Evening star., 1901-12-23
Popular Catcher Ones More Under
Contract to Postal.
HIS SIGNING RECEIVED WITH FAVOR
Manager Lotus May Yet Secure.
the nGreat Little" keeler.
SPORTS IN GEN ER AL

II President Postal and Manager LOTUS
of the Washington Base Ball Club had done
nothing else during their present trip to
this city they. would have been repaid for
their journey by the signing Of Clarke for
next season. Saturday afternoon they made
a hurried visit to Baltimore, and after a
short conference with Clarke the latter
accompanied them back to this city. Mr..
Postal carried on the deal and that even
ing Clarke was Senator once again.
Speaking of the signing Of Clarke Manager
LOTUS said yesterday:
'I have always considered Clarke one Of
the best catchers in the business and his
work last season, notwithstanding his per-
centage in batting was not high, substan-
tiated this opinion. Had he been batting
at the foot Of the list where a catcher be-
longs, am sure he would have been cred
tied with batting percentage of 800 or
better, as he wouldn't have gone to the
bat as often. at the start off Clarke batted
so we'll that he was shifted up near the top
in batting. and his work naturally suffered
on account of the other weak hitters on the
team.s Asa fielder and coacher he has no,
superior, and can rest easy as far as my
catchers are concerned.
Meeting Of the Stockholders.
Messrs. Postal and Lotus will leave for
their homes this evening. At 80 this
afternoon they met the stockholders Of the
Washington club at the office of Attorney
Lambert and a general review Of last sea-
son was gone over. In addition Messrs
Postal and LOTUS outlined their plans for
next season, and when the meeting broke
up every was satisfied with the good
outlook. Mr.. Lotus told the stockholders
that he had first call on several first-class
outfielders, now under contract to other
American League clubs, but that he still
had hopes Of securing willie" Keeler. the
wel1-known player of the Brooklyn aggre-
CATION. Mr.. Lotus said that his salary list
may be veTy high next season, but he was
sure the financial returns the invest
ment would be all right If the club played
winning ball.
The signing of Clarke was received with
favor on all sides and nothing but praise
was showered on the club manager for Sc
curing the popular catcher. Clarke was
the biggest sort of favorite last year and
the chances are that he will do much bet
ter the coming season, as the team will be
fully fifty per cent stronger in every de-
partment.
President Young Reticent.
President Young and his son Robert re-
turned home from the National League
meeting in New York last week and busi-
ness Is going on at the old stand as usual
Mr.. Young and his son had nothing to say
for publication as to the present status of
the old leagues troubles, but as they still
retain the books of the organization they
are transacting what little business there
Is along old lines.
Outfelder Sammy DUNCAN was looking
for Manager LOTUS this morning, as he is
anxious to ascertain where he stands as
regards next season. DUNCAN likes WASH
ington and would like to stay, but should
Mr.. Lotus decide that his services are not
needed Sam has several offers under con-
sideration. Billy Clingman would like to
have Sam join his team in Milwaukee and
ex-Manager Manning wouldn't mind doing
business with the heavy hitting outielder
for his Kansas City team. DUNCAN is one
of the most reliable players In the business,
always in condition, and as he did the
major portion of the batting for the Wash
fngton team last year, Manager Lotus
may see his way clear TO keeping Sam with