"The New York Mets finally gave up on Nolan Ryan's wandering fastball yesterday." That was the first line in a New York Times report from its December 11, 1971 edition, leading into the publication's account of the events of Dec. 10th.

The activity that inspired the newspaper's glum assessment is illuminated by the original paper artifact presented here. This fully executed "Uniform Agreement for Assignment of a Player's Contract to or by a Major League Club" details the trade of California Angels third baseman Jim Fregosi to the Mets in exchange for four players: Leroy Stanton, Francisco Estrada, Don Rose ... and Nolan Ryan. It was generally conceded at the time that the Mets were desperate for a competent third baseman, but the loss of Ryan nevertheless inspired widespread dismay among Shea Stadium regulars. (In later years, of course, it became routine to see this deal mentioned in every "Worst Trades" list to hit publication.)

Ryan, naturally, became an on-field record-setter, a team president and CEO and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and this captivating document survives to commemorate a significant turning point in his extraordinary journey. The item is clean and complete, and displays the proper executive signatures of Harry Dalton (Angels) and Bob Scheffing (Mets). A tremendous piece of history!

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