson Handwritten & Signed Letter to Elston Howard. PSA

The letter opens warmly and what follows is a candid and measured reflection from a father navigating crisis with both realism and hope. Robinson immediately apologizes for not writing sooner, explaining that he had “been very busy trying to help Jackie get straightened away.” Despite the gravity of the situation, he writes with cautious optimism, sharing that “we feel good at this stage… while his problem is serious he is in great shape with a good attitude.” He acknowledges the difficulty of the moment with honesty, noting that “the past few weeks have been somewhat of a nightmare but we believe our family is strong enough to overcome,” while emphasizing that “Jackie is our main concern.” In one of the letter’s most revealing passages, Robinson reflects, “we have given of ourselves and we believe we are gaining a son. Sometimes a problem can be an asset—we feel strongly this is happening to us.” Even amid this personal struggle, Robinson pauses to acknowledge his friend, writing that “the training and coming season will be tough but Elston’s drive will make him a great asset to the younger fellows,” before offering encouragement and gratitude: “I wish you the best… It’s a good feeling knowing people care and your letter has helped us during a difficult period,” signing simply, “Sincerely, Jackie & Rae.”

While the content itself is deeply moving, the significance of this correspondence extends far beyond its words. Handwritten Jackie Robinson letters are scarce in any form; examples of this length—spanning a page and a half—are seldom encountered. Even more notable is the recipient. This is a direct communication between two Major League players, and to our knowledge, no other Jackie Robinson handwritten letter addressed to a fellow player has surfaced publicly, placing this piece in a category of singular importance.

The relationship between Jackie Robinson and Elston Howard only deepens that significance. Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947, and Howard, who became the New York Yankees’ first Black player in 1955, share a direct connection in the integration of Major League Baseball. Their bond reflects not only mutual respect, but a shared place within the broader Civil Rights narrative. Their careers intersected at a pivotal moment in baseball history: in 1955, Robinson led the Dodgers to their only World Series championship in Brooklyn, defeating the Yankees during Howard’s rookie season. This letter, written more than a decade later, reveals that their connection endured well beyond the field - rooted in respect, shared experience, and personal friendship - far more important than a nine inning game.

With the passage of time, the emotional weight of Robinson’s words has only deepened. Jackie Robinson Jr. would tragically pass in 1971, lending a poignant context to the hope expressed in this letter. What remains is an intimate glimpse into Robinson not as a public figure, but as a father - measured, hopeful, and resolute in the face of adversity.

The letter is penned on Jackie Robinson’s official New York State Executive Chamber letterhead, dating to his tenure as Special Assistant to the Governor for Community Affairs. The ink remains sharp and bold, with only the expected horizontal mailing folds. It is accompanied by the original mailing envelope, fully addressed by Robinson in his own hand, with an additional “J. Robinson” signature in the upper left corner.

Personal Jackie Robinson correspondence is rare. A fully handwritten example of this substance, addressed to a fellow Major League player of equal historical importance and centered on such a personal moment, stands apart as a significant artifact at the intersection of baseball history and the American experience.

FULL TRANSCRIPT
Dear Arlene and Elston,

I am sorry to have taken so long to answer your nice letter. As you must know we have been very busy trying to help Jackie get straightened away. We feel real good at this stage. While his problem is serious he is in great shape with a good attitude. He must overcome some anger but that will come. The past few weeks have been somewhat of a nightmare but we believe our family is strong enough to overcome. It was tough at first but we forgot about what people would think and made up our mind we can’t help what goes on in the minds of other people when Jackie is our main concern. We have given of ourselves and we believe we are gaining a son. Sometimes a problem can be an asset we feel strongly this is happening to us.

I guess the training and coming season will be tough but Elston’s drive will make him a great asset to the younger fellows. I wish you the best as well, I can only hope things continue to go well.

Please be assured we appreciate your taking the time to write. It’s a good feeling knowing people care and your letter has helped us during a difficult period. Thanks so much for doing so.

Sincerely
Jackie & Rae