Lot # 2068: 1951 Bob Lemon Signed Cleveland Indians Contract - Also Signed by Hank Greenberg

Four-page contract, dated March 2, 1951, between Bob Lemon and The Cleveland Baseball Company, signed in blue ink by "Robert Lemon" and "Hank Greenberg," general manager of the team. The one-year contract, for the 1951 season, calls for Lemon to receive a salary of $45,000. Lemon won 17 games in 1951. One of the top pitchers of his era, Lemon won 20 or more games on seven different occasions and finished his 13-year career with 207 victories. His career winning percentage of .617 also puts him in good company, as it ties Cy Young on the all-time list of retired players. A seven-time All-Star participant, Lemon later went on to enjoy a successful managerial career, including a World Championship with the New York Yankees in 1978. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent to Mint condition. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.