Jackie Robinson’s original 1947 contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers is to star in a sale at Goldin Auctions on November 16.
Robinson (1919-1972) was the first black player to break the Major League’s long-standing colour line.
Jackie Robinson played for the Dodgers throughout his career
His ascension to pro level was a landmark in the history of American Civil Rights.
Auctioneer Ken Goldin said: "There are many documents on display in museums that represent seminal moments in history which forever changed America such as The Declaration of Independence, The Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.
"But most historians believe that the integration of baseball with the signing of Jackie Robinson had as great an impact on America as any other moment in history.
“In fact, Martin Luther King called Robinson the founder of the Civil rights movement."
Robinson was also a phenomenal player, with a career batting average of .311. He remained at the Dodgers for the entirety of his career, from 1947-1956.
Goldin went on: "Bringing the most important baseball document and the founding document of the Civil Rights movement to auction is an awesome responsibility and we are honored to help find them a permanent home for future generation to enjoy...
"We hope that the winning bidder will share these historic documents with the world. Of course, they will always have a home at the future Jackie Robinson Museum both live in New York City and online."
The document is likely to sell for a figure in the low millions.
Earlier this year Babe Ruth’s transfer contract from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees sold for a record $2.3m.
We have a great selection of sports memorabilia for sale.
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about sports memorabilia auctions.
