Wagner Signs

From Sporing Life April 25 1908

Wagner Signs Yields to the entreaties of President Pulliam, of the National League, and President Dreyfuss, and Reports for 1908 Season.

Pittsburgh April 17. Hans Wagner, the world's greatest ball player, this evening attached his name to a Pittsburgh contract, and at 9:30 tonight left for Cincinnati in personal charge of President Dreyfuss, who announced that the big fellow would be in the opening game of the Pittsburgh team there tomorrow. It is understood that for some days past Wagner has been wavering, and this afternoon he sent word that he would be in the office of the Pittsburgh Baseball Club between 5 and 6 o'clock, -at a time when there was little chance of newspaper men being on hand. President Dreyfuss, in company with President Pulliam, of the National League, met THE BIG SHORT STOP at the appointed time, and in a few minutes it was all over. Harry Smith, the Massilon John Wagner (Ohio) catcher, who went to "his home some days ago without signing his contract, also sent word that he would accept terms and would meet the team at Cincinnati. President Harry Pulliam was in attendance at the conference and induced Wagner to sign. It is understood that one of the conditions imposed by the big fellow tonight was that nothing would be said about his signing, that he would be allowed to rush to Cincinnati quietly and surprise all the gang there on their arrival tomorrow morning to open the game. , For this reason Wagner was not seen before he left, he being hurried to the train by Mr. Dreyfuss.

TERMS SECRET.

There is no telling what terms were reached between Dreyfuss and the big shortstop. Wagner weakened the first day of the season is known. He was at Cambridge Springs, 100 miles above Pittsburgh, when the game opened, and he had difficulty in finding the scores that night. Next, morning Hans was waiting for the daylight train to carry him. out of Cambridge Springs to Pittsburgh or some point where he could at least hear scores the same night games were played. He grew brave as he neared Pittsburgh, and on arriving told Dreyfuss he would not sign no, not in a million years. But he did tonight.