The Indianapolis journal., 1903-04-19


Clarke Griffith has put some of his play
ers on two meals a day to get them down
to weight.
Gene DeMontrevile has been acting cap
tain of the Washingtons during the prelim-
mary season
Ban Johnson hasn't forgotten how to ex-
press himself He can still do the trick
with any of them.
Every box in the American grand stand
in New York has been sold Cor given away
for the opening day.
AeeorSing to, to the Rochester Star Umpire
sl2OOO for three years work.
Sam Lever does not like the new playing
rule that compels the pitcher TO keep both
feet in front of the pitchers slab.
Speculation is rife in Cleveland whether
Mayor Tom Johnson will permit Sunday
ball, now that he has been reelected.
The foul-strike rule doesn't work well
with big John Anderson. The Brown in
fielder finds 1t handicap to his batting.
Gear has appointed Nance captain of the
Blues, but il is not decided yet whether the
Kid will play second base or in the field
Charley Reilley. of Los Angeles. says that
Milwaukee's only claim on him is promise
to play. with Milwaukee IF he left Cali
fornia."
Manager Dale Gear. of the Blues. has
come TO terms with Mike Grady, and the
pugnacious first baseman will play with the
Blues again this season.
Otto Kruger. of the Pirates, is demon
strating that he can play either second
third or shortstop. That's the kind of a
utility infielder to have.
Instead of taking off flesh by hard train
ing. Harry Bay is taking on new avoirdu-
pois every day he puts on a uniform and
hustles around the diamond.
Secretary Fred Knowles says more sea-
son books have already been sold for the
New York National games than were dis
posed of during all last year.
Some of the Pittsburg players think the
new pitching rule will hurt the left-hand-
ers, who have been accustomed to taking
two steps before delivering the ball.
Manager Jimmy Callahan. of Comiskey's
White Sox. says that 1t is hard to pick the
winner of the American League champion
ship, but adds that New York looks best to
him.
Pitcher Veil will probably be farmed out
Dy PlttsDurg TO some minor league team
for year or two, at the end of which time
IL is believed he will make good in fast
company.
President Hickey, of the American Asso-
citation. pays a high compliment to Man
ager Watkins, of the Hoosiers. He says
that "Watty' Is SO per cent. the strength of
any team he manages.
According to Bernhard the suicide of Win
Mercer was solely due to despondency over
health Mercer had been assured by a
physician that il he returned East he would
become consumptive within six months.
Babb and Gilbert so well thought of
by the other members of the New York
team that nothing but praise is heard con-
corning them. Babb is good batter and a
somewhat awkward fielder. and Gilbert a.
great fielder and light hitter Babb was
with Indianapolis last season until he
joined the Hurdlers.
Minneapolis may yet get Russ Hail. who
has positively refused to play with the
Kansas City Western League club Hall
has announced his intention TO seek a berth
on the coast, and under those circum-
stances his contract is of little value to
Kansas City. The Western League may be
willing to make deal with Wiimot for one
of the extra men on the Miller managers s
pay roll.
Henry Killilea was cornered the other
day and asked the question: ''who owns
the Boston Americans?" The man from
Milwaukee Responded: There isn't any
particular secret about the matter / own
SS per cent. of the club. and the balance is
owned by some personal friends of mine. I
don't mind telling you that I was offered
not long ago by Boston parties over 500 600
for the Boston club.
In speaking of Tannehill Comiskey said /.
Young Tannehill at short gives promise of
becoming a star. He handles ground balls
perfectly. covers the territory well and has
great arm He always gets the ball in
position TO throw and he will cut of some
OF the fastest men at first. He is q big fell
low, too. and Is likely to develop into a
strong batter" Tannehill played short for
Louisville last season until laid up on ac-
count OF an injury.