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amead17 · 09-19-2025, 12:07 PM

QUIET TRADE DEADLINE ENDS WITH ONLY ONE DEAL COMPLETED

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
July 31st, 1903

Cross Heads to the Athletics, Phillies Gain Young Arm in Lundgren

The Trade Deadline of 1903 has come and gone, and for all the murmurs, whispers, and supposed negotiations flying about the league, the window proved quieter than a Sunday morning. In fact, just a single trade will go into the books: the July 3rd exchange between the Philadelphia Phillies and their crosstown rivals, the Philadelphia Athletics.

The deal saw veteran shortstop Monte Cross move to the Athletics in exchange for 23-year-old pitcher Carl Lundgren. While rumors suggested several other clubs might shake their rosters, nothing further materialized before the deadline passed.

Cross, who has appeared in 68 contests this year, is batting .265 and remains a steady hand in the field. Lundgren, by contrast, has yet to make an appearance this season but is spoken of as a pitcher with promise, particularly in his command and deceptive delivery.

Cross, donning the colors of the Athletics now, spoke candidly of the switch:

“I’ve been in this game long enough to know trades are part of the business, but I’ll always have fondness for the Phillies. That said, I look forward to helping the Athletics push for the flag. They’ve a fine club and I’ll give them my best.”

Lundgren, meanwhile, expressed both surprise and enthusiasm at his new opportunity with the Phillies:

“It came unexpected, but I’m grateful for the chance. I know the Phillies believe in my arm, and I aim to prove myself worthy of that trust. Philadelphia’s a great city for base ball, and I’m ready to make my mark.”

Thus, the 1903 trading season closes with little drama, save for one exchange that may yet bear fruit for both clubs in the months ahead.

09-19-2025, 12:07 PM	#108
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,809	Trade Deadline QUIET TRADE DEADLINE ENDS WITH ONLY ONE DEAL COMPLETED By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times July 31st, 1903 Cross Heads to the Athletics, Phillies Gain Young Arm in Lundgren The Trade Deadline of 1903 has come and gone, and for all the murmurs, whispers, and supposed negotiations flying about the league, the window proved quieter than a Sunday morning. In fact, just a single trade will go into the books: the July 3rd exchange between the Philadelphia Phillies and their crosstown rivals, the Philadelphia Athletics. The deal saw veteran shortstop Monte Cross move to the Athletics in exchange for 23-year-old pitcher Carl Lundgren. While rumors suggested several other clubs might shake their rosters, nothing further materialized before the deadline passed. Cross, who has appeared in 68 contests this year, is batting .265 and remains a steady hand in the field. Lundgren, by contrast, has yet to make an appearance this season but is spoken of as a pitcher with promise, particularly in his command and deceptive delivery. Cross, donning the colors of the Athletics now, spoke candidly of the switch: “I’ve been in this game long enough to know trades are part of the business, but I’ll always have fondness for the Phillies. That said, I look forward to helping the Athletics push for the flag. They’ve a fine club and I’ll give them my best.” Lundgren, meanwhile, expressed both surprise and enthusiasm at his new opportunity with the Phillies: “It came unexpected, but I’m grateful for the chance. I know the Phillies believe in my arm, and I aim to prove myself worthy of that trust. Philadelphia’s a great city for base ball, and I’m ready to make my mark.” Thus, the 1903 trading season closes with little drama, save for one exchange that may yet bear fruit for both clubs in the months ahead.