THE QUESTION: How do you feel about big league teams signing up college baseball players before they graduate?

FRANK LANE
General Manager
Cleveland Indians
A boy goes to college to equip himself for a specific career. If he is offered a large bonus to become a major league player, he'd better grab it. One boy was offered $75,000 but was persuaded to pass it up for football. Later he was hurt and unfit for baseball. Will his coach compensate him?

FRANK SANCET
Baseball coach
University of Arizona
If they must sign a star, why not let him finish the season, anyway, rather than ruin a college team? Gene Leek had only a year to graduate when they took him from us for a $30,000 bonus. If colleges played enough games, I'd be opposed to players signing until graduation.

GEORGE WEISS
General Manager
New York Yankees
Each case should be considered by itself. A college player should not sign unless it is his definite aim to be a major league player and it is plain that he can make the grade in a couple of years. By starting early he gains a year or two. Otherwise, I would rather see the boy graduate first.

HERBERT DORRICOTT
President
NCAA
Why can't baseball have the same agreement with the colleges as the pro football people do, drafting players on graduation, the last teams having first choice? The boys could complete their educations that way and have a better opportunity in life should they not become big leaguers.

JACK BARRY
Baseball coach
Holy Cross
I don't like it. The boys should get their diplomas. It's a big question whether or not they will make good in baseball. Four of my players have signed bonus contracts. They are seniors and are allowed to stay and graduate, but they're ineligible to play college ball.

ROBIN ROBERTS
Pitcher
Philadelphia Phillies
A large bonus is particularly enticing to a boy with a year or more to go in college. However, he would be better off to finish school first. I signed my baseball contract in September of my last year. Athletes doing the same thing would be more apt to finish school before playing baseball.

SEVEN PHOTOS