Thom's Temporarily Closed.

"Breaking rocks in the hot sun..."

It's possible you've heard the rumors already: Thom's is closed! Due to a procedural error regarding the renewal of our liquor license the bar will not be open again until at earliest February 22.

The truth is that this is a common mistake made by bars and restaurants for which the local community boards have authority to grant waivers. However, they said, "We can not grant waivers to bars with a history of complaints." The "history" in question was a March 2009 anonymous letter complaining of someone loitering outside the bar.

So, 'fess up! Which one of you was it? Which one of you stopped walking for a millisecond on our sidewalk drawing the ire of a local care-too-well? Which of you inspires letters?

It doesn't matter really. It's a system they have in place to force bars to face their complainants and we're stuck in it.

While we will try to open earlier than stated above, for now we remain shut.

In all honesty we apologize for this great inconvenience to our guests and staff alike. Thank you for all of your kind words in this matter and we hope to see you soon at the grand reopening!

Keep up with events here on the bar's Sox Blog and Q's Blog.

Read below for all of the things you will not be missing.

"Here comes the blind commissioner

They've got him in a trance

One hand is tied to the tight-rope walker

The other is in his pants

And the riot squad they're restless

They need somewhere to go..."

________________________________

On this date in:

1783 - Britain declared a formal cessation of hostilities with its former colonies, the United States of America.

1938 - The play "Our Town", by Thornton Wilder, opened in New York City.

Rondo at WR

Like I always say, “Rondo rules.”  Ok, so maybe I’ve been a little rough on Rondo because he seemed to turn into a circus bear 15% of the time, juggling the ball for no apparent reason then mauling anyone near him, (although, I often like whom he chooses to maul). But, last night, like he’s done several times this season, he carried the Celts to victory, first with this play, then an OT where he outscored the Heat himself. I bet we could get a lot for him in trade now…

Fact: The Pats have never won a Superbowl with Wes Welker on their team. While there’s no denying that Welker has been unreal for Brady the reality is David Patton, and Bethel Johnson have been enough in the past.  I know, one step at a time. 

The playoffs looks good for the Pats. The Ravens always find someone way to lose to us then blame the refs-besides, they’ll always be jealous because Edgar Allan Poe was actually from Boston. Anyone can die in Baltimore- and the Colts have already gone home for the year. All that’s left is the Chargers who are bound to be arrested before we’d have to face them. So, that’s clear sailing to the Superbowl and plenty of time to re-sign Bethel Johnson and David Patton in the meanwhile.

The Pats game is this Sunday at 1 pm.  We still do not take reservations. However, 2 floors will be open for the game.

More Thoms Foolery

It is really “THE” Rivalry in all of sports although few people care in the least bit about it. Well, we do.  This Friday night BC and BU will meet on the neutral ground that is Fenway Park to play hockey.  It’s the ghost of Harry Agannis vs. the ghost of Lou Merloni.

What else is going on in New England?  Surprise! More wackiness in New Bedford.

Thommies in The News

This Sunday night at 10 pm on MLB Network check out the film “Holy Land Hardball” by Thom’s regular and filmmaker Brett Rapkin. Then in two weeks catch Brett’s film “Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey” on MLB on the 24th.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

-E.A. Poe

Happy Anniversary

Ah, the hot stove is heating up.  How nice it would be to visit the homeland again. [A salty tear falls to the keyboard rendering the tilde all but useless.]  The Sox have a couple new left-fielders and a new pitcher and a new shortstop and the tragedy of it all is these guys won’t be able to see any of it while they’re at work. That’s the Calvinist state that is Massachusetts for you.  Meanwhile the Yankees just keep getting stronger (please click).

Shoot down the state a bit to Buzzards Bay and a late library book is being more heavily punished then a 98-year-old killer.  Why?  Because that’s how New Bedford rolls. They eat barbecue octopus from a can and they do not like you taking over their room.  Do not live to 100 and never keep a book past it’s due date. 

When asked why she did it 98-year-old Laura Lundquist said, “She’s been wicked aggravatin’ for-like-70, 80 years. I had enough of that old bag.”  When the obvious pun was pointed out to Mrs. Lundquist she pulled a shiv on the reporter.

*****

Tonight at Thom’s we take a walk down memory lane as we half-heartedly celebrate our 4th anniversary.  Come in and try some new Harpoon beers and get some free stuff. 

