1931 Walter Brown, Edwin Wells, William Werber, & Dr. E. V. Painter Player & Trainer Contracts

Historic Baseball Contracts: A Glimpse into the Past

Werber’s Contract: A Testament to Early Baseball Economics

The American League Player’s Contract with Will M. Werber, dated March 24, 1931, is a remarkable artifact from the annals of baseball history. This contract, signed by the American League president Ernest Barnard, encapsulates the economic landscape of early 20th-century baseball. Werber, hailing from Berwyn, MD, was to earn an aggregate salary of $3,000. The contract is further authenticated by the signatures of Jacob Ruppert and Werber himself, with the signatures rated a combined 9 in quality.

Wells’ Contract: A Higher Valuation

Edwin Wells’ contract, also with the American League Base Ball Club of New York, reflects a higher valuation with an aggregate salary of $8,000. This document, signed in black and blue ink by Jacob Ruppert and Wells respectively, is a testament to Wells’ perceived value at the time. The signatures, in our expert opinion, rate a combined 7, offering a fascinating insight into the contractual norms of the era.

Brown’s Contract: A Modest Agreement

Walter Brown’s contract, dated the same day as Werber’s, outlines a monthly salary of $500. Despite some water damage, the signatures of Ruppert and Brown, rated a combined 5, add authenticity and historical value to this document. This contract serves as a window into the varied financial agreements that characterized baseball’s early professional era.

Dr. Painter’s Memorandum: A Unique Agreement

Dr. Painter’s Memorandum of Agreement, dated October 16, 1930, stands apart with an aggregate salary of $5,000. Signed in grey ink, Painter’s signature is rated an 8, underscoring the document’s significance. This agreement, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from JSA, highlights the diverse nature of contracts during this period.

Why These Contracts Matter

• Historical Significance: These contracts provide a snapshot of the financial and contractual landscape of early professional baseball.
• Authentic Signatures: Featuring signatures from notable figures like Jacob Ruppert, these documents are invaluable to collectors.
• Varied Valuations: The differing salaries reflect the varied valuations of players during this era.
• Condition and Rarity: Despite some damage, the rarity and condition of these contracts enhance their desirability.

These contracts are not just pieces of paper; they are fragments of baseball history, offering insights into the economic and professional dynamics of the sport’s early years. For those interested in exploring more about baseball memorabilia, these contracts represent a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past. If you have similar items, consider consigning baseball memorabilia with us. For those looking to sell sports memorabilia, our platform offers a trusted avenue to reach passionate collectors. Explore our appraisal services to understand the value of your own historic items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.