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amead17 · 09-15-2025, 11:41 AM

NAP DRAFTEE MORAN REFUSES TO SIGN; BENDER SECURES RICHES

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 14th, 1903

The long-anticipated deadline for signing the new class of draftees has come and gone, and while nearly every club secured its men, the Cleveland Naps were left empty-handed in one unfortunate case.

Their second-round choice, pitcher Lew Moren, aged 19, has declined the terms laid before him. Cleveland’s offer, it seems, did not match the young man’s estimation of his own worth. Moren has instead elected to pursue a year of studies at Adrian College, biding his time until he may re-enter a future draft.

“I have faith in my arm and in my future,” Moren told the Sporting Times this morning. “For now, the classroom calls louder than the ball field, but I shall return when the time is right.”

Though the Naps are smarting at the loss, the league has softened the sting by granting them a compensatory second-round pick in the 1904 draft, a salve upon an otherwise disappointing outcome.

Elsewhere, all other draftees have been signed and sealed. The most eye-catching contract was struck by the Chicago White Sox, who rewarded Charles Bender, the 18-year-old pitcher, with a princely bonus of $1,210. This sum eclipsed all other offers and startled many in the fraternity, given that Bender had not even attended the Draft Combine and was selected only third overall.

A smiling Bender, when asked about the matter, remarked, “I am grateful to Chicago for their faith. I intend to prove upon the mound that their investment is sound.”

The next richest agreement belonged to John Titus, the right fielder chosen first by the New York Highlanders, who signed on for $791.

Thus the ledger is settled, save for young Moren, whose path now diverges from his class. Time will tell whether Cleveland lost a mere boy with promise or a future star who might have altered their fortunes.

09-15-2025, 11:41 AM	#86
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	Draft Signing Deadline NAP DRAFTEE MORAN REFUSES TO SIGN; BENDER SECURES RICHES By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times Additional reporting from Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times February 14th, 1903 The long-anticipated deadline for signing the new class of draftees has come and gone, and while nearly every club secured its men, the Cleveland Naps were left empty-handed in one unfortunate case. Their second-round choice, pitcher Lew Moren, aged 19, has declined the terms laid before him. Cleveland’s offer, it seems, did not match the young man’s estimation of his own worth. Moren has instead elected to pursue a year of studies at Adrian College, biding his time until he may re-enter a future draft. “I have faith in my arm and in my future,” Moren told the Sporting Times this morning. “For now, the classroom calls louder than the ball field, but I shall return when the time is right.” Though the Naps are smarting at the loss, the league has softened the sting by granting them a compensatory second-round pick in the 1904 draft, a salve upon an otherwise disappointing outcome. Elsewhere, all other draftees have been signed and sealed. The most eye-catching contract was struck by the Chicago White Sox, who rewarded Charles Bender, the 18-year-old pitcher, with a princely bonus of $1,210. This sum eclipsed all other offers and startled many in the fraternity, given that Bender had not even attended the Draft Combine and was selected only third overall. A smiling Bender, when asked about the matter, remarked, “I am grateful to Chicago for their faith. I intend to prove upon the mound that their investment is sound.” The next richest agreement belonged to John Titus, the right fielder chosen first by the New York Highlanders, who signed on for $791. Thus the ledger is settled, save for young Moren, whose path now diverges from his class. Time will tell whether Cleveland lost a mere boy with promise or a future star who might have altered their fortunes.