Here’s a story that will melt the heart of every collector..and fan..even if you’re not into hockey.
Some retired athletes take a cynical view of autograph requests and fan mail. Many simply toss the letters out. Some answer with a quick scribble. Hockey Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau takes each letter to heart and replies as soon as he can. He’s answered them–all of them–for over 50 years.
Even simple birthday greetings get the former Montreal Canadiens star goalie to work, writing in a beautiful flowing script even at age 75, grateful for the acknowledgement of fans who helped him forge a career.
If he were American, we’d call him a "true American hero". Fact is, to most American sports fans, he’s a vague memory at best. To Canadians..and true hockey fans..he’s a treasure from an era when civility and graciousness were the norm rather than the exception.
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