During his long tenure as Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was considered a trendsetter due to his knowledge of the Spanish language with which he used to effectively communicate with his Latin players. What most didn’t know was that Lasorda’s fluency dated back to the mid-1950’s when he was invited to participate in the Puerto Rican Winter League. As a fire-balling Dodger prospect Lasorda spent several seasons in Puerto Rico trying to hone his skills in order to make the big leagues. Playing along side Roberto Clemente Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax Lasorda was extremely popular with the fans because he took the time to learn their native language. This Uniform Player Contract is from the 1956-57 season and has been twice signed by the future Dodger manager.

The contract printed in both English and Spanish places Lasorda with the Caguas team for $1000 a month. An additional provision stapled inside this folded three contract makes allowances for family expenses and tax details. As a working document the contract shows edge wear and creases and has three horizontal folds from mailing. There are various legal stamps throughout and the staples have slight rust stains. The document has been signed by Lasorda in blue ball point twice once on the original document and once on the attached clause agreement. An interesting signed piece that documents one of the little-known aspects of Tommy Lasorda’s Hall of Fame career.

Signatures pre-certified by PSA/DNA.