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amead17 · 10-02-2025, 01:07 PM

BIG CONTRACTS SIGNED AS DRAFTEES PREPARE FOR THE SEASON

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times

February 13th, 1905 – The deadline for draft signees has passed, and with it the hopes, fortunes, and future of many a young ballplayer have been decided. All but one of this year’s class have agreed terms with their clubs, clearing the way for the rookies to report to camp with pen to paper and ambition in hand.

The lone holdout comes from the Queen City. The Cincinnati Reds and their 5th-round selection, outfielder Wilbur Good, failed to reach an agreement. Good, a promising young man with a keen eye at the plate, will instead spend 1905 at Houston Christian University before re-entering the draft pool next year. Cincinnati fans will no doubt watch closely to see whether the Reds erred in letting him slip away.

At the other end of the scale lies the game’s most talked-of young recruit. Ty Cobb, the 17-year-old outfielder taken first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, agreed to terms with a signing bonus of $1,320, easily the largest figure of this year’s class. Cobb, already whispered about in scouting circles as a player of “generational promise,” appeared eager but grounded when asked about his next steps.

“The money is nice, of course,” Cobb remarked with his Georgian drawl, “but it doesn’t mean a thing once I step between the lines. I’m here to prove I can play this game at the very highest level. Now it’s time to knuckle down and show Philadelphia they made the right choice.”

Other notables also struck fine bargains. John Hummell, the Cleveland Naps’ second baseman, secured $844, a tidy sum for a youngster. Hummell, still grinning from the ink drying on his contract, told reporters:

“It’s a dream come true. I’ve followed this game since I was a boy, and now I get to wear a major league uniform. I’ll be working every day to earn my keep and bring pride to Cleveland.”

Pitchers, though not as plentiful in this draft crop, were not forgotten. The most lucrative mound deal went to Orval Overall, the Brooklyn Superbas’ first-round selection, who landed an $880 contract. Overall, known for his sturdy arm and calm demeanor, spoke confidently:

“Brooklyn has placed its faith in me, and I aim to repay it on the hill. The real work starts now, and I’m ready to throw every inning as if my career depends on it.”

With signatures in place and bonuses pocketed, the class of 1905 now faces the stern task of translating contracts into contributions. Philadelphia fans will be watching young Cobb most keenly, but across the league, every city dreams that their new man might blossom into the star who lifts them toward October glory.

10-02-2025, 01:07 PM	#167
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	Draftee deadline day BIG CONTRACTS SIGNED AS DRAFTEES PREPARE FOR THE SEASON By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 13th, 1905 – The deadline for draft signees has passed, and with it the hopes, fortunes, and future of many a young ballplayer have been decided. All but one of this year’s class have agreed terms with their clubs, clearing the way for the rookies to report to camp with pen to paper and ambition in hand. The lone holdout comes from the Queen City. The Cincinnati Reds and their 5th-round selection, outfielder Wilbur Good, failed to reach an agreement. Good, a promising young man with a keen eye at the plate, will instead spend 1905 at Houston Christian University before re-entering the draft pool next year. Cincinnati fans will no doubt watch closely to see whether the Reds erred in letting him slip away. At the other end of the scale lies the game’s most talked-of young recruit. Ty Cobb, the 17-year-old outfielder taken first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies, agreed to terms with a signing bonus of $1,320, easily the largest figure of this year’s class. Cobb, already whispered about in scouting circles as a player of “generational promise,” appeared eager but grounded when asked about his next steps. “The money is nice, of course,” Cobb remarked with his Georgian drawl, “but it doesn’t mean a thing once I step between the lines. I’m here to prove I can play this game at the very highest level. Now it’s time to knuckle down and show Philadelphia they made the right choice.” Other notables also struck fine bargains. John Hummell, the Cleveland Naps’ second baseman, secured $844, a tidy sum for a youngster. Hummell, still grinning from the ink drying on his contract, told reporters: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve followed this game since I was a boy, and now I get to wear a major league uniform. I’ll be working every day to earn my keep and bring pride to Cleveland.” Pitchers, though not as plentiful in this draft crop, were not forgotten. The most lucrative mound deal went to Orval Overall, the Brooklyn Superbas’ first-round selection, who landed an $880 contract. Overall, known for his sturdy arm and calm demeanor, spoke confidently: “Brooklyn has placed its faith in me, and I aim to repay it on the hill. The real work starts now, and I’m ready to throw every inning as if my career depends on it.” With signatures in place and bonuses pocketed, the class of 1905 now faces the stern task of translating contracts into contributions. Philadelphia fans will be watching young Cobb most keenly, but across the league, every city dreams that their new man might blossom into the star who lifts them toward October glory.