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June 15, 1937
In three out of the last four years, the Kansas City Athetics have held the first pick in the rookie draft. Each time, they've selected a righthanded pitcher.
Their 1934 selection, Gene Schott, has developed into one of the most dependable starters in the league (11-4 this year, with a 2.85 ERA). Their '36 edition, Russian product Victor Starffin, is also progressing well (2.04 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 67 K/102 IP for Class A York).
Today, the A's called the name of Virginia fireballer Leon Day, who will join Starffin in the White Roses' rotation. Day, 18, is said to throw nearly as hard as Bob Feller, whom the A's could have had with the #2 overall pick in 1935.
The Los Angeles Angels drafted next and selected a local hero, righthander Mort Cooper. Cooper, 24, should be a popular choice with Angels fans.
The first position player drafted was shortstop Lou Boudreau, a 19-year-old Illiinois product who went to the St. Louis Cardinals at #4.
Other notable selections from the first round included P Bill Posedel (#7, New York Yankees), 2B Joe Gordon (#8, Baltimore), RF Enos Slaughter (#13, Brooklyn), and RF Taffy Wright (#16, Pittsburgh).
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