Offered here is a minor league contract signed by Hall of Famer Rick Ferrell. The contract is dated May 17th, 1926 and was between Ferrell and the Detroit Tigers. This contract is noteworthy as three years later, Commissioner Kennesaw Landis declared Ferrell a free agent after it was discovered that Columbus Senators (the team Ferrell was assigned to via the Tigers) owner Joseph Carr had been shopping Ferrell’s contract to the highest bidder. This practice was illegal, but all-to-common in that era. After Ferrell petitioned Landis to grant him a hearing, Landis agreed to a hearing and ultimately investigated the matter. Landis determined that the Tigers and Reds had colluded to keep Ferrell in the minor leagues to increase his contract value and therefore allowed Ferrell to sign with any ball club, other than the Tigers.

This 8 ½ x 13-inch one-page contract spells out the terms, with the initial sum of “(1.00)” to increase to ($500.00) per month and a cash bonus of “($750.00) after the player “reports for duty to the Detroit Club or the minor league club,”. Ferrell signed his name “Richard Ferrell” in bold black pen on the “Player” line along with two other signatures, most likely representatives of the Detroit Tigers. Handwritten below the signatures is the following addendum: “It is further agreed that if said player is not retained by the Detroit Base Ball Company at the end of 30 days after reporting he is to be given his unconditional release”. This contract is in good condition with moderate edge wear and a slight tear on the upper left corner. There are multiple folds consistent with being placed in an envelope. This contract comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (AC02575).

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