*****

Still looking for that perfect Xmas gift?  Well, look no further. The  Thom’s store has a collection of books, music and dvds from people that have been to Thom’s.  Please support our regulars.  Featured right now is Bill Simmons’ “The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy”. The Sports Guy did a signing at Thom’s last month where about 1000 people showed up.

How about “This Bad Day in Yankee History” by Gabriel Schechter?  The author will be in very soon to help us conduct a little off-season trivia party.

Or, the perfect hat for the big baseball fan in your family. These custom made caps won’t be available for much longer, so jump on it while you can.

Still stuck? Ok, candle pins make a good gift.

Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

Pour a cheerful toast and fill it
Happy Anniversary
But be careful you don't spill it
Happy Anniversary

-by Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera

Click for video

Lobsterpalooza!

 

The reporter said, “Bill Belichick was so excited about tonight’s Pats game I saw him *blank*.” (please click for theme music)

I admit it. I’m a “Match Game” junkie. I usually watch two to three episodes every afternoon while feeding the kids.  And, before you say it, I know I’m making them junkies too.  But what can I do?

I guess I’ll focus on some of my other addictions for a while, namely the Pats and shellfish.  Tonight the two combine in an as yet unprecedented performance we like to call Lobsterpalooza. 

Yes, while the Pats are ending the ‘aints lossless season we will be serving up some whole lobster dinners and lobster rolls and raw clams and steamed clams. All of them at very reasonable prices. Wow! Thom Brady and lobster. While supplies last.

The Times-Picayune (I realize that “picayune means small and trivial, but-) has found five reasons the Saints will beat the Pats.  Now, I think the Saints are a terrific team but comparing Belichick’s first four years with the Browns and Payton’s first four with the Saints is hardly strong sports journalism.  History matters little. Where it counts is our lobsters are bigger than their lobsters.

If you find that you’ve eaten too much tonight celebrating the Pats bacchanalian like you were up too late dancing to Al B. Sure at Venus De Milo’s in 1988 then here’s some virtual ipecac to ease the burden on your stomach.  You’re guaranteed to heave.

Woo
Ah, can you feel it, baby
I can
Ooh
Excuse me, do you think that I might be able to touch you
{Who me}

-Albert Joseph Brown III

A Yankee Theatre Review

Theater Review

“Like You’ve Been There Before”

by D.L. Pedroia

In the opening scene of “Like You’ve Been There Before” we are struck in the face by its audacity like a whipped-cream pie thrown from the ghostly hand of Soupy Sales. (Correction: whipped-cream has more substance. This pie is a money-shot and borne therefrom. Without treacle, spice, or nuance it sticks, runs, and then lingers for all too long leaving your face to beg “clean me”. )

Yes, in a thus far uninspiring theater season add one more play to the list of disappointments. The long and begrudgingly anticipated premier of the George Steinbrenner Production “Like You’ve Been There Before” opened off-off-Broadway last night to a packed house.

The play starts smack dab in the midst of a bacchanalian where all of the players known collectively as the Emmephwhy are introduced en masse dousing each other with celebratory libations. The cause of their celebration is insignificant as it appears to be long presumed by all partakers. Mutual, manly affection takes the place of the first lines spoken and then there they are: a clotted jumble of self-satisfied “I’s” and “Me’s” bellows with migrainic pulses reminiscent of the chorus of last year’s surprising hit musical “Robber Barons”. Before breaking off individually the players repeat insincere mantras setting the tone for a religiously decadent evening, of sorts.

For those familiar with the author Brian Cashman’s previous work, this should be no surprise. His style hearkens back to a simpler time in theater when a producer was all-powerful and his play was a projection of his wealth and insecurities. The writer was then his salaried medium whose job it was to transcribe the ramblings of a rich man drunk on his own affection. The aptronymic Cashman said in an interview three years ago, “Either you love my work blindly or you want to punch me in the face.”

Like a poorly planned film about the ascent of Everest this play starts at the top and goes downhill quickly. Sub-par acting and acrid metaphor is its Sherpa.

The performances in general have the feeling of being long over-prepared. Alex Rodriguez who plays the lead is again unconvincing as an everyman (Jack Ashe) whose every noble effort is done in anonymity for the greater good. Instead, he cyanoticaly mouths his lines as many of our players do. Derek Jeter plays lead number two (Cap'n Fispump) consistently, and entirely deserving of the Tony and Oscar he was awarded before the show opened. He touches on every intangible trait you would expect from a great thespian. Hideki Matsui soars in a supporting role performing the entirety of the play in a horrific kabuki mask. But his abilities seem somehow misplaced. His cadence and maturity feel more fitting for the work of niche director Jack Horner then this maudlin stage.

