There’s never been a more popular player in Cuba than Orestes “Minnie” Minoso, and this contract he signed with Mariano of the Cuban Winter League on Oct. 5, 1951 reflects his status - with a salary of $1,000, astounding money for the time and for the league. But then, Minnie was The Man. And also a pioneer, having broken into the Chicago White Sox lineup in ’51 as the team’s 1st black player - and with a homer in his 1st game, on May 1st at Comiskey Park (the same game in which Mickey Mantle clubbed his 1st homer ever). By all rights, he should have been Rookie of the Year, leading the AL in steals (31) and triples (14) and 2nd in average (.326) and runs (112). But the writers, loath to vote for a black Latin, gave it to the Yankees’ Gil McDougal (though Minnie did get the TSN’s version of the award). His signature at the bottom of the 1-page contract is an artful and bold 8/10 in blue ink. 8.5 x 13” contract is VG-EX w/small tears on 2 corners, burn marks on 2 edges, staple holes on the top edge, light crease near top right corner, and fold across center - all barely visible at a distance.