Evening star., 1899-03-15

ing their companions as past masters in the
business. When asked for opinion they
generally cited some one else as an authori-
ty. and in this way cleverly cleared any lit
tie snags that confronted them.
Jim Casey, looking the picture of health,
joined Freeman in speaking well of Mana
ger Irwin. Both acknowledged that he has
taught them lots they never dreamed of
about the national game, and both are con-
fident that he will make a good team out of
the Senators for the coming season Both
these men have had two seasons eXper-
ieI.ce with Irwin, and speak by the card.
All the men are in exceptionally fine con-
dition, and Manager Irwin was particularly
pleased over this state of affairs. Mercer
looks like man who has prepared himself
for an athletic meet, while Kilen is equally
trimmed for the fray. Little Slagle is about
one inch shorter than Casey and about
ten pounds lighter. From this quite an
accurate line can be drawn on the new
man. Mercer came in on the train with
SlagIe without knowing who he was, and
told The Star man this morning that he
had picked him out for a jockey coming to
the Benning meeting. Slagle is certainly a
small man, but possesses good face, his
jaw bone being exceptionally large and
denoting plenty of determination. He walks
with a springy step and has the look of
confidence in himself that will please
great majority of the base ball critics
Jimmy Casey and he will be great pair
to draw to when they walk on the field at
National Park, and a big following cf
friends for each can be counted on at this
early date.
All the players spoken to about their
health during the winter put forward clean
bills. many of them keeping up a contnu-
Gus round of exercise during the off-season.
Irwin Discusses the Team.
The Star man caught Manager Irwin in
a genial mood this morning, and as result
quite long chat followed. Subjects touch
ing the players and club were gone over
and details that the everyday fan is not
next to- were analyzed in an instructive
and entertaining way.
Without throwing any bouquets at my
self said Manager Irwin, II sincerely be-
| lieve that | have the strongest aggregation
| of ball players ever gathered together in
| this city. l have the public just where 1
| want them. They have hammered the team
| from the start this year and now 1 am go
/ ing to surprise them. With the exception
| of one or two men, know the ability of
| every player L have secured, and am well
| satisfied.
| Look the men over yourself" said Irwin
| to the reporter. waving his hand toward
| the two groups of players congregated in
| the rotunda of the hotel, land tell me what
| you think of them
The Star man had to admit they looked
| like likely lot of players, and if indica-
| tions go for anything his team was all
| right.
.sTake the men, position for position, and
| show me where the team is weak" con-
| tinued the Washington manager. ."They
are all fast on their feet, that is admit ed
| they are above the average IN intelligence;
| they will baf-mark my words-every one
| of them, and, best of all, know they will
| obey my instructions. My months work
at Hampton will simply be the coupling up
| of the men so they will play together, but
| this is such difficult task that 1 will
| be lucky If 1 round off the corners by the
| time the team returns. The club Will play
upon the systems adopted by the leading
| clubs of the league, of which there are but