Scouts from seven major league teams were vying for his services .
It was when he was playing in an exhibition game against Anson 's Chicago White Stockings team that he got his opportunity to sign a major league contract .
Scouts from seven major league teams were vying for his services , but it was when he was playing in an exhibition game against Anson 's Chicago White Stockings team that he got his opportunity to sign a major league contract .