The Washington herald., 1911-02-28
HORSEBACK RIDES
FOR OUR PLAYERS
Johnson and Walker Set the
Style at Hot Springs.
WEATHER TOO COLD TO WORK
McBride's Family Pass Afternoon In
True "4oo'' styIe-Cy Young Pays
Glowing Tribute to Old Catcher,
Lou Criger-other Gossip OF Camp
of Interest to Fans.
-isl to me washington Herald.

Special to The Washington Herald.
Hot Springs, Ark, Feb. N.-The weather
man evidently thought that one fine day
was enough for the ball players, for to-
day was just the inverse ratio Of Sun
day, and the cold caused a postponement
of the game at Majestic Park Bill
Dahlen and his colts were the only ones
who cared to risk a cold, and he had
afternoon
The Nationals added to the social fea-
lures of the eclat by taking long horse
back rides in the morning and passing
the rest Of the afternoon nursing the
sore spots and telling one another what
truly delightful time they had.
The idea for the ride originated with
Walter Johnson and Dixie Walker. The
latter claimed that when it came to real
riding he had the broncho busters looking
like rank outsiders; so the others in the
party got the fever. and all decided that
they would join Walker and johnson in
the trip around town This is the season
of the year when all who are numbered
in the blue book OF their respective
cities ride. II you don't go prancing up
and down the avenues or over the noun
tain driveways you are not in society.
so the social world received quite
pleasant surprise when the Nationals
mounted their respective chargers and
thundered along where the 400 congre-
gate.
Horse and RIDE Apart.
It is true that daylight was often seen
between the body of the riders and the
saddle, but for all of that they enjoyed
the ride, and declare that If it is cold
again tomorrow they are going to or
der the horses. collect fishing tackle and
poles, and ride out to Thornton's dam.
six miles from the city.
Tonight another bowling match is on
between some of the Brooklyn players
and Schaefer and Mcbride, of the Ma
tionals.
Universal regret was expressed by the
Nationals to-day when it became known
that the New York Americans had dis
carded Lou Criger, the veteran catcher.
end many were the words of tribute paid
the venerable receiver. All ofsthe boys
had a good word for Lou. many of them
for past seasons having worked with him
in hotly contested games
But there was one player, the dean OF
all the pitchers, Cy Young, who was
Criger's old pal for more than thirteen
years, and when he learned that his old
backstop had been let out by the High
landers he said: 'I am certainly sorry
to hear of this. One cannot say too many
good things about Lou. He was one of
the best catchers the great national game
ever had, and he was one of the best fell
lows, a loyal friend, and game, every inch
OF him. He was out there trying all the
time to win, asking no favors, and play
ing the game fair and square. Many a
time in a tight place I'd brace up when
1 heard old Louis cheering voice, and We
worked together for thirteen years.
Criger Not @AII In,
"a great many think that Criger is all
in but the wise ones will find that he
still has number of years of good service
in him and would make a great man for
a club who needs a first-class. expert
enced catcher. 1 don't think he is worry
ing much over the fact that the New
York Americans have let him out,
either"
Hans Lobert, of the Philadelphia Ma
tionals, and Otto Knabe, second baseman
of the same club, arrived to-day, and to-
morrow twenty-six of the Brooklyn team
play the first game at Wilmington Park
next Saturday. While the Nationals are
perfectly willing to go to- Majestic Park
for another game tomorrow, they will
not be disappointed If the weather is
such as to cause a postponement, for
they are anxious to go fishing, and re-
ports are coming in from Thornton's dam
to the effect that many great catches are
being made there.