1924 Al Simmons Philadelphia Athletics Player Contract - Rookie Year!

Sold For:

$2,040

Year:

1924

Auction:

2018 Fall

Lot #:

1486

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Four-page fold-over contract, dated February 29, 1924, between Al Simmons and the American Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, signed in blue fountain pen by "Al. H. Simmons" (grading "5," bleeding), "John D. Shibe" ("9") as vice president, and a witness. Also signed on the front in black fountain pen by "B. B. Johnson" ("9”) as American League President. The one-year agreement for the 1924 season calls for Simmons to receive a salary of $4,125. This is Al Simmons’ rookie contract and not only is it the earliest Simmons contract we have ever seen, but the only one. Simmons played two years of minor league ball before Connie Mack purchased his contract from the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association at the end of the 1923 season. Simmons had wanted to play for John McGraw and the New York Giants, and had even written the club to that affect, but he never received a response. The Giants' loss was the A’s gain, as Simmons quickly established himself as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Nicknamed “Bucketfoot Al” for his unusual batting stance, Simmons batted .304 with 8 home runs and 102 RBI for Philadelphia during his rookie campaign. That season would mark the first of 11 straight in which Simmons drove in 100 or more runs. His RBI totals are even more amazing when one considers that he was not normally known as a “power” hitter. He hit over 30 home runs on only three occasions, with 36 representing his career high in 1930. What Simmons could do though, was hit for average. He twice led the league in hitting, including a career-high .390 in 1931, and batted over .300 in 13 seasons during the 15-year span 1924 and 1938. Simmons retired in 1944 with 307 home runs, 1,828 RBI (20th on the all-time list), and a .334 lifetime average (34th on the all-time list). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953, but passed away just three years later. The fully executed contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal fold lines, as well as a few tiny edge tears and light creases. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).