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Some time ago, I believe just before the season started, you wrote me a letter which I still have in the files. I appreciated that letter, just as I appreciated everything you did for us both on and off the field. I want to put this in writing, that you were a great deal of assistance in our scouting...on numerous occasions you helped us sign boys whom we would have lost. There is a great deal more to baseball than just playing the game on the field. I think you know what I mean.

I certainly enjoyed our association over the past six years, and I hope we can continue that association. Please remember me to Rachel, and to you both, our door is always open.
Sincerely,
E.J. Bavasi
Vice-President

Dear Jackie and Rachel:
I do know how you and the youngsters must have felt. It was a sad day for us, as well.

You were courageous and fair and philosophical on radio and television and in the press. It was better that way.

The roads of life have a habit of re-crossing. There could well be a future intersection. Until then, my best to you both.

With a decade of memories,
Au revoir,
Walter O'Malley

4. After World War II began, there was uncertainty as to whether major league baseball would continue. President Roosevelt provided the answer when he wrote what would forever be known as The Green Light Letter early in 1942. It was addressed to Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
January 15, 1942
My Dear Judge:
Thank you for yours of January fourteenth. As you will, of course, realize, the final decision about the baseball season must rest with you and the baseball club owners—so what I am going to say is solely a personal and not an official point of view.

I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going. There will be fewer people unemployed and everybody will work longer hours and harder than ever before.

And that means that they ought to have a chance for recreation and for taking their minds off their work even more than before.