In 1977 Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson mailed current and former stars of the game requesting their consent to lend their name to the Babe Ruth Advisory Board. Hank Greenberg agreed to this, writing, “Please send me a formal application as I would like to make a contribution”.

As general manager of the Indians, Hank Greenberg was responsible for negotiating contract with the Cleveland players. Shown here is a contract offering Hall of Famer hurler Bob Lemon $40,000 for the 1953 season. The first page of the Uniform Player’s Contract has a “Loyalty Clause” which states, “The player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition, and to obey the Club’s training rules, and pledges himself to the American public, and to the Club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship.”

The second page of Bob Lemon’s deal stipulates that the club may terminate the contract if the player shall at any time, “fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct of good citizenship and good sportsmanship, or keep himself in first class condition.” It also puts forth that the agreement can be ended if the player fails, “to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability to qualify or continue as a member of the Club’s team.” Lemon would reject this offer of $40,000 and eventually come to terms for $45,000.

Though Bob Lemon never signed the contract, Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg did in his capacity as Indians’ general manager. A nice association piece for the to Cooperstown compadres, this piece originated from the Bob Lemon estate. Greenberg’s signature is found next to the date of January 12, 1953. Interestingly, Lemon lived at the listed address in Long Beach until he died.

The final page of the contract contains more legal stipulations for both the pitcher and the team. Bob Lemon reached the All Star game for the sixth consecutive season in 1953 and won 21 games. The following season was his seventh and final All Star appearance. He completed his career with 207 wins and a 3.23 ERA. Eighteen years later Lemon would be given baseball’s highest honor when he was voted into the Hall of Fame.

Two-time American League Most Valuable Player Hank Greenberg has signed his name on this 3×5 index card. The 13-year veteran of the big leagues, Greenberg missed 47 months during his career while he served in the armed forces during World War II. The first MLB player to hit 25 or more homers in each league, Greenberg remains the American League record-holder for most RBI in a single season by a right-handed hitter.