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Lot # 821: 1951 Carl Furillo Signed Brooklyn Dodgers Contract w/Related Furillo Handwritten Letter (PSA)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



Carl Furillo always had a hard time when negotiating a new contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and his 1951 contract was no exception. Offered here is Furillo's signed 1951 contract, together with a handwritten letter from Furillo to general manager Buzzy Bavasi outlining why he feels he deserves more than the club offered. In his two-page handwritten letter (on two separate sheets), undated, Furillo pleads his case. In part: "The records do not indicate that I had a poor season. To the contrary the figures show that for the second straight year I batted in more than 100 runs. And that's what I always have been told is the payoff. I do not feel it is fair to ask me to sign for the same salary as last year. I still am not receiving a big league contract... the cost of living is rising and it costs money to maintain a family and there is another Furillo on the way due about March. Isn't that a good argument for more money?"

Furillo had asked for $30,000 in his letter, but as we see, he settled for far less. The four-page fold-over contract, between Furillo and the Brooklyn National League Baseball Club, is dated December 26, 1950, and calls for Furillo to receive $18,500 for the 1951 season. It is signed in blue fountain pen by "Carl Anthony Furillo" (grading 10/10) and "E. J. Bavasi" (9/10), as vice president. The contract (8.5x11") displays one two horizontal folds. In Excellent to Mint condition overall. Full LOA from PSA.

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