1936 Theo Kleinhans, Roy Johnson, & Edward “Ed” Levy New York Yankees Player Contracts & Agreements
(3)(JSA)
Historic Baseball Contracts: A Glimpse into the Past
Edward Levy’s 1936 Contract
The Edward Levy contract agreement, dated March 26th, 1936, is a fascinating piece of baseball history. Handwritten in blue ink, this document outlines the terms under which Levy would earn $250 per month and report for development to any Class B club designated by the American League Baseball Club of New York. Both Levy and the club’s agent have signed this agreement in blue ink, with the Levy signature rated an impressive 8 in our opinion. This contract is a testament to the early days of professional baseball, capturing the essence of the sport’s development during that era.
Theo Kleinhans’ American League Contract
The cover of Theo Kleinhans’ contract reads, “AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER’S CONTRACT – The American League Base Ball Club of New York with Theo Kleinhans.” Dated April 18th, 1936, it bears the signature of American League president William Harridge. The contract stipulates that Kleinhans would earn an aggregate salary of $600 per month. The second-to-last page features a secretarial Jacob Ruppert signature alongside Kleinhans’ own, both in black ink, dated April 13th, 1936. These signatures, in our opinion, rate a combined 8, adding to the contract’s historical value.
Roy Johnson’s Lucrative Agreement
Roy Johnson’s contract, similar in style to Kleinhans’, is dated April 10th, 1936, and lists “ROY JOHNSON of San Francisco, Calif.” as the player. The body of the contract reveals an impressive aggregate salary of $10,000. The second-to-last page, signed in a secretarial Jacob Ruppert signature and Johnson’s own in black ink on March 2nd, 1936, boasts a combined signature rating of 9. This contract, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, underscores the significant financial commitments made to players during this period.
Why These Contracts Matter
- Historical Significance: These contracts provide a window into the financial and operational aspects of baseball in the 1930s.
- Notable Signatures: Featuring signatures from key figures in baseball history, these documents are invaluable to collectors.
- Unique Provenance: Each contract is a unique artifact, capturing the personal and professional details of the players involved.
- Condition and Authenticity: The high ratings of the signatures and accompanying LOA from JSA enhance their desirability.
These contracts are not just pieces of paper; they are relics of a bygone era, offering a tangible connection to the rich history of baseball. For those interested in acquiring such historic baseball memorabilia, explore our baseball memorabilia auctions for more exceptional items. Whether you’re looking to consign baseball jerseys or sell MLB items, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner. For those seeking to appraise sports memorabilia, our experts are here to assist you in evaluating your treasured items.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.