This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2011
Offered here is arguably one of the most significant professional basketball contracts in existence. This fully executed three-page contract between Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics was signed by Auerbach and team owner and president Walter Brown in 1950. It procured the services of an architect of a dynasty that would endure for generations. Both signatures, penned on the last page in blue and black fountain pen respectively, grade 9/10. The terms of the contract include an annual salary of $8,000 plus $2,000 in expense allowances for the 1950 and 1951 seasons with options for extensions. Never was a deal more mutually gratifying. Prior to Auerbach, the Celtics never had a winning record. But that changed that dramatically when he succeeded Alvin “Doggy” Julian as Boston’s coach for the 1950-51 campaign. They went 39-30 that year, and the Celtics never had a losing record in Auerbach’s 16 seasons on the bench. Boston’s lowest winning percentage was .611 in his last 10 seasons. The contract shows typical folds and remains in EX-MT condition overall. A vintage Boston Celtis envelope accompanies with written notation “Basketball Contract, 1st contract” in an unknown hand. Also included is a spectacular vintage photograph of Auerbach with Walter Brown. The framed image from Red's personal collection captures the pair together during a game in what appears to be Red's first season as Celtics coach. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate. Additional full LOA from PSA/DNA.