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1948 Carl Furillo Brooklyn Dodgers Contract and Handwritten Letter to Branch Rickey (PSA)
Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey had a reputation as a tough negotiator during contract time and in 1948 outfielder Carl Furillo experienced just how difficult he could be in matters of salary. Offered here is Furillo's signed 1948 contract, together with a handwritten letter from Furillo to Rickey, and a Dodgers file copy of a letter from Rickey to Furillo. On January 24, 1948, the Dodgers sent Carl Furillo his new playing contract, which called for him to receive a salary of $8,500 for the 1948 season. The contract was accompanied by a cover letter from Rickey, which made note that the amount represented a $1,000 raise from Furillo's previous year's salary. Furillo was obviously not happy with the amount, nor was he happy when the Dodgers kept sending him the same contract after he refused to sign it. He expressed his frustration in a two-page handwritten letter to Rickey, dated February 18, 1948, in which he makes his case for a substantial raise in salary. In full:"Dear Mr. Rickey, Now that I have received the same contract three times from your office, I guess it is up to me to state what I would like to have for the 1948 season. Based on my record for 1947 when I hit .295 and batted in 88 runs, I figured my services are worth $15,000. I feel that I have produced for the Dodgers and did everything asked of me last season by manager Shotton. I consider myself a regular with Brooklyn and just as anxious to play for you as any of the other boys, But I do feel I am worth much more than you offer. Hopin this receives your sincere consideration, I am, Yours Truly Carl Furillo."Both the text and Furillo's signature are scripted in blue fountain pen and grade 8/10 overall. The letter (8.5x9.5") displays two horizontal folds, a staple hole in the upper left corner, and is marked "Received 2/20/48" in blue ink at the top of the first page. Very Good condition overall.Apparently, Rickey was unmoved by the letter and stood firm in his offer, as the accompanying contract indicates. The four-page fold-over contract, between Furillo and the Brooklyn National League Baseball Club, is dated January 26, 1948, and calls for Furillo to receive $8,500 for the 1948 season. It is signed in blue fountain pen by "Carl Furillo" (grading 10/10) and "Branch Rickey" (6/10). The contract (8.5x11") displays one vertical and two horizontal folds. In Excellent condition overall. Together with a file copy of Rickey's original cover letter (8.5x11"; on onion skin) to the contract. VG, with light staining. Full LOAs from PSA.
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