This contract is between Eugene Smith and the Cleveland Buckeyes for the 1949 Negro American League season. This Negro American League of Professional Ball Clubs Uniform Player’s Contract calls for Smith to be paid $ 500.00 per month. An interesting addendum to the contract is that it calls for the players to pay for their meals at all times and provides no meal money when the players were on the road.

Eugene Smith - Cleveland Buckeyes 

The Cleveland Buckeyes were organized in 1942 by Ernest Wright and began playing in the Negro American League in 1943. They played in the Negro American League through the 1950 season. The highlight of the Buckeye franchise was winning the championships in 1945 with a record of 53-16 and in 1947 with a record of 54-23.  Quincy Trouppe managed the team to both pennants.

Chet Brewer and Gene Smith

Eugene “Gene” Smith was a right-handed power pitcher during his baseball career. He pitched three no-hitters against Negro League opponents. Gene was also a good hitting pitcher, which is evidenced by his .375 batting average in 1948. He was selected to play in the East-West All-Star game in 1942.

During his Negro League career, Gene Smith played for the following teams:           

Atlanta Black Crackers	Negro American League	1938
Ethiopian Clowns	Independent	1939
St. Louis Stars	Negro American League	1939
Monterrey	Mexican League	1939
New Orleans-St. Louis Stars	Negro American League	1940-1941
Kansas City Monarchs	Negro American League	1941
New York Black Yankees	Negro National League	1942
Pittsburgh Crawfords	United States League	1946
Homestead Grays	Negro National League	1946-1947
Havana La Palomas	Independent	1947
Cleveland Buckeyes	Negro American League	1947-1948
Chicago American Giants	Negro American League	1949
Louisville Buckeyes	Negro American League	1949
Cleveland Buckeyes	Negro American League	1950
Chicago American Giants	Negro American League	1950-1951
Carman Cardinals	Mandak League	1952