The Washington herald., 1911-05-09
Nv WILLIAM PEET.

cago, to invade the Western clubs OF the
American League.
The first portal to be stormed Is Chi
cago, where the Old Roman Charles
Comiskey stands guard. and the open
ing game will be played tomorrow aft
ernoon.
Just before leaving Union Station last
night Manager McAleer stated that he
would pitch Bob Groom against the
White Sox in the first clash.
Manager Jim was optimistic. He
seldom predicts, but ventured to remark
that unless the Western clubs were
much stronger than their performances
thus far showed, the Nationals would
get away with half their games, as the
club did on the first Western trip last
year.
Catcher Eddie Ainsmith was the only
member OF the party who was unhappy
at train time. In drawing slips for
berths, the young catcher pulled No. 13.
It's my hoodoo," he cried. Something
is going 10 happen before We reach Chi
cago, I'll wager my last cent on that
I'll bet there are twenty-three in the
parry, too"
Ainsmith counted noses and to his hor-
ror discovered that his guess was cor
rect. Eighteen players, Manager and
Mrs. McAleer, Trainer Joe Quirk, Mrs.
Dolly Gray. and Business Manager Fow-
Ter make exactly twenty-three.
Ainsmith moaned. This is going to be
an unlucky trip, I can feel 1t in my
bones" He refused to be comforted by
his less superstitious team mates.
a glance at the foregoing box will
show that the Nationals leave for the
aarl,- fxxyico rd
as last year. By that is meant a record
for games lost and won.
In 1910 twenty-five games were played
before the Western swing. Only six were
won, and one tied. This year eighteen
have thus far been played, and eight
have been won.
With an even break or better the Ma
tionals will find themselves at the top
of the second division when the long
series Of home games starts May p, and
By that time the pitchers will be going
good and chances Of finishing in a re-
spectacle place enhanced whole lot.
The present Western invasion will come
pretty near indicating just where the
Nationals are to wind up the season.
The veteran twirler, Tom Hughes, will
be left in Washington until the Nationals
there
Long Tom is bothered with a lame
arm and is receiving treatment by an
osteopath, who has recommended most
of all complete rest. Hughes figures
that with warm weather and light exer-
else he will be ready to take his turn
in the box in two weeks
The Cleveland Maps always have been
easy picking for Hughes and it will be
interesting to note what success he has
against them this year.
Owing to the rain yesterday, the final
game against the Athletics was called
off. and will be>played probably the next
time Connie Mack's White Elephants
strike the Capital
AS a matter Of fact, Manager Jim was
not particularly anxious to stack up
against the champions right now, because
they are going at a terrific clip, ana
later on things may be different.
Yesterday morning First Baseman Som
erlot dropped around to pay good-slzed
bill to one of Washingtons leading ocu-
lists. The ball player, it seems, has never
fully recovered from the attack of in
fammation in his left eye which kept
him from reporting on time in Atlanta.
The writer ventured to remark that pos
sibly this eye trouble was the cause of
Somerlot's poor hitting, but the big fellow
replied, mo, indeed; refuse to offer any
such excuse as that. can see just as
good as ever. My eyes are a trifle weak.
and my oculist at home advised me
to continue treatment until everything
was pronounced o. K.''
Manager McAleer stated that he had
not quite decided whether or not to play
Jack Lelivelt on first base in the Chicago
series, but thought that before the club
returned East Lelivelt would be switched
to the initial sack, and Doc Gessler
played in right field. Everything would
depend, he said, on Gessler's hitting.
A number of local fans have raised the
question: Why has Manager McAleer sent
in Ainsmith behind the bat when John
son pitches? What's the matter with
Gabby Street?
There is no mystery about this. An
smith is perfectly able to do a good
mechanical Job behind the bat when WAL
ter is in the box Walter has SO much
stun that all he needs is b man behind
a windpad and mask to hold him up.
Ainsmith fills the bill.
The other pitchers, who have not john
sons speed, are greatly helped by a vet
eran like Street, who knows the weak
ness of every batter in Ban Johnson's
circuit.
So 1t is quite likely that every time
johnson pitches this season Ainsmith will
do the receiving, and Street will be saved
for the other twirlers.
Waivers have been asked on two first
basemen in the American League. Ness,
OF the Detroit Tigers, and Ben Houser,
Of the Athletics. St. Louis refused to
waive on Ness. and he is still with the
Tigers. Houser is now with Indianapolis
Manager McAleer was asked yesterday
II he did not think he had made mis-
take when he turned down q chance to
get either Of these players. and replied.
mo: first Of all. II they were promis-
Ing men, the clubs owning them would
not be anxious to unload.
.T watched Houser carefully last year.
and he did not impress me-. He is too