Posted By:
Frank Evanov"The Giants drafted Mathewson and he played for one of their minor league clubs for a season I believe; and Amos Rusie already had retired by 1900 from arm trouble. Was there a Rule 5 draft way back then, this doesn't sound like a "real" trade to me."
Interesting story Peter: The NY Giants bought Matty from Norfolk for $1500 in 1900. Christy lost his first three starts in NY and was returned to the minors for the same $1500. At Norfolk Matty was 21-2 and since he had played in the majors he was eligible for the draft after the season. John Brush who owned the Reds [and a part of the Giants too!] drafted him for $100, then traded him back to the Giants for Rusie who hadn't pitched in three years! Norfolk lost $1400 on the deal! Ah, the days of "Syndicate Baseball".
Frank