1950 Chief Bender Signed Philadelphia Athletics Contract

Four-page fold-over contract, dated February 2, 1950, between Albert "Chief" Bender and the American Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, flawlessly signed in black ink (grading "10") by "'Charles A. Bender" and in blue ink ("9") by "Roy F. Mack" as vice president. The front of the contract has also been signed in black ink ("8") by William Harridge in his capacity as American League President. The one-year agreement calls for Bender to serve as a scout for the A's during the 1950 season at a salary of $3,900. 104 of Hall of Fame players are rare and the offered example is no exception. This is only the second Bender contract we have ever offered and we cannot recall having seen any others at public auction recently. One of the finest pitchers of his era, Bender won 212 games, against only 127 losses in this sixteen-year career. Perhaps the greatest testament to his pitching ability was that offered by A's manager Connie Mack, who chose Bender, over eventual 300 game-winner Eddie Plank, as his Game 1 starter in each of the club's four World Series appearances between the years 1910 and 1914. Bender was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953, just one year prior to his passing. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds, with two staple holes located along the lines of the bottom fold. In Excellent overall condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $200. Estimate $500+. SOLD FOR $5,333

Spring 2012 - Item detail

1950 Chief Bender Signed Philadelphia Athletics Contract