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amead17 · 09-23-2025, 10:42 AM

ALL DRAFTEES SIGN: MAGEE, GONZALES, CALDWELL AMONG THOSE INK BONUSES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
February 14th, 1904

Clubs now turn eyes toward April as spring approaches

The final hurdle of the 1903 draft has been cleared, as word came this morning that every man selected has now signed terms with his new club. Managers and secretaries may at last rest easy, with pen put to paper across the base ball world and the business of preparing for the new season now at the fore.

The largest purses, as expected, went to the batsmen. The St. Louis Browns secured the signature of their first overall choice, right fielder Sherry Magee, with a bonus of $1,124. In Chicago, the White Sox laid down $1,149 to bring in their raw but highly promising Cuban catcher Gervasio Gonzales, who, though only nineteen, is already spoken of as a man who may change the game behind the plate.

On the pitching side, the most generous purse was offered by the New York Highlanders, who gave $935 to the youthful right-hander Ralph Caldwell.

Magee, speaking after his signing, declared:

“I feel most grateful to the Browns for their faith in me. The outfield here is a strong one, but I intend to prove my worth and fight for my place every day.”

The young Gonzales, speaking through an interpreter, shared his excitement:

“This is a great chance for me. I am young, and I know there is much to learn, but I wish to make Chicago proud. I will give all my heart to this game.”

For his part, Caldwell was quietly pleased at the Highlanders’ faith in his arm:

“To be chosen and now signed by a club of New York’s stature is an honor. I aim to show that their investment in me is well placed.”

With every man signed, attention across both leagues now shifts to spring drills and the long preparations for the campaign ahead. By mid-April, these rookies, alongside veterans, will begin the real work of showing what promise, if any, lies in their youthful arms and bats.

09-23-2025, 10:42 AM	#130
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,288	Draftee signing deadline ALL DRAFTEES SIGN: MAGEE, GONZALES, CALDWELL AMONG THOSE INK BONUSES By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times February 14th, 1904 Clubs now turn eyes toward April as spring approaches The final hurdle of the 1903 draft has been cleared, as word came this morning that every man selected has now signed terms with his new club. Managers and secretaries may at last rest easy, with pen put to paper across the base ball world and the business of preparing for the new season now at the fore. The largest purses, as expected, went to the batsmen. The St. Louis Browns secured the signature of their first overall choice, right fielder Sherry Magee, with a bonus of $1,124. In Chicago, the White Sox laid down $1,149 to bring in their raw but highly promising Cuban catcher Gervasio Gonzales, who, though only nineteen, is already spoken of as a man who may change the game behind the plate. On the pitching side, the most generous purse was offered by the New York Highlanders, who gave $935 to the youthful right-hander Ralph Caldwell. Magee, speaking after his signing, declared: “I feel most grateful to the Browns for their faith in me. The outfield here is a strong one, but I intend to prove my worth and fight for my place every day.” The young Gonzales, speaking through an interpreter, shared his excitement: “This is a great chance for me. I am young, and I know there is much to learn, but I wish to make Chicago proud. I will give all my heart to this game.” For his part, Caldwell was quietly pleased at the Highlanders’ faith in his arm: “To be chosen and now signed by a club of New York’s stature is an honor. I aim to show that their investment in me is well placed.” With every man signed, attention across both leagues now shifts to spring drills and the long preparations for the campaign ahead. By mid-April, these rookies, alongside veterans, will begin the real work of showing what promise, if any, lies in their youthful arms and bats.