November 6, 2025: Fall Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2025
Like a companion piece from Williams’ 1960-70s teammate Ron Santo, this is yet another museum-worthy piece from a revered figure from the fabled Cubs squad in the 1960s and early 1970s, the final MLB Player Contract of Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams. Dated February 27, 1974, the six-page Official MLB Contract (with a seventh-page addendum stapled to the second page) provides for $150,000 for the six-time All-Star, 1961 NL Rookie of the Year Award and 1972 National League Batting Champion in what would turn out to be his final year with the Cubs. With perhaps the most picturesque and admired batting swing in the game, the left fielder would amass 426 home runs and 1,475 RBI in his legendary career from 1959-76, batting .290 along the way. Six signatures seems like a lot for a single contract, but can be explained by a section assigning Williams’ contract to the Oakland Athletics in October of that year and the addendum stapled to interior pages outlining reimbursements Williams would be committed to for, among other things, a single-room arrangement for hotels on the road. With attractive signatures, Williams’ autograph appears twice on the contract, along with dual autographs from National League President Chub Feeney and Cubs General Manager John Holland. The contract is in outstanding condition, perhaps technically VG-Ex, revealing only some of the expected light wear and toning from the passage of a half century, and no real issues in terms of condition. The signature is also authenticated by BAS with a full LOA.
1974 Billy Williams Final Chicago Cubs Player Contract With Six Signatures (BAS)
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