Baseball history is only one letter away. That’s what keeps me writing.

The Baseball Hall of Fame library has housed countless historic documents, including letters. Letters from owners, players, all kinds of fabled baseball names — Cooperstown has collected them.

Sadly, some of the finest letters showcasing baseball’s history disappeared. Apparent thefts from years ago have only come to light as auction houses are seeing some of the mystery documents reappear.

A standing O goes to expert Peter J. Nash and the web team behind Hauls of Shame. Instead of simply sensationalizing tragic crimes of the past, the site is working with law enforcement and authentication talents to return these documents back to where they belong. I’m eager to see Nash’s 2011 book on the same subject.