Lot # 778: 1947 Jim Gilliam Signed Baltimore Elite Giants Negro National League Uniform Players Contract - JSA LOA

Rare Negro American League contract between Jim Gilliam and the Baltimore Elite Giants, dated February 12, 1947. The four-page fold-over agreement has been signed in blue ink by "James Gilliam" and "Thos. T. Wilson," as president of the club. The one-season contract calls for Gilliam to receive $275 per month for the period "opening of season/March 3rd to Sept. 15, 1947." Jim “Junior” Gilliam began his professional career as a teenage infielder with the Baltimore Elite Giants of the Negro National League, playing from 1946 to 1950 and earning a reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined hitters and smartest baserunners. His strong play caught the attention of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who purchased his contract in 1951 as the integration of Major League Baseball expanded. Gilliam debuted with Brooklyn in 1953, immediately winning National League Rookie of the Year, and went on to become a key contributor and quiet leader for the Dodgers during their golden era in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Negro League contracts are far scarcer than Major League contracts. The contract (8.5 x 11 inches) displays two horizontal folds. Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Note: This piece arrives from the Richard Powell collection. Mr. Powell was an instrumental figure in Negro League history and responsible for moving the Elite Giants franchise from Nashville to Baltimore prior to the 1938 season. He later served as the team's general manager, and under his tutelage, fielded a lineup of legends including Roy Campanella, Junior Gilliam and Joe Black.