1929-30 Lyn Lary & James Reese New York Yankees Player Contracts

Historic Baseball Contracts: A Glimpse into the Past

Introduction to the Reese and Lary Contracts

In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items capture the imagination quite like the original player contracts of legendary athletes. These documents not only represent the formal agreements between players and teams but also offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of the sport. Among such treasures are the contracts of James Reese and Lynard H. Lary, two notable players from the early 20th century.

The James Reese Contract

The cover of the Reese contract reads, “AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – American League Base Ball Club of New York With James Reese Of Oakland, Cal”. This document is a testament to a bygone era, signed by the esteemed American League president Ernest Barnard and dated “APR 1 1930”. Within its pages, it is stated that Reese was to earn “an aggregate salary of $7,000”, a substantial sum at the time. The second-to-last page bears the signatures of New York Yankees President Jacob Ruppert in black ink and Reese in blue ink, dated March 21st, 1930. In our opinion, these signatures rate a combined 8, reflecting their excellent condition and historical significance.

The Lynard H. Lary Contract

Similarly, the contract of Lynard H. Lary is a remarkable artifact from the annals of baseball history. The cover states, “AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – American League Base Ball Club of New York With Lynard H Lary”, and is also signed by Ernest Barnard, dated “APR 15 1929”. Lary’s contract outlines an identical salary of $7,000, underscoring the value placed on his talents. The second-to-last page features a secretarial signature of Jacob Ruppert and Lary’s own signature in blue ink, dated April 12th, 1929. These signatures, too, rate a combined 8 in our opinion, further enhancing the contract’s allure.

Significance and Value

• Historical Context: These contracts provide a window into the financial and contractual norms of Major League Baseball in the early 20th century.
• Notable Signatures: The presence of signatures from prominent figures such as Jacob Ruppert and Ernest Barnard adds immense value and authenticity.
• Condition and Preservation: The excellent condition of the signatures, rated a combined 8, ensures these documents remain coveted pieces of baseball history.
• Accompanied by LOA: Both contracts are accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, further solidifying their provenance.

Conclusion

These contracts are more than mere documents; they are cherished relics of baseball’s rich history. As part of our sports memorabilia auctions, they offer collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, these contracts represent an invaluable addition to any baseball collection. Explore our appraisal services to discover the true value of your own sports memorabilia.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.