22. Important 1945 Happy Chandler (HOF) Commissioner of Baseball Contract w/19 Signatures (JSA)
extremely well-preserved, a total of 19 fountain pen signatures ap- plied in blue or black ink by the signatories, and including many of the most important names in the history of the game, including Chandler (HOF) along with Donald Barnes, William Benswanger, Alva Bradley, Sam Breadon, R.R.M. Carpenter, Eddie Collins (HOF), Grace Comiskey, Ford Frick (HOF), Warren Giles (HOF), Clark Griffith (HOF), William Harridge (HOF), Connie Mack (HOF), Larry Mac Phail (HOF), Lou Perini, Branch Rickey (HOF), Horace Stoneham, Phil Wrigley, and John Zeller. An instrumental figure in the integration of baseball, Chandler not only approved Robinson’s contract but threatened disciplinary ac- tion against Phillies manager Ben Chapman for his racially insen- sitive taunts against Robinson, and also supported Ford Frick’s plan to indefinitely suspend Cardinals players who threatened to sit out games against the Dodgers. Chandler’s tough hand helped guide the
One of the most consequential of the figures to hold the title of Commissioner of Baseball, “Happy” Chandler assumed the role in 1945 and held it until 1951. It was during Chandler’s tenure that the color barrier was broken in the major leagues, as he authorized Jack- ie Robinson’s contract. The successor to Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Chandler is also credited with establishing a pension fund for retired players, which was funded by media contracts he negotiated, and which earned him the title “The Players’ Commissioner.” Presented here is a document of extreme historical significance: a fully-executed copy of Chandler’s first contract, signed by Chandler along with 18 team and league officials. The contract is an elaborate 11-page document with a front and back cover, dated May 1, 1945 and spelling out the terms of the agreement between Chandler, the league offices and 16 baseball clubs. The signatures inside have been
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