FormerĀ Chicago CubsĀ first baseman ā€œThe Riflemanā€Ā Chuck ConnorsĀ becomes the first player to refuse to participate in theĀ major league draft

FormerĀ Chicago CubsĀ first baseman ā€œThe Riflemanā€Ā Chuck ConnorsĀ becomes the first player to refuse to participate in theĀ major league draft

1951 – FormerĀ Chicago CubsĀ first baseman and future star of the TV seriesĀ The RiflemanĀ Chuck ConnorsĀ becomes the first player to refuse to participate in theĀ major league draft. Currently the 1B for theĀ Los Angeles AngelsĀ of theĀ Pacific Coast League, Connors wants to stay inĀ California, instead of going to whatever team might draft him for the major leagues. The PCL views his refusal in a positive manner, allowing them to ask for higher prices for minor league players than what the major leagues usually offers.

Chuck Connors makes his regular season debut with the Montreal Royals

Chuck Connors makes his regular season debut with the Montreal Royals

On April 23, 1948, Chuck Connors makes his regular season debut with the Montreal Royals in their season opener in Newark it was less than glorious: he committed three errors and did not get any hits. Ultimately, he struck out in his professional sports career and shifted to acting. Westerns like Gunsmoke and Wagon Train…