Jackie Robinson Signed Brooklyn Dodgers 1949 Contract — His Best Season

One of only three Jackie Robinson professional baseball contracts known to survive in private hands. Jackie was paid $5,000 in 1947 and $7,000 in 1948. The Library of Congress holds an original contract signed by Branch Rickey on January 29, 1949, listing Robinson’s salary of $14,000 – but Jackie did not sign it. Our document, dated February 5, increased his salary to $21,000. Both Robinson and Rickey signed. The 50 percent raise placed Robinson among the highest-paid players at the time.

By season’s end, the penurious Rickey would see it as a bargain. Jackie led the League in batting average (.342) and stolen bases (37), scoring 122 runs, including 16 home runs, and had 124 RBIs. These stats represent his career-high marks. Robinson’s performance led the Dodgers to the National League Championship and earned his only MVP Award at the season’s end.

★ JACKIE ROBINSON and BRANCH RICKEY. Printed Document Signed and Accomplished in Type. Uniform Players Contract: National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. Executed between the “Brooklyn National League Baseball Club, Inc.” and “Jack R. Robinson.” Countersigned by team president Branch Rickey, February 5, 1949. 4 pp., 8½ x 11 in. #25092