 When word of Lajoie 's baseball ability spread , he began to play for other semi @-@ professional teams at $ 2 to $ 5 per game ( $ 57 to $ 142 in current dollar terms ) . Meanwhile , Lajoie worked as a teamster . He left Woonsocket and his $ 7 @.@ 50 ( $ 213 in current dollar terms ) working as a taxi driver and joined the Class B New England League 's Fall River Indians in 1896 played as a center fielder , first baseman and catcher where he earned $ 25 weekly ( $ 711 in current dollar terms ) . He recorded 163 hits in 80 games , and led the team in batting average , doubles , triples , home runs and hits . Lajoie was " widely regarded as an outstanding prospect " and Indians owner Charlie Marston rejected an offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Lajoie in exchange for $ 500 ( $ 14 @,@ 222 in current dollar terms ) . He was also scouted by the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Beaneaters . 
