 He had agreed to join the Athletics for the 1911 season over the winter of 1910-11, but held off signing his professional contract until graduating from Baylor, joining the Athletics in July.The 1912 Reach Guide described him as a "clever young pitcher" and said that the Athletics were "fortunate" in his "gradual development" in their pursuit of the 1911 league championship.He was known for adulterating baseballs and throwing "shiners".