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amead17 · 10-29-2025, 11:31 AM

BIG BONUSES AS DRAFT SIGNINGS COMPLETE — STRUNK, JACKSON LEAD THE WAY

Brooklyn’s Top Pick Inks Deal on Final Day; Three Players to Re-Enter Next Year’s Draft

By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times
February 13th, 1908

The deadline has come and gone for the class of drafted players to ink their contracts, and with it another year of rising bonuses and high hopes across the major league clubs.

After weeks of negotiation, Brooklyn’s prized first overall pick, Joe Jackson, finally signed his contract on the very last day. The young 20-year-old center fielder, already nicknamed “Shoeless Joe” from his amateur days, agreed to terms with the Superbas for a $1,500 signing bonus.

Jackson, relieved to have the business behind him, spoke with a quiet confidence that belied his youth:

“I’m just glad to be set to play ball,” Jackson said. “Brooklyn believed in me, and I aim to show them they were right.”

Around the league, several other high selections struck it rich. Amos Strunk, just 18 years old and selected by the Cincinnati Reds, landed the largest bonus of the class at $1,670, setting a new mark for a rookie contract. Strunk, a bright and speedy center fielder, was understandably elated:

“It’s a fine feeling,” said Strunk. “Now it’s time to earn it on the field. Cincinnati’s put their faith in me, and I intend to give them every ounce of my best.”

Among other notable signings were:

Smoky Joe Wood, with the Chicago White Sox, for $1,220

Beals Becker, with the Detroit Tigers, for $1,150

Gavvy Cravath, with the St. Louis Browns, for $1,300

Vin Campbell, with the Chicago Cubs, for $1,540

Harry Krause, with the Cleveland Naps, for $1,110

Frank Baker, with the St. Louis Cardinals, for $1,020

Altogether, the figures point to another year of swelling optimism and investment in young talent. Clubs appear increasingly willing to pay well for promise — a clear sign of how the modern game is evolving.

Yet not every draft story found a happy ending. Three players failed to reach terms and will re-enter next year’s draft. First-rounder Dick Hoblitzel, selected by the Philadelphia Athletics, could not reach an agreement, while Brooklyn’s third-round pick Marty O’Toole and New York Giants’ fourth-rounder Ed Sweeney also declined their offers.

With contracts now sealed and only a few unsigned holdouts left behind, clubs across the league turn their attention to spring training — where the class of 1908 will soon take its first steps toward making good on those lofty bonuses.

10-29-2025, 11:31 AM	#297
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,257	Draft Signing Deadline BIG BONUSES AS DRAFT SIGNINGS COMPLETE — STRUNK, JACKSON LEAD THE WAY Brooklyn’s Top Pick Inks Deal on Final Day; Three Players to Re-Enter Next Year’s Draft By Charles H. Wentworth, Sporting Times February 13th, 1908 The deadline has come and gone for the class of drafted players to ink their contracts, and with it another year of rising bonuses and high hopes across the major league clubs. After weeks of negotiation, Brooklyn’s prized first overall pick, Joe Jackson, finally signed his contract on the very last day. The young 20-year-old center fielder, already nicknamed “Shoeless Joe” from his amateur days, agreed to terms with the Superbas for a $1,500 signing bonus. Jackson, relieved to have the business behind him, spoke with a quiet confidence that belied his youth: “I’m just glad to be set to play ball,” Jackson said. “Brooklyn believed in me, and I aim to show them they were right.” Around the league, several other high selections struck it rich. Amos Strunk, just 18 years old and selected by the Cincinnati Reds, landed the largest bonus of the class at $1,670, setting a new mark for a rookie contract. Strunk, a bright and speedy center fielder, was understandably elated: “It’s a fine feeling,” said Strunk. “Now it’s time to earn it on the field. Cincinnati’s put their faith in me, and I intend to give them every ounce of my best.” Among other notable signings were: Smoky Joe Wood, with the Chicago White Sox, for $1,220 Beals Becker, with the Detroit Tigers, for $1,150 Gavvy Cravath, with the St. Louis Browns, for $1,300 Vin Campbell, with the Chicago Cubs, for $1,540 Harry Krause, with the Cleveland Naps, for $1,110 Frank Baker, with the St. Louis Cardinals, for $1,020 Altogether, the figures point to another year of swelling optimism and investment in young talent. Clubs appear increasingly willing to pay well for promise — a clear sign of how the modern game is evolving. Yet not every draft story found a happy ending. Three players failed to reach terms and will re-enter next year’s draft. First-rounder Dick Hoblitzel, selected by the Philadelphia Athletics, could not reach an agreement, while Brooklyn’s third-round pick Marty O’Toole and New York Giants’ fourth-rounder Ed Sweeney also declined their offers. With contracts now sealed and only a few unsigned holdouts left behind, clubs across the league turn their attention to spring training — where the class of 1908 will soon take its first steps toward making good on those lofty bonuses.