Autographs, Books and Manuscripts

President Ford Gets a Tennis Lesson From Pancho Gonzalez -- Then Crushes Dick Stockton & Jim Baker!

Lot 716
Ford, Gerald R. (1913-) 38th President of the United States, 1974-1977.

Autograph Letter Signed. One page, Octavo, on gilt embossed personal letterhead, [Palm Springs, California] May 9, 1978. To Tennis great Pancho Gonzalez, winner of four Grand Slam Titles, thanking the tennis star for a lesson he has just received. Ford writes:

"Dear Pancho: Just a note to thank you for your wonderful assistance in preparation for my tennis match in Houston. Good news. John Newcombe & I defeated Dick Stockton & Jim Baker 6 - 1. I played well enough to help a little. A few disasters at the net but the serve & volleying went well. Again, I'm most grateful. You were most helpful. If you come to Palm Springs please give me a call. Sincerely, Jerry Ford."

Fine. Play tennis? Ford letters simply don't get better than this.
Estimated Value $2,000-UP.