Lonny Frey, A Typewriter, And Onion Paper

Years ago, when I started sending out correspondence to former players, I didn't have any vintage cards to send out for autographs, so I used index cards. I'd handwrite a note, ask a few questions and mail it off with a SASE. Often, the ballplayer, especially the older veterans, would include a little note, and a signed picture of their own. Every once in a while the player would take the time to write, or in this case, type, a more lengthy response.

Lonnie included the two signed photocopies of himself.

And like I said, he typed a very thoughtful response...on onion paper (he was 94 at the time!). If you dont know what onion paper is, it's what we used to use for typewritten letters: super thin, strong, but slightly translucent, making it a bit difficult to read sometimes, especially if your ink ribbon was starting to dry out.

Correspondence received in January, 2004.

Lonny Frey passed away September 13, 2009 (aged 99).

Brooklyn Dodgers (1933–1936)

Chicago Cubs (1937)

Cincinnati Reds (1938–1946)

Chicago Cubs (1947)

New York Yankees (1947–1948)

New York Giants (1948)

3× All-Star (1939, 1941, 1943)

2× World Series champion (1940, 1947)

NL stolen base leader (1940)

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame