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amead17 · 09-03-2025, 01:46 PM

NEW BLOOD AWAITS — SCOUTS FLOCK TO COMBINE AS FUTURE STARS EMERGE

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
December 13th, 1901

With the dust of the campaign now long settled and trades already shifting the order of battle for 1902, attention turns to the next generation of base ball men. The scouting combine, opening this week, will provide magnates and managers alike their first true measure of the young hopefuls who seek a place in the major leagues.

Amongst pitchers, two names are already on every tongue: Ham Iburg and Addie Joss. Both are expected to command great interest, with their arms seen as strong enough to carry any club fortunate enough to secure their services. Iburg has been praised for his guile and command, while Joss, though just at the threshold of manhood, possesses a smooth delivery and poise beyond his years.

On the batting side, there are players believed ready to step directly into the professional ranks. Patsy Dougherty, a lively man in left field, and Homer Smoot, a center fielder of promise, are expected to find themselves under serious consideration. Yet most eyes are fixed upon 20-year-old Johnny Evers, a sprightly prospect whose energy, quick hands, and sharp eye at the plate have already marked him as a future luminary.

At the head of the draft order stand the newly christened Cleveland Bronchos, holders of the first pick. Manager Jimmy McAleer, speaking at the combine’s opening, struck a measured tone:

“There are many good players before us,” McAleer said. “We can move in several directions. Our scouts have their counsel, the club has its needs, and in the end, we must choose the man who best fits the future of Cleveland base ball.”

With such a crop of young talent on display, these next days may prove decisive in shaping not merely the fortunes of individual clubs, but of the sport itself for years to come.

09-03-2025, 01:46 PM	#35
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,192	Draft Combine NEW BLOOD AWAITS — SCOUTS FLOCK TO COMBINE AS FUTURE STARS EMERGE By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times December 13th, 1901 With the dust of the campaign now long settled and trades already shifting the order of battle for 1902, attention turns to the next generation of base ball men. The scouting combine, opening this week, will provide magnates and managers alike their first true measure of the young hopefuls who seek a place in the major leagues. Amongst pitchers, two names are already on every tongue: Ham Iburg and Addie Joss. Both are expected to command great interest, with their arms seen as strong enough to carry any club fortunate enough to secure their services. Iburg has been praised for his guile and command, while Joss, though just at the threshold of manhood, possesses a smooth delivery and poise beyond his years. On the batting side, there are players believed ready to step directly into the professional ranks. Patsy Dougherty, a lively man in left field, and Homer Smoot, a center fielder of promise, are expected to find themselves under serious consideration. Yet most eyes are fixed upon 20-year-old Johnny Evers, a sprightly prospect whose energy, quick hands, and sharp eye at the plate have already marked him as a future luminary. At the head of the draft order stand the newly christened Cleveland Bronchos, holders of the first pick. Manager Jimmy McAleer, speaking at the combine’s opening, struck a measured tone: “There are many good players before us,” McAleer said. “We can move in several directions. Our scouts have their counsel, the club has its needs, and in the end, we must choose the man who best fits the future of Cleveland base ball.” With such a crop of young talent on display, these next days may prove decisive in shaping not merely the fortunes of individual clubs, but of the sport itself for years to come.