The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1908-01-16
DAVE ALTIZER SIGNS
Ex-Outlaw Will Make Strong
Bid for Third Base.
OTIS CLYMER ALSO IN LINE
Speedy OutfieIder Writes His Ankle
Is Stronger and He VIII BE Primed
Commission VIII Probably Award
Baseball Field Day 10 Cleveland.

The signed contracts Of Dave Altizer
and Otis Clymer were received yesterday
at the local headquarters of the Washing
ton ball club
The fact that Altizer was among the
first 10 return the papers kills the story
that the ex-outlaw was dissatisfied with
ais berth here and would insist upon be-
ing traded. Last fall # was thought that
Alti1er would figure in a deal with the
New York Yankees, but the player made
such strong finish that Cantillon deem
ed it advisable TO retain him. Altizer will
fight it out with Bill Shipke for the posi-
ton at third base, Shipke IS admitted 10
be one of the grandest folders in base
ball, but was somewhat shy with the will
low last summer. Altizer is a better hit
ter. SO the fight contest for the regular
place will be a case Of fielding versus hit
ting, with neither man having a decided
call for the honor.
AltiZer has been spending the winter in
California, and has been playing ball oc-
caslonally, although he has not joined
any Of the coast league clubs.
IN his letter. iuclosing the contract, ely
mer said that he has been spending con
siderable time with rod and gun. and that
he has not taken any chances in injuring
the ankle which bothered him last year.
Clymer says that the ankle is as strong
as ever, and although he does not intend
- take any chances during the prelimi-
nary season, he thinks he will be primed
when the gong rings for the beginning of
the rhamDiOuShiD race
On account of the general interest taken
in the baseball field day held at Cncin-
matt last September. the national com
mission may decide to make the affair an
annual event Plans were discussed at
the recent meeting of the commission,
and it looks as though the event this
year would be held at Cleveland. Pitts
burg also wants the honor: but if given
at all, it probably viii be held in Cleve-
land this year and Pittsburg the follow
ing summer.
Those cities are so situated that they
can be reached by bah players more
easily without missing the time from their
teams championship schedule The time
for holding the field day stunts would be
set for a date when the teams are sup
posed 30 be travelling. Il the Western
teams are bound for the East or the
Eastern teams going West. a player
could drop off at either of those towns.
compete in the field day games. and join
ais team the next day without any incOn-
venience.
Not all Of the members of the commits
sion are interested in the proposition.
President Johnson, the American League
member. says he doesn't take much stock
IN the field day business. and really
doesn't care whether the stunts are given
3r not.
Field day events says Mr.. Johnson,
are not exactly in line with big league
3asebaH, and I don't care one way or
he other whether they are held or not.
they don't mean anything IN particular,
I'D it might be argued that on account
# the danger OF players sustaining in
uries the field day games would prove a
menace HOWever, if there is sufficient
interest the affair might as we'll be ar
ranged"
John T. Brush, who says his club VIII
ay the $l,ooO fine imposed on it, has
-ssued a statement in which he says.
I have never asserted the New York
Tub would carry this case to the civil
curtis. and am not responsible for the
tatement to this effect, which has been
adustriOusly disseminated and which has
lone US no good. I realize in baseball
S now conducted there must be some
overning body. and have no desire to
ick q quarrel with the National com
aittee about its decision. There is
rs soon as I go through it the commits
sion will hear from ne.
The fine Of S1000 is Offset By a counter
-iaim for our share of the receipts of the
rst game, amounting TO $500, which is
% be deducted from the compensation
Warded to the New Orleans club. The
mount of the fne is too small to make