Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-13
SPORTING Comment.
BY J. ED GRILLO.

mere are at least Two players In the
American League who are grooming
themselves for managerial berths
There is no doubt that Hal Chase is
having more to do with the success of
the Highlanders than any one else.
Under the direction of the worlds
greatest first sacker," the New York
team has had decidedly smooth going
Chase is given credit for having ma
neuvered his team successfully against
the Tigers, and it is no secret in New
York that next season Hal will be the
teams manager.
Even though the team should be a
success under Chase's guidance as field
captain, it does not follow that he
would be a successful manager. AT
matters are now conducted on the New
York team. Stallings assumes the re-
spOnsibility and Chase directs. 1t re-
mains to be seen if when the respos-
sibility is placed on his shoulders he
can do as well.
Lajoie, the greatest second baseman
failed when he had the burden to carry
Not only was he failure as a man
ager. but his playing suffered under
the strain.
The other player who it is believed
should have a chance to manage il
Harry Lord Of the BostOns. Lord un-
doubtedly possesses the intelligence to
run a team, Out tHeTc Has only DeeN
one reason why he has not been given
the position, and that was the fear
that his playing might fall off, and he
is too valuable a man for the team to
have his work weakened.
1t is often pointed out that this or
that player who has made good could
have been secured by some club had it
followed the advice Of friend. who tip
ped off the players ability.
ic hot lxy ,nf ho n1, in
the land which has not missed getting
a valuable man because it failed to heed
a tip on some yOungster in remote
part of the country, and it is but natural
that such should be the case.
a ball club receives hundreds OF letters
every season recommending ball players.
1t is impossible to look up every player
that is recommended, and, what is more.
it is discouraging to have players herald
ed as wonders who have virtually retired
from the major leagues.
Everybody that looks at base ball con-
siders himself competent TO judge play
err and, being interested in some club 8
welfare. the player is touted. Occasion
ally some good tips are given out in this
way, but most of them are not worth
looking up.
It is a fact that Joe Cantilior had a
friend write him about Walter johnson
for one whole year before he took the
trouble to send for him. But Johnson's
sponsor was so persistent that Blanken-
ship was finally sent out to Weiser,
Idaho. to bring the young pitcher here.
He was find, Of course. and after he
had shown his worth many manager
discovered that Johnson had been tip
ped off to him and kicked himself for
not having taken the tip.
Because Jeffries has disposition which
does not always make him the most
amiable individual imaginable he has
aroused much feeling against himself
with those who have occasion to come
in contact with the big fighter.
Folks seem to think that Jeffries the
fighter ought to be q polished gentle
man. who has control enough over his
are few fighters who are anything but
fighters In every sense of the word.
Their environments differ from that OF
other people, SO why shouldn't their dis
position? Jim Corbett is the exception,
because Corbett was always an actor.
to do SO, something that Jeffries cannot
and has never done. Jeffries shows how
he feels and what he thinks. He Is just
q great big boy, after all. and will never
be any different.
The important part that strong pitch
ing staff plays In ball team is best
shown in the case OF the Phillies. Bender
and Plank did much to win the pennant
for Mack in 1905. and they have been
invaluable to his team ever since then.
lie has kept them as the nucleus of his
pitching staff, and by building around
them has very likely gathered another
pennant winner.
but Rube was always unreliable. while
Plank and Bender have always been
steady, Woodworking players who have
the interest of their team at heart.