game through the difficult early days of inte- gration. Of Chandler, Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe said “Some of the things he did for Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and me when he was commissioner of baseball - those are the kinds of things we never forget.” It is of extreme significance that this document contains the signatures of both Chandler and Branch Rickey, the two executives most responsible for clearing the way for integrat- ing the game, shortly after this contract was signed. The contract is in excellent condition, the sig- natures flawless and clean. Some mild age-re- lated wear is evident, mostly in the form of tiny tearing at the spine, some looseness among the pages and some very moderate toning. The agreement is accompanied by a letter to Larry Mac Phail from Baseball Secre- tary/Treasurer Walter Mulbry, indicating that this contract was Mac Phail’s copy. The contract was a 7-year agreement that gave Chandler the ability to renew his contract at will, provided he had the support of 12 own- ers. Upon expressing his desire to renew in 1951, Chandler received only 11 votes, ending his term. He subsequently went on to win a second term as governor of Kentucky, during which time he enforced the racial integration of the state’s public schools. An extraordinary document of extreme his- torical importance, containing the signatures of the President of each ball club, the respec- tive League Offices, and the new Commis- sioner himself. Given the events that would transpire in baseball shortly after this agree- ment was signed, the presence of Chandler and Rickey on this contract makes it one of the most significant pieces we have handled. Absolutely a museum-quality piece, certainly the centerpiece to any advanced collection. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.
MINIMUM BID: $2,500
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