(LOT 2)
John Montgomery Ward Autograph – Receipt for the Printing of 400 Player Contracts – Signed by John Ward - FULL PSA/DNA LOA
John Montgomery Ward started his career as a superstar pitcher (threw the second perfect game in MLB history), remade himself as a shortstop after a series of arm injuries, and became one of the most influential men in 19th century baseball history. After retiring from active play, he was a successful lawyer, baseball executive, and golfer, and only a handful of 19th century Cooperstown inductees can boast his virtual unparalleled prestige. Famous for his significant role in the development of the 1890 Players' League, Ward owns the unique distinction of being the only HOF inductee with 150+ wins and 2000+ hits.

Due to an over-abundance of innings pitched early in his career he converted to shortstop after Providence sold him to the New York club, embarking on his second career as a full-time position player. More significant than his superior playing prowess, however, was his unbridled role in organizing the "Brotherhood of National League Players" union that would aggressively fight the owners for player's rights. As previously documented, this would eventually lead to the development of the 1890 Players' League and these remarkable unearthed documents. For both these reasons, Ward artifacts remain one of our hobby's most treasured artifacts, with only a handful of known examples of his ultra-scarce signature.

With that said, presented here is one of the incredible three John M. Ward inscribed notes that were found in this amazing discovery (two of which are presented in this auction). As noted in the historical write-up provided earlier, on November 6, 1889, a public announcement of the formation of the Players' League was made. However, the league did not become a formal entity until it's eight-member teams signed "The Articles of Agreement", on December 17, 1889, bringing them together as a legally recognized organization. Up until the time that the League's organization was formalized, League affairs were under the guidance of the Brotherhood.

Following the public announcement of the League's formation, John Ward, as President if the Brotherhood, took the necessary step of ordering player contracts to be printed, utilizing the "WM. M. Halsted Printer" Manufacturer. This document, dating November 11, 1889, is a $23.50 invoice for the printing of 400 contracts (several years worth). John Ward has "OK'd" the invoice via his extremely rare "John M. Ward" signature that presents itself in outstanding "8/9" strength, with the "OK" notation also scripted in Ward's hand. A remarkable opportunity to capture a near-impossible John Ward script, we highly expect virtually every world-class HOF autograph enthusiast to dive into the bidding activity and make this prized relic their own! - FULL PSA/DNA LOA

MIN BID $3,000
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