1956 Cleveland Indians Player's Contract Signed by Hank Greenberg (GM)

Four-page fold-over contract, dated January 10, 1956, between Edwin Gasque and the Cleveland Baseball Company, signed in blue ink by "Edwin J. Gasque Sr." (grading "10") and "Hank Greenberg" ("10") as general manager. The William Harridge signature is a stamped facsimile. The one-year contract, for the 1956 season, calls for Gasque to receive a salary of $650 per month. Gasque did not make the team in 1956 and his entire six-year professional career was spent in the minor leagues. The appeal of this contract, of course, is the signature of Hank Greenberg, who was one of the game's greatest sluggers. After retirement Greenberg was hired as a Cleveland scout by Bill Veeck. In 1950 he was promoted to general manager, a position he held for eight seasons before joining Veeck once again as an executive with the Chicago White Sox in 1958. Greenberg was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1956, the same year from which this contract dates. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds and two notebook holes along the left border; otherwise in Excellent to Mint condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Disclosure per section 13 of REA's terms and conditions: This lot has been consigned from the personal collection of an executive or employee of Robert Edward Auctions (or a relative of an executive or employee). Reserve $200. Estimate $300+. SOLD FOR $415

Spring 2012 - Item detail

1956 Cleveland Indians Player's Contract Signed by Hank Greenberg (GM)