Critical original negative shows Jackie on February 9, 1949 signing the contract for his breakout MVP-winning season. This was the year he was allowed to “take the gloves off” and became the whirling dervish player that led to his signature season. Jackie was held back by in his two previous seasons years because of Branch Rickey and “The Experiment.” Jackie is shown here with Dodger manager Bert Shotton and GM Branch Rickey signing for $17,500. Jackie’s anemic salary was a function of the Dodgers simply being able to get away with it because of historical racial backdrop and their habitual cheapness. 4x5”, and w/original envelope and the NY Daily News article this was used to publish.