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Early Trade
BOSTON AND PITTSBURGH STRIKE EARLY SEASON TRADE
Americans Send Young Del Mason to Pirates in Exchange for Veteran Jack Chesbro
By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
June 20th, 1907
While the trade deadline still sits more than a month away, the Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates wasted no time in making an early move to reshape their pitching staffs.
Today it was announced that Boston has traded 23-year-old relief pitcher Del Mason to Pittsburgh in exchange for veteran Jack Chesbro, the 33-year-old right-hander who has been one of the most seasoned arms in the National League over the past decade.
Mason, a promising young pitcher, has made just one appearance this season in relief for the Americans. Chesbro, meanwhile, has started 13 games for the Pirates, compiling a 4–6 record with a 4.19 earned run average.
Both clubs see the deal as an opportunity to strengthen key areas — Boston seeking experience and steadiness, Pittsburgh looking to the future with a younger arm.
Chesbro, who now heads back to the American League after several years in Pittsburgh, expressed optimism about the move.
“I’ve had good years in Pittsburgh, and I’ll always be grateful for my time there,” Chesbro said. “But a new start in Boston might be just what I need. I still believe I’ve got plenty of good pitching left in me, and I aim to show that right away.”
Mason, though young, was equally gracious about his opportunity.
“It’s an honour to be joining a club like the Pirates,” Mason said. “They’ve got fine ballplayers and a good reputation for developing pitchers. I’m looking forward to learning and proving I belong at this level.”
Boston manager Jim Manning welcomed the addition of a seasoned hand to his rotation.
“Jack Chesbro’s experience speaks for itself,” Manning commented. “He’s been through the wars, knows how to handle himself in tight games, and I believe he’ll bring a steadying presence to our staff. We wish Mason well — he’s a good lad with plenty of promise.”
Pittsburgh skipper Zack Brown likewise saw upside in the deal.
“We’ve admired Mason for some time,” Brown said. “He’s young, strong, and has the kind of arm that can grow into something special. Chesbro gave us fine service, but this is a move that looks to the future.”
With both clubs satisfied, the trade marks one of the first major moves of the summer — and possibly a sign of more activity to come as teams look to strengthen before the stretch run.
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