[2] George W. Bush/Nolan Ryan Baseball Contract To Get November Auction Votes.

Sports & Collectibles Editors/Baseball Writers & Columnists

OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BW SportsWire)--Oct. 31, 2000

The votes have already been counted for Nolan Ryan, one of the Baseball Hall of Fame's newest members. And while that fact alone makes Ryan's final baseball contract valuable, there is one more reason why it could attract considerable attention when auctioned on November 16 and 17 through Mastro Fine Sports Auctions, a division of MastroNet, Inc (Oak Brook, IL). The contract also bears the signature of the man who could be the next President of the United States - George W. Bush.

Ryan's final original contract with the Texas Rangers was signed on December 14, 1988. On July 17, 1991, Addendum #3 was prepared and on Page 5 of this addendum is a provision that designates the Texas Rangers as Ryan's principal team designation if he is voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. That page is signed by Ryan and, "George W. Bush, President," the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Rangers. Just how prophetic Bush's signature as "president" is, only time will tell. But, if Bush becomes the next U.S. President, this baseball contract may be the only one ever signed by a player in the Hall of Fame and the Commander in Chief of our country.

"We anticipate considerable action on this items because of its dual significance," said William Mastro, CEO of MastroNet, Inc. "It would be no surprise to have several parties in heavy contention, especially if Mr. Bush becomes President."

Casting a vote in this event requires registration just like other November contests. To pre-register and order an auction catalog, call 630-472-1200 or visit www.mastronet.com. The Mastro November auction will feature over 1,400 lots of fine sports memorabilia and collectibles including Mickey Mantle's warm up jacket, a Lou Gehrig game worn hat, Madonna's first recording contract and Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" movie contract.