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1918 Babe Ruth Pitching Incentive Agreement

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On World Champions, 1915 & 1916 Boston American League Base Ball Club 8.5" x 11" letterhead. Signed by George Herman (Babe) Ruth and H.H. (Harry) Frazee, President of the Boston Red Sox. The document contains several folds as well as staining on the right side and is impressively framed with accompanying photographs. On it appears:Jan 11/18Mr. George H. RuthBoston MassDear Sir: We agree to pay you the Sum of one thousand dollars should you win 24 twenty four games and an additional Sum of one Thousand dollars if you win (30) Thirty Ball games during Season of 1918 as a member of this club. Yours Truly Boston American League Base Ball Club By H.H. Frazee Presaccepted byGeorge H. RuthFrom 1915 to 1917, twenty three year old George Herman "Babe" Ruth had been the winningest pitcher in baseball, leading the Boston Red Sox to World Championships both in 1915 and 1916. With a record of 67-34, 2-0 in World Series play and an era of 0.64 in the post season, he was well on his way to a Hall of Fame pitching career upon entering the 1918 season. In addition to his standard 1918 playing contract, Harry Frazee, President of the team and Ruth then entered into an agreement whereby Ruth would receive a bonus should he achieve certain plateaus as a pitcher.Although Ruth came out strong in 1918, seemingly well on his way to reaching the bonus plateaus, it was decided that he would play the outfield between pitching starts. It is widely believed that this extra service for the team reduced his effectiveness as a pitcher and caused him to fail in his attempt to reach the plateaus and earn the incentives offered by Frazee. Ruth's re-positioning as a player contributed to his trade to the Yankees during the 1919-1920 of-season. And so begun the "Curse of the Bambino."

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