1926 Gabby Hartnett Chicago Cubs Contract

Official "Uniform Player's Contract" dated February 23, 1925, between Gabby Hartnett and the Chicago National League Ball Club. Signed on the interior in black fountain pen by "C. L. Hartnett" and team president "William L. Veeck." The four-page agreement calls for Hartnett to receive a salary of $10,000 for the 1926 season. This is Gabby Hartnett's fifth Major League contract. He played only one season in the minors before Chicago signed him to a contract for the 1922 season. Though just 22 years old at the time of his signing and having little experience, he displayed a strong arm and fine defensive skills, which led Cubs manager Bill Killefer to keep him on the roster as Bob O'Farrell's backup for the 1922 and 1923 seasons. In 1924, following an injury to O'Farrell, Hartnett took over the starting job and retained it for the next 16 seasons. Considered one of the finest catchers of his era and one of the greatest players in Cubs history, Hartnett is best remembered for his historic “Homer in the Gloaming,” which helped the Cubs capture the 1938 pennant. A six-time All-Star and former MVP Award winner, Hartnett finished his career with 236 home runs, 1,179 RBI, and a .297 average. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955. This lot originates from the extraordinary collection of a longtime Chicago Cubs executive, Eldred "Salty" Saltwell, which is consigned to this auction by his family. The collection, which includes a remarkable array of contracts, checks, and other related documents and mementos, will be presented over a series of auctions and will offer publicly for the first time many significant items spanning decades of Chicago baseball. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds and minor soiling at the top. In Very Good condition. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $1,000.

Spring 2022 - Item detail

1926 Gabby Hartnett Chicago Cubs Contract