Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-27
By J. ED GRILLo.

Fever before in the history of the
Washington team has 1t occupied so high
a position In the race as IL holds today,
this late In the championship race. There
have been occasions early in the season,
perhaps after two or three games have
been played. when the Nationals have
been up with the leaders. but this year
With but a little more than a month of
the season remaining the team Is in iiftl
place True the margin by which they
hold the coveted position Is not much
longer than an eyeissh, but there VIII
be an opportunity to strengthen that hold
today when the Nationals hook UP In a
double header with the Tigers.
OF course this Detroit team is far from
being an easy proposition, but with Walk
er and Johnson IN form Jennings men VIII
not have much OF advantage, ana
should Cleveland lose again today and The
locals get only an even freak IL would
help their lease on fifth place somewhat.
Tire real fight for nth place now on.
Having gained the position after weeks
Of hard playing. the locals VIII nght all
the harder TO retain II. The players are
a much interested in holding fifth place
as is any one. and they viii show as
much energy in their work as il there
was chance TO win the pennant.
The first game, which Walker is slated
to pitch. will be called at O'Clock. Wal
te- johnson will work in the second
game. IL weather conditions are favor
able, the largest crowd that has attended
q ball game here this season is apt 10
be on hand.
II is not likely that the national COM
mission will interfere with the players
selected for the two teams representing
the National and American leagues for
a short tour through the principal cities
after the worlds series has been played.
The promoters OF the scheme are well
known Cincinnati capitalists, and ii is
reasonable TO presume that they consult
ed Chairman Hermann of the commits
sion before going into the venture. IL
favorable weather is encountered there
Is no reason why such exhibitions should
not stir up the greatest interest. Tor Ii
will give the public chance to see the
greatest players in the country pitted
against each other. II Is quite a compli-
tnent 10 Walter Johnson and Clyde Milan
TO be selected for the American League
team. and indicates the high esteem in
which these two players are held by the
fans throughout the country.
when Lou Criger joined our Cleveland
team some years ago L thought him The
best looking young catcher | bad ever
seen, remarked Jim McAleer this mcrn-
ing. But since ! have seen A!nsmith l
guess Criger was the second best young
ster that ever broke in. Ainsmith, con-
and still has plenty to learn, is certainly
a wonderful young catcher, and il he
pays strict attention to his business and
does not allow his head to be turned,
believe that in course OF time he will be
the catching marvel of the league
Detroit. Of course. is out of it so far as
the pennant Is concerned, and yet TO see
IL not leading the procession by long
margin. The Tigers looks more like a
championship team than any of their
rivals in this league. Their playing Is
snappier and their players are most all
last on their feet. What is more, the
gers do not play lstless ball. even now
that their penaant hopes are shattered.
Rase ball men agree that though beaten
fer the nag the Tigers are still the most
imprexsive-focking team, and had Jen-
ing this season he would have won his
fourth pennant. 1t would not be at all
surprising TO see the Tigers setting the
pace again next season. but the pitchers
will have to show better form than they
have this year.
Manager Jennings is willing to part
with one OF his outfielders. and it is not
apt TO be either Cobb or Crawford. pro-
viding ne can get something he wants in
exchange. Either Davy Jones or Matty
Mcintyre might help the Nationals. but
McAleer has nothing to offer in exchange
that he can spare. so there is not apt
to he any deal
While Tom Jones has played good ball
for Detroit. still the team could use
better man at first base. and II would not
he nj all surprising IL q new face would
be found at that corner Of the diamond
when the Tigers take the field next
spring.
II IL should be McAleers good fortune
to have Somerlot, Cunningham and Raj
ston all make good, he will have team
next season that will have 10 be reckoned
with. To date ne has had nothing but
favorable reports about the three young