Lot # 2077: 1959 Larry Doby Player-Transfer Agreement Signed by Hank Greenberg and Ralph Kiner

One-page typed "Uniform Agreement for the Assignment of a Player's Contract to or by a Major League Club," dated September 1, 1959, signed by Hank Greenberg and Ralph Kiner. The agreement, between the San Diego Baseball Company and the American League Baseball Club of Chicago, allows for the assignment of Larry Doby's contract from San Diego to Chicago. It has been signed in black ink by Hank Greenberg for Chicago and by Ralph Kiner for San Diego. Stamped in approval of the transaction by the "Office of the Commissioner" on September 8, 1959. Greenberg and Kiner were working as front-office executives with their respective clubs in 1959. That year also marked Doby's final season in the Majors. Doby was the first African-American player in the American League, reaching the Majors just a few months after Jackie Robinson in 1947. The agreement (8.5 x 11 inches), which is printed on onion skin, displays two horizontal folds and is in Excellent to Mint condition. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.