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amead17 · 11-07-2025, 01:18 PM

DRAFT SIGNINGS COMPLETE — FEWER BIG CONTRACTS HANDED OUT AS TEAMS TIGHTEN PURSE STRINGS

Several Young Prospects Decline to Sign, Opting for College and Another Chance Next Year

By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
February 13th, 1909

With the signing window for newly drafted players now closed, it has become clear that this year’s class has entered the professional ranks under a noticeably leaner financial climate. The once-lavish bonuses seen in previous years have diminished, as clubs across both leagues show greater restraint in what they are willing to offer their young hopefuls.

Fewer players crossed the $1,000 mark this season, a clear sign of tightened budgets and more cautious spending. The top selection, Jack Meyers, was the most handsomely rewarded of the lot, collecting a $1,610 bonus from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals made quick work of their negotiations in December, securing the catcher’s signature before the year-end lull.

Other notable signings over the thousand-dollar threshold include:

Willie Mitchell, Washington Senators — $1,560

Zack Wheat, Detroit Tigers — $1,390

Harry Hooper, St. Louis Browns — $1,370

Art Fletcher, Boston Doves — $1,190

Fred Beck, Brooklyn Superbas — $1,090

Yet, amid these completed signings, not every draftee will be joining their new clubs this spring. Five players declined to agree to terms, opting instead to enter college programs and re-enter next year’s draft pool.

Those who failed to come to terms include:

Cleveland Naps: 3rd round pick Hi Myers

Philadelphia Athletics: 1st round pick Louis Drucke

St. Louis Browns: 2nd round pick Stuffy McInnis

Brooklyn Superbas: 4th round pick Bill Lindsay

Brooklyn Superbas: 9th round pick Ray Brown

The reasons for the refusals appear largely financial, as clubs showed little willingness to meet player demands in a cooling market. Nevertheless, these young men are expected to return to the baseball conversation next winter—perhaps more seasoned, and with stronger bargaining positions when their names come up once again.

11-07-2025, 01:18 PM	#344
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,854	Draft Signing Deadline DRAFT SIGNINGS COMPLETE — FEWER BIG CONTRACTS HANDED OUT AS TEAMS TIGHTEN PURSE STRINGS Several Young Prospects Decline to Sign, Opting for College and Another Chance Next Year By George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times February 13th, 1909 With the signing window for newly drafted players now closed, it has become clear that this year’s class has entered the professional ranks under a noticeably leaner financial climate. The once-lavish bonuses seen in previous years have diminished, as clubs across both leagues show greater restraint in what they are willing to offer their young hopefuls. Fewer players crossed the $1,000 mark this season, a clear sign of tightened budgets and more cautious spending. The top selection, Jack Meyers, was the most handsomely rewarded of the lot, collecting a $1,610 bonus from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals made quick work of their negotiations in December, securing the catcher’s signature before the year-end lull. Other notable signings over the thousand-dollar threshold include: Willie Mitchell, Washington Senators — $1,560 Zack Wheat, Detroit Tigers — $1,390 Harry Hooper, St. Louis Browns — $1,370 Art Fletcher, Boston Doves — $1,190 Fred Beck, Brooklyn Superbas — $1,090 Yet, amid these completed signings, not every draftee will be joining their new clubs this spring. Five players declined to agree to terms, opting instead to enter college programs and re-enter next year’s draft pool. Those who failed to come to terms include: Cleveland Naps: 3rd round pick Hi Myers Philadelphia Athletics: 1st round pick Louis Drucke St. Louis Browns: 2nd round pick Stuffy McInnis Brooklyn Superbas: 4th round pick Bill Lindsay Brooklyn Superbas: 9th round pick Ray Brown The reasons for the refusals appear largely financial, as clubs showed little willingness to meet player demands in a cooling market. Nevertheless, these young men are expected to return to the baseball conversation next winter—perhaps more seasoned, and with stronger bargaining positions when their names come up once again.