This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
One can trace the fast growth of professional basketball through this trio of signed player contracts belonging to Hall of Famer Red Holzman, who is better known for his triumphant Knicks coaching career. The first one is from 1946 and is a nothing more than a mimeographed typewritten and stapled contract between the Rochester Royals and William (Red) Holzman of the Bronx. The contract is signed on the second page by both Rochester owner Les Harrison and Holzman. The contract has been amended by Harrison in a handwritten notation calling for a $300 bonus if Rochester wins the Eastern Division and an additional sum if the Western Division is won. Harrison has also signed below his notation. Holzman had a tremendous year in 1946, winning the NBL’s Rookie of the Year Award.
The second contract in this lot is Holzman’s 1947 agreement with Rochester. This contract is a bit more professional than the typewritten 1946 version, though it is still rather rudimentary when compared to baseball or football contracts of the era. As with Holzman’s ’46 contract, this one contains handwritten additions by Harrison awarding Holzman a bonus for reaching the playoffs. Both men have signed this page twice in black fountain pen. It is only when the Royals defected to the more professional NBA in 1948 that we see the familiar player’s contract used. This one for the 1948 season is Holzman’s personal copy and as such it is just signed by Les Harrison. This interesting trove of early pro basketball contracts are in good condition, with just some slight toning from age and the expected folds from storage. These contracts are from the personal collection Red Holzman and are offered here for the first time. Includes LOA from the Holzman family. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autos.).