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amead17 · 09-04-2025, 01:46 PM

ALL DRAFTEES SIGN ON — EVERS AND COAKLEY LEAD BONUS HAUL

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 14th, 1902

When the inaugural draft was first concluded there lingered whispers that not every young man chosen would put pen to paper with his assigned club. Such talk has now been put to rest. Every player selected has duly signed, either for a negotiated minor league pact with a bonus if chosen in the first five rounds, or the standard minor league agreement if taken thereafter.

The largest purse went to much-heralded second baseman Johnny Evers, the first overall pick of the Cleveland Bronchos, who secured an impressive $916 signing bonus atop his minor league contract. The Bronchos clearly believe they have found a cornerstone for the future.

While batsmen in general commanded the higher figures, there was a notable exception. Andy Coakley, the youthful hurler claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, surprised many by pocketing $880, a princely sum for a pitcher. Evidently the Pirates see in Coakley a rare arm worth the outlay.

Other top picks received handsome though lesser sums, while those chosen in the later rounds accepted the standard terms, grateful for their opportunity to step into professional ranks.

For now, it is all paper and promises. Only the campaigns to come will reveal whether these new contracts represent shrewd investments or costly follies for their clubs.

09-04-2025, 01:46 PM	#38
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,242	Draftee Signing Deadline ALL DRAFTEES SIGN ON — EVERS AND COAKLEY LEAD BONUS HAUL By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 14th, 1902 When the inaugural draft was first concluded there lingered whispers that not every young man chosen would put pen to paper with his assigned club. Such talk has now been put to rest. Every player selected has duly signed, either for a negotiated minor league pact with a bonus if chosen in the first five rounds, or the standard minor league agreement if taken thereafter. The largest purse went to much-heralded second baseman Johnny Evers, the first overall pick of the Cleveland Bronchos, who secured an impressive $916 signing bonus atop his minor league contract. The Bronchos clearly believe they have found a cornerstone for the future. While batsmen in general commanded the higher figures, there was a notable exception. Andy Coakley, the youthful hurler claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates, surprised many by pocketing $880, a princely sum for a pitcher. Evidently the Pirates see in Coakley a rare arm worth the outlay. Other top picks received handsome though lesser sums, while those chosen in the later rounds accepted the standard terms, grateful for their opportunity to step into professional ranks. For now, it is all paper and promises. Only the campaigns to come will reveal whether these new contracts represent shrewd investments or costly follies for their clubs.