The first year of free agency is here and there was quite a bit of team-switching. The top hitter and top pitcher of the past few seasons both have new ballclubs. Honus Wagner, six-time Wheaton League MVP, inked a deal with the Brooklyn Eagles, leaving the Southside Strikers, 1903 champs. Rube Waddell who could never make Louisville a champion despite 4 Ace Awards is headed for Manhattan. Lots of other top talent such as Cy Seymour, Cy Young, Ginger Beaumont and Jesse Tannehill also have new clubs. So far in 1909 it has not hurt St. Louis who did not make many major moves in the offseason - as they are 20-5 to start the year as they try to defend their title.
