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Wade Anthony Boggs was one of the best pure hitters of his generation. Over the course of his 18-year career, he won five batting crowns and hit .328 with a .415 on-base percentage.

Many thought Boggs might someday hit .400 in a season. Though the closest he got was a .368 average in 1985, he did hit .401 over a 162-game span from June 9, 1985 until June 6 the following year.

Boggs played in a dozen straight All Star games. Among third basemen, only Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson and the Royals’ George Brett have appeared in more consecutive Mid Summer Classics.

In the collection is a contract signed by Wade Boggs agreeing to have his signature appear on souvenir baseballs with stamped autographs.

The terms of the contract?

Boggs received one cent per ball sold. Interestingly Boggs signed the contract on March 7, 1982 but would not debut in the big leagues until April 10 later that year.

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When negotiating with players big league teams will often tender a separate offer of a money devoted for a college scholarship. The money becomes available to the player when his playing career ends.

In this letter to the administrator of MLB’s college scholarship plan, it is noted that Boggs would have money earmarked for his college education should he want to pursue it upon retirement.

College was the last thing on the mind of the Red Sox 7th round draft pick. Just a teenager when he was selected in the draft, Boggs would go on to win five batting crowns, including four in a row from 1985-1988.

The Hall of Famer never saw a need to advantage of the earmarked scholarship money.