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SPORTING TIMES — February 13, 1912
By Arthur H. Leland
Torriente Sets New Bonus Record as Draft Signings Close
February 13th, 1912 — The deadline for drafted players to sign their professional contracts has now passed, bringing this year’s signing period to a close. Though fewer men received the largest bonus figures compared to recent years, the overall ceiling rose once more as clubs competed fiercely for the most coveted young talent.
The Boston Red Sox made the boldest move of all, shattering the previous bonus record by awarding Cuban sensation Cristóbal Torriente a staggering $2530 to secure his signature. The outfielder, selected second overall, becomes the highest-paid rookie in bonus money the game has yet seen.
Not far behind, the Chicago Cubs ensured that their first-overall pick, Jack Fournier, would not slip away, presenting the promising first baseman with $2320 to don the Chicago uniform.
Several other highly regarded draftees crossed the four-figure threshold as clubs sought to lock down their future stars. Below is the complete list of players receiving bonuses in excess of $1000:
Jack Fournier, Chicago Cubs — $2320
Ray Chapman, Cincinnati Reds — $1110
Frank Snyder, Washington Senators — $1980
Benny Kauff, Detroit Tigers — $1350
Wilbur Cooper, Chicago White Sox — $1350
Casey Stengel, Pittsburgh Pirates — $1350
Bobby Veach, Cleveland Naps — $1450
Cy Williams, St. Louis Browns — $1280
Cristóbal Torriente, Boston Red Sox — $2530
In all, clubs showed both caution and conviction — cautious in the number of large bonuses handed out, but unwavering in their pursuit of the game’s brightest prospects.
Only one man declined to sign: Eddie Onslow, selected in the eighth round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Onslow has elected to re-enter next year’s draft rather than accept Philadelphia’s offer, leaving one vacancy among an otherwise fully committed class.
With the ink now dry, the stage is set for these young men to begin their professional journeys as spring training approaches.
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