Saturday, February 11, 2012

“RUBE’S” PRICE $7,500

G. Edward “Rube” Waddell cost the St. Louis Browns exactly $7,500. President Shibe, of the local Philadelphia club, is the authority for the announcement.

He said, “The St. Louis club paid $7,500 for Waddell.  They receive none the worst of the bargain. The ‘Rube’ is as great a master of the pitcher’s art as ever.

“Connie Mack informed me that Waddell’s personal characteristics and idiosyncrasies had a bad influence on his fellow-players. He advised a change, and said he was of the opinion it would be beneficial to all the parties concerned.

“We are sorry to lose Waddell, but I do not think it would have been good business to turn down the superb offer of the St. Louis club. Rube’ has the best wishes of all of us for a successful season.”

(See Rube and other players below once under contract to the St. Louis Browns. Click on photo to enlarge