Lot # 1138: 1986 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies Payroll Check

Presented is a Philadelphia Phillies payroll check, dated April 15, 1986, made payable to Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt. The offered example has not been signed by Schmidt, as it bears a stamp endorsement on the reverse. While it may be surprising to some, Hall of Fame check collectors are well aware that Schmidt checks are exceedingly rare. In fact, they are practically nonexistent in the marketplace. This is the first example we have ever offered and we have only seen a few others at auction. Despite this check being unsigned by Schmidt, it is still a significant rarity. The payroll check, drawn on the Mellon Bank of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, features "The Phillies" preprinted along the top border. It is made out to "M J Schmidt" in the amount of $58,903.67 and has been signed by Jerry Clothier, a Phillies Vice President, on the front. Schmidt, who was one of the highest paid players in the majors in 1986, earned his third and final MVP award by batting .290, crushing thirty-seven home runs and driving in 119 runs. The check (7 x 3.5 inches) displays normal cancellation stamps on the reverse and three vertical creases from being neatly folded. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall.