Never complacent with his well-oiled machine, legendary New York Yankees owner and brewery magnate Jacob Ruppert purchased the International League’s Newark Bears in 1931 and quickly made it a Yankees affiliate. This vintage stock certificate was issued just after Ruppert’s purchase. The document measures 12-1/4 x 8” and is printed on textured parchment with ornate finery, text detailing the legal aspects of the transaction and handwritten specifics. The unusual artifact presents beautifully with normal compacting folds. More on our website.

At the time of Ruppert’s purchase, seven of the eight International League teams were unaffiliated. Only the Rochester Red Wings were a “feeder” program (to the St. Louis Cardinals, who were under the direction of Branch Rickey). Ruppert purchased the Bears, re-named their facility “Ruppert Stadium” and, by 1932, established the club as a Yankees affiliate. Mirroring the success of the parent club, the Bears won International League titles in 1932, 1933 and 1934. The 1937 installment featured Charlie Keller and Joe Gordon and won the circuit by 25-1/2 games.

This particular stock certificate certifies 876 shares to “The Paul Corporation” and features (5) numbered “Stock Transfer” stamps adhered to the far right border. The document is signed by club president James Sinnott. A shrewd executive, Sinnott persuaded an aged Tris Speaker to manage the club in 1928 in a player/manager capacity. Speaker’s intention was to spell other outfielders on occasion, but Sinnott announced that Speaker would be a full-time outfielder as he tried to lure fans and boost ticket sales.