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amead17 · 10-11-2025, 06:12 AM

FINAL SIGNING DEADLINE PASSES — TWO DRAFTEES HOLD OUT AS CLUBS TURN TO SPRING

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 14, 1906

Yesterday marked the final day for drafted players to sign their contracts with their new Major League clubs, and while most teams secured their young prospects, two notable names will not be donning professional uniforms this year.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were dealt the biggest blow as their first-round selection, pitcher Rube Kroh, declined to sign. The Chicago Cubs suffered a smaller but still disappointing loss when third-round choice Bruce Petway, a talented young catcher, also chose to forgo a professional deal. Both players have decided to pursue college ball for a year, intending to re-enter the draft next winter.

Elsewhere, negotiations wrapped up smoothly, and fans have been eagerly scanning the papers to see who earned the largest signing bonuses — and which newcomers may crack Opening Day rosters.

As expected, the Brooklyn Superbas spared no expense to secure their top prize, inking number one overall pick Eddie Collins to a handsome signing bonus of $1,370 in December. Collins, only 18 years old, is considered a long-term investment but is already earning comparisons to some of the game’s finest young infielders.

“It’s an honor to be chosen first,” said Collins. “I know the expectations are high, but I plan to work every day to prove Brooklyn made the right choice.”

Other top selections also fared well. John Henry Lloyd, taken second overall by the St. Louis Browns, signed for $890, while the Boston Americans rewarded right fielder Red Murray with $990 to join their club. Among pitchers, Tom Hughes of the Boston Beaneaters led the group with a $1,050 signing bonus — a figure that reflects how highly the Beaneaters regard his arm.

With nearly all the ink dry on contracts, the draft class of 1906 is now officially taking shape. Managers and scouts alike can finally turn their full attention toward spring training, where these young hopefuls will attempt to turn promise into performance.

As one veteran scout put it late last night, “The real work begins now — and by summer’s end, we’ll know which of these boys are truly ready for the big leagues.”

10-11-2025, 06:12 AM	#206
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,860	Draft Signing Deadline Day FINAL SIGNING DEADLINE PASSES — TWO DRAFTEES HOLD OUT AS CLUBS TURN TO SPRING By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 14, 1906 Yesterday marked the final day for drafted players to sign their contracts with their new Major League clubs, and while most teams secured their young prospects, two notable names will not be donning professional uniforms this year. The Pittsburgh Pirates were dealt the biggest blow as their first-round selection, pitcher Rube Kroh, declined to sign. The Chicago Cubs suffered a smaller but still disappointing loss when third-round choice Bruce Petway, a talented young catcher, also chose to forgo a professional deal. Both players have decided to pursue college ball for a year, intending to re-enter the draft next winter. Elsewhere, negotiations wrapped up smoothly, and fans have been eagerly scanning the papers to see who earned the largest signing bonuses — and which newcomers may crack Opening Day rosters. As expected, the Brooklyn Superbas spared no expense to secure their top prize, inking number one overall pick Eddie Collins to a handsome signing bonus of $1,370 in December. Collins, only 18 years old, is considered a long-term investment but is already earning comparisons to some of the game’s finest young infielders. “It’s an honor to be chosen first,” said Collins. “I know the expectations are high, but I plan to work every day to prove Brooklyn made the right choice.” Other top selections also fared well. John Henry Lloyd, taken second overall by the St. Louis Browns, signed for $890, while the Boston Americans rewarded right fielder Red Murray with $990 to join their club. Among pitchers, Tom Hughes of the Boston Beaneaters led the group with a $1,050 signing bonus — a figure that reflects how highly the Beaneaters regard his arm. With nearly all the ink dry on contracts, the draft class of 1906 is now officially taking shape. Managers and scouts alike can finally turn their full attention toward spring training, where these young hopefuls will attempt to turn promise into performance. As one veteran scout put it late last night, “The real work begins now — and by summer’s end, we’ll know which of these boys are truly ready for the big leagues.”