Sorry the image is so small, but here's a 1961 Casey Stengel check made out to "Essex House" with "NY Expenses NY Mets" written in the corner. What makes this check particularly significant is that it was written October 12, 1961, two days after the expansion draft in which the players who would comprise the inaugural 1962 Mets were selected. Unfortunately, the bank cancellation holes go through the words "NY Mets," but that doesn't take away from this check's historical value.