A surprising bright spot was the young actor Mark Teixera fresh off his off his triumphant portrayal in “Equus" at the Mercenary Lane Theatre. His performance as Johnny Statuary is understated and especially appreciated by out-of-towners. Joe Girardi in the role of Chief of the Emmephwhy is brash and plodding, and, in my opinion, too over-written to be believable. The idea that such a clumsy man could lead the Emmephwhy anywhere but to oblivion is laughably preposterous.

The veteran histrion Andy Pettitte is not unimpressive as much as he is perplexing. At times he seems to be repeating lines and stage direction to himself then looking to the rafters for guidance.

In a strange fit of whimsy Cashman wrote in a mythical Greek figure Testosterones who is able to buttress struggling members of the Emmephwhy finding heretofore unfounded strength in the frail and aged. We meet Testosterones first through Pettitte who plays the character Irving Maxwell Redeemd. Redeemd is born anew through the soft touch of the Greek mentor whose presence is clearly meant to impress predestiny for the all too sympathetic Emmephwhy.

Despite a few bright spots “Like You’ve Been There Before” is on a whole vulgar and unnecessary in a world filled with disappointments; murder is a kinder way to spend an evening.

“Like You’ve Been There Before”

Written and directed by Brian Cashman and produced by Geo. Steinbrenner plays forever at the House that Taxpayers Built. Tickets range from $150-2500.

Happy Anniversary

Where were you when the walls of Jericho fell?  5 years ago today your Boston Red Sox won their eighth straight play-off game and took the 2004 World Series in grand fashion.  So, Happy Anniversary!

I remember I was at a bar in the West Village with a few friends finishing up a party that had begun more than a week before.  The streets filled and the cops came and I’ve felt pretty good ever since.

It’s not easy to commemorate a day such as this; almost all efforts would seem insincere.  We’ll try anyhow. The traditional gift for a 5th anniversary is wood. So, I asked the NBA to have the Celtics tip-off their season on the hardwood against the Cavs.  Not bad huh?  Come in  and support the Celts and talk about your 2004 story.

Tonight at 7:30 your Boston Celtics will take on the LeBron Cavaliers in LeBronton, Ohio.  It should be a LeBronian night for all as the LeBron LeBron Lebrons the Lebron.  Got it? The NBA is dying to make this the LeBronba, but a healthy Garnett and a psychotic ‘Sheed should have something to say about that.  And, if Pierce decides he’s going to try and not just walk around and fall like he did against Orlando last year, watch out! Get there early for your seat.

And speaking of getting there early, don’t forget “The Sports Guy” Bill Simmons will be in the house tomorrow signing copied of his new book, “The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy”

Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years

-Kenneth Ray Rogers

Mariano Caught Cheating?

You be the judge. So far only bloggers have picked up this story, but I think by the evening you'll see mention on ESPN at least. The footage of last night's game shows Rivera clearly looking down at the ball and hucking a loogy on it, then throwing a pitch.

Does this explain why that cutter cuts? Have we found the fountain of youth? I'm sure there will be more to this story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KihPKUZni8Y

http://www.halosheaven.com/2009/10/19/1092390/mariano-rivera-caught-doctoring

Huge Harpoon Event!

It finally happened. That thing we thought unlikely. Last night at Professor Thom's you did not finish our lobsters! To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. So, to remedy this we insist that you eat lobster rolls all night tonight and tonight only. Yes, there are critters roaming the floors of the pub and for the first time they are edible.

Come in for the Red Sox game against Baltimore, eat a lobster roll. Play trivia, eat a lobster roll. It's late. Had too much to drink? Eat a lobster roll. It's your fault.

This Friday do not miss the Harpoon event of a lifetime. It's huge. It's gigantic. It's every other hyperbole I didn't get to use on my honeymoon. It's 12 Harpoon beers including 3 from the Leviathan Series and the man who started it all, owner of Harpoon Brewery, Rich Doyle. Mr. Doyle will be talking about the beers at 6:30 on Friday. You can do a tasting of the 12 for $12. That's wicked cheap!  To boot, we’ll be giving away free passes for the tasting at Trivia tonight!

