This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
American League Player's contract dated April 12, 1919 for infamous NY Yankee Wally Pipp, who in 1925 told manager Miller Huggins that he had a headache and needed to sit out the game; he was replaced by a rookie Lou Gehrig and the rest is history. This rare early contract measures 8-1/2" x 28" and bears the corporate seal of the "American League Baseball Club of New York," also known as the NY Yankees. It has been signed in black fountain pen by Wally Pipp (twice), club President Jacob Ruppert (twice) and American League President Ban Johnson. The document shows minor edge and fold wear, with signatures that grade a strong 8 to 9. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication and an additional LOA.