Historic 1920 Grover Alexander Signed Chicago Cubs Contract Triple Crown Season
$24,995.00
Official "National League Player's Contract" dated September 10, 1919, between Grover Alexander and the Chicago National League Ball Club. Signed on the interior in black fountain pen by "Grover Alexander" (grading "10") and team president "William L. Veeck". Also signed in blue fountain pen by National League President John Heydler. The four-page agreement calls for Alexander to receive a salary of $12,000 for the 1920 season. Alexander joined the Cubs in 1918, a time when he was considered the best pitcher in baseball after having led the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts in each of the three previous seasons. After missing nearly the entire 1918 season due to military service, Alexander returned to form in 1919, finishing the year with 16 wins, and league-leading marks in ERA (1.72) and shutouts (9). Although Alexander was earning a top salary for the 1920 season, (Walter Johnson was also making $12,000 that year), it turned out to be bargain for the Cubs. Alexander once again accomplished the pitching equivalent of the "Triple Crown" by leading the National League in wins (27), ERA (1.91), and strikeouts (173). It was the fourth and final time he would do so, and no pitcher has ever equaled that feat.
Alexander's career pitching accomplishments are even more impressive when one considers that he was afflicted by epilepsy and was also an alcoholic. Between the years 1911 and 1927 Alexander won twenty or more games nine times, including three thirty-win seasons, and finished his career with 373 wins, which ties him with Christy Mathewson for fourth place on the all-time list. Alexander was at his best during the three-year span of 1915-1917, when he became the only pitcher to lead the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts for three consecutive seasons. Despite all of these accomplishments, he is still best remembered today for his dramatic strikeout of Tony Lazzeri with two outs and the bases loaded in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, which basically won the Series for the Cardinals. Alexander retired in 1931 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1938. Unfortunately, his bouts with alcoholism and epilepsy grew worse during his retirement days and he died practically penniless in 1950.
This lot originates from the extraordinary collection of a longtime Chicago Cubs executive, Eldred "Salty" Saltwell. The contract is 8.5 x 14 inches. In Excellent condition.
This is one of only two Grover Alexander contracts known to exist this being the earliest.
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