(Oh, anyone from New England that has perhaps slipped into an alien way of speaking needs to see this video. This man can really help: Ass clown.  I expect you all to be talking like a “real Mainer” by nightfall.

Thom Brady

The Pats are back next Monday against Buffalo.  While they’ve cut most of their players and will be fielding only 7 defenders, Thom Brady will be there.  Therefore, the Pats will never lose again.

Thommies in the News

Check out the video NESN took of some Thommies at the only Sox win against the Yankees a couple weeks ago.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone that helped is raise money for the Jimmy Fund.  Our two day tally was almost $2,200!   You rule.

He's been gone for such a long time
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)
Now he's back and things'll be fine
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)
Cause he's kinda big and he's awful strong
(Hey-la-day-la my boyfriend's back)

-Robert Feldman, Gerald Goldstein and Richard Gottehre

The Red Sox Report

Check out the piece NESN put together on our August 22 trip to Fenway: Red Sox Report.

Regular Rob, the VP of RSN interviews two Govs and Jerry Casale. There are also some nice crowd shots of the group.

Also, don't miss all of the photos from the trip: here.

Jimmy Fund Thom’s-a-thon

The Red Sox are playing baseball. Hmm, in other news…

Join us this Thursday and Friday as we help support the annual WEEI-NESN radio-telethon for the Jimmy Fund by having a fundraiser of our own. We will spend two nights raising money by auctioning, raffling, and plain old begging. Feel free to give more than you can afford as all of the money is being sent to a worthwhile charity.

This year we will conduct the charity in honor of the late John Carroll who is memorialized in one of the artworks on our walls. Over one of the booths there is a framed poster of many of the major American newspapers the day after the Sox won the Series in 2004. Affixed to the bottom of the frame is a dedication to John T. Carroll Sr. who, born in 1919, passed away just a few weeks before the Sox finally ended their long draught. In his honor we will donate all proceeds of the two nights to the Jimmy Fund.

And, the highlight of the event will be the sale of an exact copy of that framed poster, donated by John's son. Many people have asked where they could buy one, and now here's your opportunity. Also, look for autographed items and the usual Thom's give-away: beer. Thank you in advance for your support.

Also on Friday: He's back. The Dreamy One, Tom Brady is finally going to be on TV in New York as the Pats take on their former cross state rival, the Redskins (see, the Redskins began in Boston). Game time is 8 pm.

Looking Ahead

Lenny Clarke is coming to town. The sometime pride of Cambridge will be performing at Comix September 24-26. Let me know if you're interested in going.

Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit
Ill give a little bit of my love to you
Theres so much that we need to share
So send a smile and show you care

-Roger Hodgson

August 22, 2009 RSN NY at Fenway

What a time we had at Fenway Saturday! The Sox cooperated completely by annihilating the Yankees 14-1 behind a rookie picture. But, I got the feeling from the reaction among our crowd of 100 that it wouldn't have mattered much had they lost.

From the start the deck was stacked in our favor. On one bus heading up was former Sox starter and Yankee killer, Jerry Casale, who was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his rookie of the year season with the Sox. Jerry also owned the first "Sox Bar" in NYC which he ran on 34th street for many years.

On the other bus was Jazz star John Pizzarelli who performed the anthem before the game.

It felt like the game couldn't start without us.

The Sox supplied us with Red Sox Nation New York signs and sent the jumbo-tron camera by to broadcast us on the board. And, NESN shot us all day for a piece they're doing about the trip.

All in all, not too shabby for a day at the park.

Thanks to Sox and everyone that helped make this trip possible.

The Boston Globe made mention of the trip here, sorta.

Here's a link to the photos I took: RSN NY Trip.
Here's some that Jerry's family took: The Casales.
And, here's Pizz doing the anthem: You Tube.

Here are some more by partaker Eden.

And then even more here.

