By 1966, Don Zimmer's major league playing career was at an end. At age 35, he had batted just .199 with two homers for the Washington Senators in 1965. A chance to continue as an active player materialized when he was offered a contract to play for the Toei Flyers in 1966. Here is his original Japanese language contract signed and initialed by Zimmer. It is a four page document printed on onion skin paper with official stamps. Unfortunately, Zimmer fared no better in Japan than he had the previous year in the U.S., batting a mere .182 with nine homers. According to the contract, he received $25,000 in return. Obviously, he was not offered a contract for 1967, instead returning stateside to spend an unsuccessful season in the International League and Southern League before hanging up his spikes for good. He ultimately spent 14 years in MLB as a manager, winning the NL Manager of the Year award in 1989.

Size: 8 1/2" x 12". 4 pages.

Condition: Has been folded into thirds. Crinkling of onion skin paper as would be expected. Signature and initials--9.5 out of 10.