Contract, signed “Henry L. Gehrig,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 11, April 2, 1935. American League uniform player’s contract in which Lou Gehrig agrees to render "skilled services as a baseball player in connection with all games of the Club during the year 1935" for the New York Yankees, for a salary of $31,000. Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Gehrig (adding his address, "5 Circuit Rd., New Rochelle, N.Y.") and countersigned and initialed by Edward Barrow signing on behalf of Yankees Owner Jacob Ruppert. Barrow also countersigns as the witness. The reverse is signed by American League President William Harridge. In fine condition.
After winning the Triple Crown in 1934 with 49 home runs, 166 RBI, and a .363 batting average, Lou Gehrig was awarded with baseball's highest contract for 1935 with a salary of $31,000. A disgruntled Babe Ruth had left for the Boston Braves in the offseason, making Gehrig the undisputed star of the team. Manager Joe McCarthy recognized Gehrig's quiet leadership by naming him team captain on April 21, 1935, a role which baseball's 'Iron Horse' reluctantly accepted. In the weakened Yankees lineup, Gehrig had a 'disappointing' statistical season, hitting a mere 30 home runs on a .329 average, while collecting 120 RBI and maintaining his historic consecutive game streak. Despite this 'down' year, Gehrig made the All-Star team and finished fifth in voting for American League MVP. He would rebound a year later, returning to form with 49 homers and a .354 average to take home the 1936 MVP award. A spectacular contract from a transitional year in Gehrig's storied career. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
