The Story of Honus Wagner during the beginning of the 1908 season is one of great interest.
From
New York American November 19, 1907
Big, awkward, conscientious, good natured Honus Wagner, steady and strong in his years of baseball lore, this year established a new record for long batting success on the diamond, this being the fifth year that he has held the National League batting title. He won the batting championship with a mark of .350 and the base-running honors with 61 stolen bases.
There is no question that Wagner is the greatest all-round ball player of this or probably any other season.
From
New York American December 10, 1907
Hans Wagner, the Pirates' veteran shortstop, will not be in the game next year if he takes his doctor's advice.
'Big Honus' went to see his doctor yesterday. They had a powwow over the big fellows rheumatic shoulder, the man of medicine gave his verdict--quit baseball.
'I'm comfortably fixed financially' he said, 'and I'm ready to quit . . . I am out of professional baseball for good.'
From
New York American December 25, 1907
Since the public came to know that Wagner has rheumatism, every mail and every express wagon brought him hundreds of remedies, and this evening all the medicines were sent to West Penn Hospital, whose superintendent was told to do what pleased with them.
From
New York Evening Mail April 1, 1908
Many contradictory stories have been published on why Honus Wagner has been holding out, but Frank Chance says the correct story has never been given the light of day.
According to the 'peerless leader' of Chicago, Wagner's refusal to play was due to trouble with Fred Clarke, the Pirates' manager.
'All this talk about Wagner quitting on account of rheumatism, chicken farm and other things is incorrect.'
'according to my information the whole trouble started over a play at the Polo Grounds last summer. Wagner has always been known as a player who worked for his individual record more than for the welfare of his team. In that game Clarke is said to have told Wagner t make a play in a certain way to help in getting him a much needed run. Honus at first refused, but when ordered to do so went to bat, made one effort as directed and then did exactly opposite from what Clarke told him. His effort failed, and Clarke called him good and hard.'
'From that day forward they have been enemies. I understand Wagner at first refused to joined the Pirates unless Clarke was released, and held out until a few day ago. That Clarke wasn't going was a cinch; it was only a question of what could be done to placate the ire of the big German. That something will be done is evident, and I expect that President Pulliam is taking a hand in getting Wagner in line.'
From
New York Evening Mail April 10, 1908
Hans Wagner would take first, second and all the rest of the prizes offered in an off again up against contest. According to the very latest, as observed by the great Honus himself while passing through here last night, he will play for Pittsburgh this season. He was cornered, and after being well pumped admitted he will 'probably consent to help the team out.'
From
New York Sun April 12, 1908
Fred Clarke; Without Hans Wagner I must admit I am worried. The Dutchman's decisions to leave have a very bad effect on the team, and may bring out other disappointing consequences. Pittsburgh's team, on pure dope, seems good enough to finish in the first division. As for reaching the top, I would have hopes if Wagner was with us.
