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BASE BALL CLUBS BUSY IN TRADING MARKET: VETERAN STARS AND PROMISING YOUTHS ON THE MOVE

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
Additional reporting by Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
February 16th, 1904

Burkett, Keeler, Delahanty among names changing colors as clubs retool for 1904

With the draft now behind us, clubs have turned once more to the trading market, and in the span of two months a flurry of notable deals have shaken the base ball world. From Boston to Brooklyn and Philadelphia to St. Louis, veteran stars have been shifted for fresh youth, with each club hoping it has struck upon the right formula to contend in 1904.

The activity began in mid-December when the Boston Americans dealt second baseman Benny Bowcock, a youngster of promise, to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Jack Taylor. Taylor, 30, saw limited action last year (2–1 in 19 relief outings), but the Americans clearly value his experience on the hill.

Just two days later came the shock of the winter: the Boston Beaneaters prised loose right fielder Willie Keeler, the veteran batsman famed for his motto “Hit ’em where they ain’t.” To land Keeler, Boston surrendered catcher Fred Carisch and right-hander Happy Townsend, who had labored to an 11–19 mark in 1903. Keeler, though 31, remains a consistent bat, finishing last year at .284 in 140 contests.

On December 18th, the Chicago White Sox sent longtime catcher Joe Sugden to the Philadelphia Athletics for pitcher Bob Rhoads. Sugden, 33, was light with the stick (.216), but his veteran handling of pitchers may aid the Athletics, while Rhoads, only 24, gives the Sox another live arm.

The following day saw a deal that has stirred the whole of Philadelphia. The Phillies parted ways with their grand old man, Ed Delahanty, now 36, to their crosstown rivals the Athletics. In return, they received outfielder Hugh Hill, 24, a prospect of speed and range. Delahanty, though fading from his prime, still batted .279 in 93 games and will lend leadership to the Mackmen.

Perhaps the most eye-catching transaction of all came on New Year’s Eve, when the Cincinnati Reds surrendered youthful third baseman George Moriarty (only 18) and left-hander Dave Williams (24) to the St. Louis Cardinals for none other than Jesse Burkett. At 35, Burkett remains a dangerous stick (.292 across 138 games) and brings renown to Cincinnati’s outfield.

The Cardinals were not done. On New Year’s Day, they acquired Jimmy Sheckard from Brooklyn. The fleet-footed left fielder hit .314 last season and now pairs with Burkett to form one of the more intriguing outfields in the league. Brooklyn, meanwhile, took back catcher Frank Roth and reacquired the youthful George Moriarty, sending the teenager on his second journey in as many days.

January brought further movement. The Boston Americans, still searching for pitching, obtained Jake Weimer from the Superbas on January 10th in exchange for infielder Charles Moran. Weimer, despite a rough 11–19 mark, held a respectable 3.48 ERA and may find more fortune in Boston’s colors.

Finally, on January 22nd, the New York Highlanders and St. Louis Browns completed a noteworthy swap. Southpaw Fred Burchell (9–9, 3.65) went to St. Louis, while New York secured workhorse Ned Garvin, who last year turned in a sterling 20–16 record with a 2.10 ERA, alongside second baseman Jake Atz. The Highlanders, still seeking to rise in the American League, may have gained a front-line hurler for their trouble.

As the winter closes, clubs across both leagues stand reshaped. Old warhorses like Burkett, Keeler, and Delahanty find themselves donning new uniforms, while promising youths such as Moriarty and Hill must now prove their worth in unfamiliar surroundings. The balance of power for the coming season may well hinge upon the success—or failure—of these daring exchanges.