Throughout the history of professional sports, generational talents have come along to stake their claim at being among the greatest to ever play. In the case of Jackie Robinson, his impact and lasting legacy may be one that’s never matched.
Two years into his professional career, Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 when he made his MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He overcame racism to have a wildly successful campaign that earned him Rookie of the Year honors.
Robinson went on to spend the entirety of his 10-year career with Brooklyn. The six-time All-Star was named MVP in 1949, and helped the franchise win their first World Series in 1955.
Now a piece of Robinson’s history, his 1947 contract signed with Brooklyn, is set to become available via auction, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell:
Jackie Robinson’s 1947 contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers that broke the color barrier will be auctioned off in November by Goldin Auctions with the help of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, company president Ken Goldin told ESPN.com on Wednesday.
Bidding is expected to begin online in October and conclude Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Jackie Robinson Museum, with 10 percent of the purchase price going to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
In May, Robinson’s 1949 contract sold for $276,000. That exceeded the $21,000 Robinson received by signing the contract, which is approximately $215,000 in today’s economy.
The Dodgers’ celebration of Jackie Robinson Day this season included unveiling a statue at Dodger Stadium. Two months later, the Rose Bowl announced plans to install a Robinson statue outside their gates.
