1936 Robert Seeds, Bill Raimondi, & Alvin Powell Player Contracts

Historic Baseball Contracts: A Glimpse into the Past

Introduction to the Contracts

In the realm of baseball memorabilia auctions, few items capture the essence of the sport’s rich history like player contracts. These documents not only outline the terms of a player’s engagement but also serve as a testament to the era’s economic and cultural landscape. Here, we delve into the contracts of three notable players: Robert Seeds, Alvin Powell, and Bill Raimondi, each offering a unique glimpse into the baseball world of the 1930s.

Robert Seeds’ Contract

The cover of the Seeds contract reads, “AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – The American League Base Ball Club of New York With Robert Seeds of Texola, Okla”. This document is graced by the signature of the American League president William Harridge, dated “AUG 25 1936”. Within its pages, it is stated that Seeds earns “an aggregate salary of 800 per month beginning on Aug 23/36”. The second-to-last page bears the signatures of Jacob Ruppert (in a secretarial capacity) and Seeds himself, dated August 23rd, 1936. In our expert opinion, these signatures rate a combined 9, reflecting their exceptional condition.

Alvin Powell’s Contract

The Powell contract is another fascinating piece, with its cover stating, “AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – Assignment by Washington to New York (AL) Club approved June 22, 1936”. This document features two signatures of William Harridge, dated “MAR 26 1936”. Powell’s contract outlines an “aggregate salary of $5,000”. The second-to-last page is signed by Alvin Powell in black ink, with the signature rated an 8 in our opinion. Additionally, a paper clipped to the contract reads “Alvin Powell Bonus for season 1936 $1000”, highlighting the financial incentives of the time.

Bill Raimondi’s Contract

Rounding out this collection is the contract of Bill Raimondi, which reads, “NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – The CINCINNATI BASE BALL CLUB COMPANY Of CINCINNATI, OHIO WITH BILL RAIMONDI of OAKLAND, CALIF.”. This document is adorned with two signatures of National League president Ford Frick, dated “FEB 20 1936”. Raimondi’s contract specifies an “aggregate salary of $2500”. The second-to-last page is signed by the Reds Vice President and McQuinn, dated February 3rd, 1936, with the signature rated a 9. This contract is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, further attesting to its significance.

Why These Contracts Matter

• Historical Significance: These contracts offer a window into the financial and administrative aspects of baseball in the 1930s.
• Iconic Signatures: Featuring signatures of prominent figures like William Harridge and Ford Frick, these documents are invaluable to collectors.
• Unique Provenance: Each contract tells a story of player movement and financial negotiations during a pivotal era in baseball history.

These contracts are not merely documents; they are artifacts that capture the spirit of an era. For those interested in acquiring such pieces, explore our sports memorabilia auctions or consider consigning your own memorabilia with us. Each contract is a testament to the enduring legacy of baseball and its players, offering a tangible connection to the past.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.