1958 Eddie Mathews Signed Milwaukee Braves Contract

Sold For:

$3,000

Year:

1958

Auction:

2016 Fall

Lot #:

1325

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Four-page fold-over contract, dated January 12, 1959, between Eddie Mathews and the National League Baseball Club of Milwaukee, Inc., signed in blue ink by "Edwin L. Mathews" (grading "10"), "John J. Quinn" ("10"), general manager of the club, and National League president Warren Giles (“9/10”). The one-year agreement calls for Mathews to receive a salary of $50,000. Mathews certainly earned his salary that season, as he finished the year with a league-leading 46 home runs, 114 RBI, and a career-high .306 batting average. One of baseball's greatest sluggers, Mathews amassed a total of 512 home runs over the course of his seventeen-year career (1952-1968). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978. Baseball contracts of Hall of Fame players, especially those dating from their respective playing careers, are rare. This is only the second Mathews contract we have ever offered. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds and is otherwise in Near Mint condition. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $500. Estimate $2,500+.