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amead17 · 11-25-2025, 11:46 AM

SPORTING TIMES — February 14th, 1911
By Samuel T. Kingsley, Charles H. Wentworth, George F. Winthrop & Arthur H. Leland

RECORD BONUSES MARK DEADLINE DAY AS CLUBS SPEND FREELY ON ROOKIES

O’Neill Sets New Standard; Giants Make History With Two Big-Money Signings

The signing deadline for the Class of 1910 has now drawn to a close, and never before has the league witnessed such a cascade of coin placed into the palms of young ballplayers. This winter’s negotiations will be remembered for a remarkable rise in the number of rookies breaking the once-rare $1,000 bonus threshold.

The St. Louis Cardinals again led the charge in bold expenditure. In a move that sent a stir through every front office, the club awarded catcher Steve O’Neill a staggering $2,310 bonus — the richest contract bonus yet seen in professional base ball.

The New York Giants likewise carved out their own place in league history, becoming the first club to sign two draftees to bonuses exceeding $1,000, securing both Tillie Walker and George Burns with generous sums.

Below is the full list of players earning bonuses greater than $1,000:

Max Carey, Philadelphia Athletics — $1550

Red Smith, Boston Red Sox — $1710

Tillie Walker, New York Giants — $1340

George Burns, New York Giants — $1160

Grover Cleveland Alexander, Boston Rustlers — $1080

Tim Hendryx, Detroit Tigers — $1980

Ping Bodie, Brooklyn Dodgers — $1240

Claude Hendrix, Chicago Cubs — $1380

Vic Saier, St. Louis Browns — $1900

Steve O’Neill, St. Louis Cardinals — $2310

Vean Gregg, New York Highlanders — $1160

Only a single player failed to reach terms: Hank Severeid, drafted in the first round by the Chicago White Sox, who will return to next year’s draft pool. The White Sox will receive a compensation pick for his loss.

REACTION FROM PLAYERS AND MANAGERS

Young Steve O’Neill, now the highest-bonused player in league annals, spoke with a mixture of gratitude and determination.

“It’s a great honor, and I mean to prove the Cardinals wise in their faith,” he said. “A bonus is only the beginning — now the real work starts.”

Detroit signee Tim Hendryx, who earned an impressive $1,980, expressed similar resolve.

“I’ve been given a grand opportunity,” Hendryx remarked. “I intend to give Detroit every ounce of ballplaying I have in me.”

Cardinals manager General Stafford, architect of the O’Neill signing, addressed the magnitude of the moment for his club.

“We believe O’Neill is a cornerstone for the future,” Stafford said. “If the price was high, it was because the promise is higher. St. Louis means to build something lasting.”

As clubs across the league take stock of their new investments, managers and supporters alike will now turn their eyes toward spring, waiting to see which of these richly rewarded young men will justify the silver spent upon them.

11-25-2025, 11:46 AM	#448
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,275	Record Signing bonuses SPORTING TIMES — February 14th, 1911 By Samuel T. Kingsley, Charles H. Wentworth, George F. Winthrop & Arthur H. Leland RECORD BONUSES MARK DEADLINE DAY AS CLUBS SPEND FREELY ON ROOKIES O’Neill Sets New Standard; Giants Make History With Two Big-Money Signings The signing deadline for the Class of 1910 has now drawn to a close, and never before has the league witnessed such a cascade of coin placed into the palms of young ballplayers. This winter’s negotiations will be remembered for a remarkable rise in the number of rookies breaking the once-rare $1,000 bonus threshold. The St. Louis Cardinals again led the charge in bold expenditure. In a move that sent a stir through every front office, the club awarded catcher Steve O’Neill a staggering $2,310 bonus — the richest contract bonus yet seen in professional base ball. The New York Giants likewise carved out their own place in league history, becoming the first club to sign two draftees to bonuses exceeding $1,000, securing both Tillie Walker and George Burns with generous sums. Below is the full list of players earning bonuses greater than $1,000: Max Carey, Philadelphia Athletics — $1550 Red Smith, Boston Red Sox — $1710 Tillie Walker, New York Giants — $1340 George Burns, New York Giants — $1160 Grover Cleveland Alexander, Boston Rustlers — $1080 Tim Hendryx, Detroit Tigers — $1980 Ping Bodie, Brooklyn Dodgers — $1240 Claude Hendrix, Chicago Cubs — $1380 Vic Saier, St. Louis Browns — $1900 Steve O’Neill, St. Louis Cardinals — $2310 Vean Gregg, New York Highlanders — $1160 Only a single player failed to reach terms: Hank Severeid, drafted in the first round by the Chicago White Sox, who will return to next year’s draft pool. The White Sox will receive a compensation pick for his loss. REACTION FROM PLAYERS AND MANAGERS Young Steve O’Neill, now the highest-bonused player in league annals, spoke with a mixture of gratitude and determination. “It’s a great honor, and I mean to prove the Cardinals wise in their faith,” he said. “A bonus is only the beginning — now the real work starts.” Detroit signee Tim Hendryx, who earned an impressive $1,980, expressed similar resolve. “I’ve been given a grand opportunity,” Hendryx remarked. “I intend to give Detroit every ounce of ballplaying I have in me.” Cardinals manager General Stafford, architect of the O’Neill signing, addressed the magnitude of the moment for his club. “We believe O’Neill is a cornerstone for the future,” Stafford said. “If the price was high, it was because the promise is higher. St. Louis means to build something lasting.” As clubs across the league take stock of their new investments, managers and supporters alike will now turn their eyes toward spring, waiting to see which of these richly rewarded young men will justify the silver spent upon them.