1933 Nat Strong Signed Negro League Booking Slip

Sold For:

$3,000

Year:

1933

Auction:

2020 Summer

Lot #:

1607

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Rare Nat Strong Negro League booking statement, dated June 11, 1933, signed by Nat Strong. The statement, which is both preprinted and typed, confirms a booking for the "Jersey City Colored Giants" on Sunday, June 11, 1933, in Oceanside, L. I. (New York). At the base, it notes that the agreement stipulates a "$30.00 Guarantee." It is signed at the base in blue fountain pen (grading "9") by Nat Strong. The directions to the Oceanside, Long Island, playing field are typed on the reverse. None of the additional particulars on the slip, including attendance figures or gate receipts, has been filled in. It must be noted that Nat Strong's signature is exceedingly rare. This is the first we have ever offered and we have never seen another. It is so rare that even James Spence/JSA has no exemplars for comparison; therefore JSA has offered no opinion on this signature and it is being offered without an LOA. Nat Strong, a white man, was one of the most important power brokers in Negro League baseball during the early 1900s. Based in New York, Strong served as an officer with both the Brooklyn Royal Giants and the New York Black Yankees. However, his true power was derived from his role as the East Coast booking agent for all of the clubs. No Negro League team could get booked in New York without Strong's consent, and he was dictatorial in his ways. Most club owners disliked him, mostly because of his demand of an extra 10% of every gate, on top of his standard 10% commission. In addition to his involvement in Negro League baseball, Strong also owned white semipro clubs, was a salesman for the Spalding Sporting Goods Company, and owned the World Building in New York City. He continued to rule New York black baseball with an iron fist until his death in 1934 at the age of 61. The booking statement (5.5 x 8.25 inches) displays two horizontal folds and a tiny edge tear. In Excellent condition overall. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).