The Washington herald., 1909-04-28

After holding of until shortly before
the second game with the Athletics was
scheduled 70 begin yesterday, and with
a good sized crowd present expecting to
witness the reversal Of form the Nation
ais are bound 10 show soon, the rain de-
see1ded in torrents and necessitated the
postponement OF the contest Although
disappointing to the fans at the park and
the large crowd on their way TO the
Seventh avenue grovn6s, the postpone
ment cannot be taken as unfortunate. so
far as the Nationals standing in the
race Is concerned. Connie Msck's erew
are travelling at good speed. and as far
as condition is concerned are IS much
better shape than the local squad. but
the chances are that in the next visit OF
the Philadelphia crew they win be up
against a team that has reached its
striae and playing the class Of ball they
are capable OF producing
Thursdays game has been called of
with the consent OF President Johnson.
OF the American League, but the fans
viii have a chance TO see the team IN
action to-day. If the weather. permits, for
expected. the Thursday game was post
pOned IN respect 10 Powers. and both
teams will leave for Philadelphia imme-
6iately after tO-day's game. and viii
probably attend the funeral in a body.
CsnUIlOn viii send Groom % the slab
to-day. and II so ne viii be opposed by
Rube Fickers- Groom realizes that his
frs- appearance here was all 10 the bad.
but is confident that he win prove him
self worthy Of the apparent regard for
his ability that Manager CantillOn pos
Sesses, Despite his disastrous start Groom
has wonderful speed and good curves. and
with little encouragement VIII no doubt
prove TO be the goods. That first inning"
he said, has always been q hoOdOo Of
mine and I always feel a lot better when
its over and seem 10 have more as the
game progresses. expect 70 make good
and VII show the fans that the first
inning against New York was all mis-
lake"
Manager Mack was pleased when he
learned that the Washington manage
ment had postponed the Thursday game
and that Ban johnson had consented
thereto Powers was an able lieutenant
Of Maclss, as well as his close personal
him deeply
The showing OF the team 70 date, al
thought admittedly far inferior than even
The most ardent pessimist had imagined.
calls for very little knocking II has been
purely and simply a matter Of condition
IN the race 70 date and the Nationals
were unlucky enough 10 be in the POOR
IS shape Of any Of the eight teams when
The season started Detroit was similarity
placed last year and got away in poor
shape. Their pitchers were Ineffective and
the team didn't hit; Yet as soon as they
rounded too, they managed 10 win their
games. even with a crippled infeId. The
brace Is hound = come and while there
is nothing 10 do but 10 wait and hope
that Il Genes soon, il Is certain THAI
knocking viii not bring il
With the death OF Powers. the bulk OF
Ile catching Tor Philadelphia viii fan
upon Ira Thomas. the former Tiger.
Thomas hit well last year for Detroit. but
lis work behind the bat was off color,
and accounts for his sale Livingston
the HOosier recruit. has shown form in
the minors that gives promise OF a sue
cessful career upon his second major
league trial, but as the former Indian
aDolis star was among Charlie Cars
hcldouts, it viii be some time before he
VIII be in shape 10 don the mask
The team opens IN Boston against the
Red SOx on Friday If the weather proves
warm enough Tannehill VIII he worked
against his former team mates. II the
sGuthpaw has recovered the use Of his
arm. II is certain that he viii stick with
the club and should strengthen the pitch
ing staff greatly. After the Boston Sc
ries the team goes to Philadelphia. and
then leaves on the trip around the West
ern circuit This trip viii show Just about
what Washington viii produce this sea-
son. as the club should be in good shape
rr- r-or rF--o