Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-01
BY J. ED GRILLO.

All rumors to the effect that Walter
johnson had signed with the proposed
new league for next season were set
aside this morning when the Nationals
star pitcher wired the sporting editor Oh
The star that newspaper stories concern
ing his having signed were not true.
Johnsons telegram follows:
New York. October l,
J. Ed Grllo. Washington Star, Washing
ton. D. C.
Newspaper story not true: ! nave not
signed. WALTER JOHNoo->'
Johnson thus sets at rest the many
stories that have been going the rounds,
and local patrons of the game VIII rest
easier.
To lose Johnson would mean severe
blow to the Nationals and, as report had
1t, if Mcbride. Milan and Street SEere to
20 with him. the Washington team would
be disrupted.
But Johnson SAYS he has not signed,
and any one at all familiar with this
young mans character can rest assured
that he has not, for his word has ever
been his bond.
Doc Ralston's failure to hold up his end
in batting which undoubtedly has caused
fer has taken his place in left field, will
come as a surprise to the numerous
scouts who saw Ra1ston play at Akron
and pronounced him a most promising
youngster. Bill Donovan of the Tigers
was one of those who thought well of
Ralston, though Dick Padden. the Ma
tionaIs' scout, who dropped in on the
Akron team near the close of the sea-
son. after Ralston had been purchased
by Washington, wrote McAleer that he
had his doubts about the youngster, and
recommended that Corbin. another out
fielder on the Akron team, be drafted.
Ralstons apparent feature at this
time does. however not mean that he
may not come back. He may start off
with whrl in the spring and prove
q valuable man for the team. The young
ster is just off his stride, which, together
with overanxiety, has caused his undoing.
There never was a more giaring failure
as a batter than Cravath during the few
weeks he was with the Nationals year
or so ago. Cravath struck out most every
time he faced a pitcher, and yet there are
several major league clubs anxious to
secure his services now, for he developed
into the best hitter in the American As
sOciation this year. Brooklyn was the
lucky club to draft him, and there are
Mcintyre for Cravath, and yet he was
the weakest of the weak with the stick
while here.
Like Cravath Ralston may come, and
there is no doubt that McAleer will give
him another trial in the spring.
Considering the fact that but very
small percentage of the young players
that come up from the minors every year
make good in fast company. the Washing
ton club seems to have been decidedly
fortunate in the selection of it's material.
1t grabbed star in Ainsmith, has a most
promising youngster in Henry and there
y not the slightest doubt about Cunning
ham making good. and Somerlot is given
credit for having a grand chance of TAX
ing Bob Unglaub's place.
II this quartet of youngsters holds
its own the Washington club will have
been particularly fortunate. and yet it
may not result in material improve
meth in the teams standing. for as yet
no improvement has been made in the
department where the team Is weakest,
the outfield. And who knows that some
of the aspirants for these positions who