SCP Auctions April 2011 Internet Auction
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 08:00PM EDT - Sun, May 1, 2011 12:25PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 7
RED AUERBACH'S FIRST CONTRACT TO COACH THE BOSTON CELTICS EXECUTED AND SIGNED IN 1950 BY AUERBACH AND WALTER BROWN WITH RELATED PHOTO
Sold for
$14,678.40
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
Offered here is arguably one of the most significant professional basketball contracts in existence. This fully executed three-page contract between Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics was signed by Auerbach and team owner and president Walter Brown in 1950. It procured the services of an architect of a dynasty that would endure for generations. Both signatures penned on the last page in blue and black fountain pen respectively grade 9/10. The terms of the contract include an annual salary of $8000 plus $2000 in expense allowances for the 1950 and 1951 seasons with options for extensions. Never was a deal more mutually gratifying. Prior to Auerbach the Celtics never had a winning record. But that changed that dramatically when he succeeded Alvin Doggy Julian as Bostons coach for the 1950-51 campaign. They went 39-30 that year and the Celtics never had a losing record in Auerbachs 16 seasons on the bench. Bostons lowest winning percentage was .611 in his last 10 seasons. The contract shows typical folds and remains in EX-MT condition overall. A vintage Boston Celtis envelope accompanies with written notation Basketball Contract 1st contract in an unknown hand. Also included is a spectacular vintage photograph of Auerbach with Walter Brown. The framed image from Red's personal collection captures the pair together during a game in what appears to be Red's first season as Celtics coach. Includes a letter of provenance from the Auerbach estate. Additional full LOA from PSA/DNA.
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