Rock Lobster

Here we go again... I have to admit, I really do not understand this completely. We are playing a four game series against the Yankees even though we're 8 and oh against them? Shouldn't they have to play against Pawtucket a few times first to earn an inning or two with us? Oh, well I guess I shouldn't complain. I mean we have been in first place all year-hold on a second. I have to check something. Wait, this can't be right. We're not in first!? But, we have three catchers. One of them is named Victor. That means "winner" in, ahm, English! And the third one who is hanging out on the sidelines until Wakefield returns is named Kotteras which is Greek for "teacher of Special Guidance Remedial Academics". We're the winners. Oh, now I understand why we have to play them. Because after we win four straight we will be back in first forever. Phew! I feel much better now. Well, at least it's a good excuse to hang out with some old friends. I mean, you are coming by this week, right? Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. What else could you possibly have to do? If you do decide to come in you can get some info about the two buses going to Fenway August 22 to see the Sox host the Yankees. Hmm, hmm? Not too shabby, hey? Also, you find out what these Lobster Mondays are all about at Thom's. Lobster! Hmm, hmm? Thommies in The News Next Monday, we'll have the Sox, cheap lobster, and immediately following the Red Sox game, the broadcast event you've all been waiting for. It's the network premiere of "The Lost Son of Havana" at 10 pm. Do not miss this film. You'll fall in love with Luis Tiant all over again. This film is a must-see for any baseball fan. And, speaking of Thommies in the news, Thom Brady is on "Entourage" Sunday with Markie Mark sans Funkie Bunch. We were at a party His ear lobe fell in the deep Someone reached in and grabbed it It was a rock lobster -Peter Griffin

A Steal of Two Cities

It was the theft of times at the worst of times...

The Boston Herald follwed up today on its investigation of stolen baseball memorabilia from the Boston and New York Public Libraries. As the case progresses more and more of the facts connect former Yankee owner Barry Halper to the thefts: Boston Herald.

Half Way There

Ok, let's just play half a season and we'll take a three game lead.

What a nice way to enter the break. After it seemed like the Sox were going to stumble to the half-way mark in second place in the AL East, they sort of roared through the Royals while the Yankees whimpered out west. The result: a tidy three game lead.

Ok, ya'll want this party started, right? Your first place Boston Red Sox kick off the second half tomorrow night in Toronto. The shore be damned! Find your way to the bar. These are big games and the Sox need your support. I mean it's bad enough you bailed on BCN.

That's right, in case you have not heard, The Rock of Boston, WBCN is no more on the airwaves. It is instead being moved up the dial and turned into an FM sports channel called WBZ FM. Where once stood the mighty BCN will be the former Mix 98.5. Growing up in Boston it was almost a daily war between those who listened to BCN and those that listened to Kiss 108-I did a great Sunny Joe White impression, btw. I even remember a bumber sticker on my nephew's uncle's car that read "Disco stinks. Rocks great. Kill the staff at 108". (WBCN can still be found online.)

Pedro has signed a 1 year deal with the Phillies. he's not too optimistic, though, "“I might surprise you, I might not,” Martinez said. “It’s going to be really fun to go find out.” A think he was referring to a standing bet on the length of his jheri curls.

Thom's Media

Did you catch "The Lost Son of Havana" last week when it screened around New England? No? Well, it will finally make its televion debut on ESPN after the Sox/Detroit game on Aug.10th. Set your DVR now. Ok, that's probably not possible. But, make a mental note now! Still unlikely? How about I remind you?

For you literary types I added a couple books to the Amazon store. First is from our old friend Pete Fornatele who collaborated with Brian Biegel on his book "Miracle Ball: My Hunt for the Shot Heard 'Round the World" It's a terrific story about a long-standing sports mystery.

The second one is "Equation Nineteen" by Louis Garafalo. It's "a book about Alzheimer's research that ends up being used for unintended - and deadly - consequences." The story is set in Boston with many scenes in Fenway park. From the proceeds of each sale the author will be donating $1 to the national Alzheimer's Association and $1 to the Jimmy Fund cancer research center in Boston.

Whooah, were half way there

Livin on a prayer

Take my hand and well make it - I swear

Livin on a prayer

-Bon Jovi

Halper Auctioeer Claims no Knowledge of Stolen Will

A new article in today's Herald puts the question of the whereabouts of Tommy McCarthy's will-the rarest autograph in baseball-to former Yankees owner Halper's auctioneer, Rob Lifson.

Auctioneer: Way of the will unknown

An auctioneer who worked with a deceased New York Yankees owner who
had stolen Boston baseball treasures in his collection says he doesn’t know what
happened to the missing will of 19th century Hub ballplayer Tommy
McCarthy.

Rob Lifson, a consultant who helped Sotheby’s auction house sell
millions in memorabilia for Yankees owner Barry Halper in 1999, also said he was
unaware that a rare contract sold in that auction was part of a baseball
scrapbook swiped from the New York Public Library.

