1940-1941 Pedro "Perucho" Cepeda Signed Guayama Puerto Rican League Contract

Sold For:

$1,320

Year:

1940

Auction:

2018 Spring

Lot #:

1862

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Four-page fold-over contract, dated “Octubre, 1940, between Pedro A. Cepeda and the Guyama Base-Ball Club of the Professional Baseball League of Puerto Rico. The fully executed contract, bearing the league's stamp of approval, has been signed in black ink by "Pedro A. Cepeda" (grading "9") the club president, the league president, and two witnesses. The one-year agreement, for the winter-league season of 1940-1941, calls for Cepeda to receive a salary of $12 per week. Cepeda, nicknamed “Perucho” and “The Bull,” was one of the top Puerto Rican players of his era, and was often referred to as “The Babe Ruth of Puerto Rico.” His entire professional career was spent playing in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Although many Negro League clubs sought his services, he refused to come to the United States because he could not abide the overt racism at the time. Today, he is best known as the father of Hall of Fame slugger Orlando Cepeda. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays notebook holes along the top border and a few tiny edge tears. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Pre-certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).