1959 Willie McCovey San Francisco Giants Dual-Signed Pre-Rookie PCL Contract

Willie McCovey’s 1958 Uniform Player Contract: A Piece of Baseball History

An Iconic Contract

The contract in question is a remarkable artifact from the annals of baseball history, representing the early career of one of the sport’s legendary figures, Willie McCovey. The cover of this historic document reads, “NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUES,” a testament to its official nature and significance. Beneath this, the signatures of Willie McCovey and an authorized club official authenticate its importance.

Details of the Contract

This uniform player contract is a binding agreement between the “Phoenix Club” of the “Pacific Coast League” and the young and promising “Willie Lee McCovey.” Within its pages, the contract stipulates that the club will compensate McCovey “at the rate of $700.00,” a modest sum by today’s standards but a significant amount for a budding athlete in 1958. Page three of the contract bears McCovey’s signature, dated the “10th day of February 1958,” marking the beginning of a journey that would lead him to the heights of baseball greatness.

Historical Significance

• Early Career Milestone: This contract marks a pivotal moment in McCovey’s career, laying the foundation for his future success in Major League Baseball.
• Transition to the Major Leagues: Accompanying the contract is McCovey’s “OFFICIAL NOTICE OF DISPOSITION OF PLAYERS CONTRACT,” which states, “Your contract has this date been recalled by the San Francisco Club of the National League,” dated “July 30, 1959.” This notice signifies his transition to the major leagues, where he would become a household name.
• Authenticity: The contract is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, further cementing its status as a genuine piece of baseball history.

Why This Contract Matters

Willie McCovey’s impact on the game of baseball is immeasurable. Known for his powerful hitting and towering home runs, McCovey became a beloved figure in the sport. His career, which began with this very contract, saw him achieve numerous accolades, including induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This contract is not just a piece of paper; it is a testament to the beginnings of a legendary career.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this contract represents an opportunity to own a tangible piece of baseball history. It is a rare and valuable artifact that speaks to the early days of a player who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the game. As part of our baseball memorabilia auctions, this contract is a must-have for any serious collector.

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* This text was generated from the original auction listing.