Yankee Thieves Steal Boston Treasures

According to today's Boston Herald former Yankee owner Barry Halper was repsonsible for plundering some of Boston's greatest baseball treasures.

Dead Bronx Bomber minority owner Barry Halper sold Boston Red Caps’ player E.B.
Sutton’s 1879 contract, which paid the player a whopping $30 for a season, in a
1999 auction. An unknowing California collector paid $4,000 for the document,
but according to a newly discovered 1953 letter obtained by the Herald, it was
part of a baseball scrapbook swiped from the New York Public Library.

Read the rest of the lurid story here: Herald.

All That Glitters is Gold.

It’s time for Thom’s This Week in Baseball.

They’ll be serving knuckle sandwiches in St. Louis on July 14. Yeah! You see, that’s when the All-Star game is and Wakefield is, ahm-let’s start over:

American League wins leader (11) Tim Wakefield will be playing in the first All-Star game of his career on July 14. Yeah. Roll the video. Timmy won his 11th game of the year Wednesday night against the visiting A’s who brought along an old friend.

Nomar visited the old grounds that made him famous. The man who revived the Red Sox, who allowed us to win every debate, whose number was hung from the rafters every night when he took it off came in as DH for the A’s struggling through another injury plagued season and received a prolonged standing ovation at the plate. He made it clear that he wanted to return to the Sox again before retiring, but didn’t understand that he just had.

The Yankee Way!

Did you think Yankee villainy began with Alex Rodriguez-Ciccone? Boy were you naïve. Aside from abusing tax-payers and soccer players it turns out that they’re grave robbers too. The Boston Herald reported today that former Yankee owner Barry Halper stole the wills of some of Boston’s early greats. In addition, he had possession of items stolen from the Boston Public Library. Are you really surprised?

Shout it out loud, We Love The YANKEES

We're really proud of our YANKEES

And we're gonna win today

More Thom’s Foolery

Well, in retrospect I’m glad we got Stephon because we all had to learn to accept a player we swore we would never like. This year we’ll put that tolerance to the test when number 30 Rasheed Wallace steps on the floor. If nothing else the Celts will lead the league in technical fouls. To be fair, he’s coming off the bench and if coached right could become an important, ah, shit-I really don’t like him.

For Timmy:

Hey now you're an All Star get your game on, go play

Hey now you're a Rock Star get the show on, get paid.

(And all that glitters is gold)

Only shooting stars break the mold

David Hunt Removes Questionable Harry Wright Letters From MLB Sale

The New York Times' Jack Curry wrote a new piece on the stolen Wright letters. It would seem that David Hunt changed his mind about the provenance of the letters. He went from complete denial to complete cooperation in a few days. I wonder what motivated him.

It wouldn't be a shock if more major papers picked up this story soon.

Follow the discussion further here.

Auction House Removes 19th-Century Letters From Sale

By JACK CURRY
Published: July 7, 2009

Since the Federal Bureau of Investigation is still investigating whether some 19th-century baseball letters that were supposed to be sold at next week’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game auction were stolen from the New York Public Library, the auction house has removed the items from the sale...
Read on

Wright Letters Removed From MLB Auction

According to an AP story linked below, David Hunt Auctions decided to-day to remove 20 some-odd suspicious letters from the MLB All-Star Fanfest auction out of fear they were stolen from the New York Public Library's Harry Wright Collection. The letters document some of the earliest minutes of professional baseball.


NEW YORK (AP) -- A trove of letters to one of baseball's founding fathers has been removed from an upcoming auction while the FBI investigates whether they were among items stolen from the New York Public Library years ago. Read more...

More Evidence Surfaces in Theft of Wright Letters

Jack Curry of the NY Times reported today that a baseball historian named Dorothy Seymour Mills had come forward to confirm that at least one of the letters for sale in David Hunt's Auction at MLB All-Star Fanfest had been in the NY Public Library as recently as 1956 when she used it for research on her late husband Harold Seymour's dissertation, "The Rise of Major League Baseball to 1891".

This revelation cast even greater doubt on the provenance of the letters said by Hunt to be the consignor's "grandmother's attic"-a term that's almost a cliche' for shady origins.

See the original story here: "Baseball Pioneer’s Letters Pulled From Auction" or below.