Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-27
SPORTING OINTMENT.
BY J. ED. GRILLO.

Many OF the antics of Hughey Jennings
on the coaching lines have been con-
strued es being system OF signals Tor
his ball players, but such is not the case.
Jennings, like McAleer, does lot believe in
a complicated system by which to guide
his team. He, too, believes that bail
players should be allowed to think for
themselves. and it Is really only on rare
occasions that Jennings gives any signs.
In this way he has made his team one
which plays intelligent base ball. The
Tiger system does not differ from that
in vogue on the old Baltimore team, as
a member of which Jennings got his edu-
cation and made his reputation.
The only object Jennings has in tie
many things ne does on the coaching
lines is to keep his players keyed up to
the highest pitch, and there is no doubt
that he accomplishes this. In fact. there
is something about Jennings coaching
which thrills even the hostile crowds.
He seems to instill confidence into his
batters, makes his fielders hustle with
his yells from the bench, and has not a
man on his team who is not at all times
inspired with his confidence and dash.
The every movement of Jennings is that
of a hustler, and his players have adopt
coming or going to their positions. It's
hustle with Jennings at all times, and to
this does he owe much Of his success and
the game much Of its popularity. Take
gives the spectators a run for their
money, and this to a certain extent eX-
plains the fact that the Tigers are
great drawing card.
Umpiring under existing conditions in
base ball has been made an ideal posi-
ton. There was time, and it was not
SO many years ago, when it was not an
easy matter to find man willing TO
assume the duties at, any price. Today
there are hundreds of applicants for
every position, because the work is easy
now, where it was once a dangerous un-
dertaking.
One thing that the strict discipline now
in vogue on the ball field has proved is
that the game has not suffered by the in
auguration of rules which give the umpire
complete control Of the players. Wiaen
steps were taken in this direction, years
ago, the cry went up that base ball was
being killed. that the public wanted to
see the players fight on the field, and to
prevent these scenes would be to rob the
game OF it's most delightful feature. Sub
sequent results have shown the fallacy
of this theory, for base ball today is
more popular sport than ever before and
is catering to a much better class of pa
irons. In many cities the game is fur
nishing the principal summer entertain
mant for the gentler sex, which in itself
is wonderful achievement. Washington,
for instance, has a splendid attendance OF
the fair sex, which has learned the game
and Is its most loyal supporter. The
elimination of rowdyism has brought
about this most encouraging condition.
While the sparring partners Of Jim JEFF
fries have brought a lot OF criticism down
nm m theory hoin0
that he has surrounded himself with too
many veterans and not enough young
blood. yet 1t is hard to see where Johnson
has much Of an advantage in this respect.
To date Johnson has no one in his train
ing camp who is an expert at the game.
In fact, he is surrounded with novices
who can impart no Information to their
charge nor give him hard tussie in the
workouts. because he outclasses them
with much to spare.
1t would perhaps be better for jeff if he
had lot OF husky youngsters boxing
with him. but it is also wise to have lot
these are sure to benefit the big fellow.
The coming fight is. to an extent. at least,
to be one Of strategy. Good judgment is
going to have as much effect on the re-
suit as mere ability to land a waliop.
Each of the principals must plan his own
battle.
Jeffrjes will know best how he must
fight johnson, for he will know more
about his condition than any one else.
Johnson Will have to fight a careful
light. for Jeffries is not the man to take
q chance with, even though he should
not be at his best. 1t will be johnson
who viii have to display the most cum
ming, for II Is up to him to stay away
from Jeffries as long as possible.
Whether he is capable Of doing that re-
mains to be seen. but on his ability to do
so undoubtedly depends the outcome OF
the fight.
One OF the changes that should be made
in the rules governing the American
League umpire is to force the oncial be-
bind the bat to carry a small whisk
broom for cleaning the home plate. The
unsightly broom which one sees around
the plate should be done away with. and
its place taken by small one which could
be carried in the umpires hip pocket.
This is how 1t Is done In the National
League, and 1t IL one rule that the Ameri- |
can League could we'll afford to adopt.
Umpirirg today is no better than it
vas .-ears ago Ti3efe ara st - rs