Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-13
NNyIlI
BY j. ED GRILLO.

1t is doubtful If base ball history re-
cords an instance where a player with
little or no experience has been de-
veloped into a star virtually overnight.
as has John Henry. When Henry Joined
the club last fall he was a green lad
who had played some college ball. but
did not know the first rudiments of the
game. He was catcher 1t was thought.
and, considering that he was a mere
boy and had not been In the game, he
made a very favorable impression. To
say the least, he looked promising. but
no one ever dreamed that in few
months he could be made a first base
man who within a very short while will
be pushing Hal Chase for premier hon
ors In the position in the American
League.
Predictions made in these columns as
to Henry'S wonderful development were
fully realized in yesterdays contest. He
played as brilliant game on the bag
as has been seen here in many a day,
and surely better than any man the
Nationals have ever had. Not only did
he gather in all sorts Of ugly throws.
but he looked impressive in his every
movement. while his batting was one OF
the features of the day.
Good judges believe that John Henry
is only coming, and IL this be true there
is no young player in harness today who
has a more brilliant future before him
than the Amherst boy.
Aside from the perfect game he played
at first. Henry got two clean singles,
walked once and stole base. His play
ing was commented upon on all sides. 1t
was hard to realize that it was really
the Henry who when he appeared here
for the first time last season hardly knew
the way 20 first base. Now he has con-
fidence. plenty of spirit, and is just
chuck-full of ability.
What great ball team the Nationals
would be with just one more man OF the
Milan type! Again the wonderful lit
tie man from Linden, Tenn, distinguished
to play the best game of his career this
season was once more evident. He stood
out in class by himself. though playing
against one Of the cracks of the league.
Iris Speaker. Not only was his fielding
sensational. but he made three hits, stole
two bases. second twice. and cut off
run at the plate with a remarkably &C
curate and strong throw from deep CEN
ter. What attracted attention most was
the fact that Milan. always fast man.
appears to be at least step faster to
first base this spring than he has ever
been before. If nothing happens Milan
to interfere with his progress it is going
to be a tight fit this fall between him
and the recognized leading outfelders OF
the American League. Cobb and Speaker,
and there was not such a great deal to
choose between them last fall
Overanxiety on the bases did MAJ
Milan's work little yesterday, but it is
the player that takes chances who wins
most games for his team.
Not unless there is considera BILE
change in the Boston team as it is now
made up will the representatives OF the
Hub cut much OF figure in the present
race. The team is not near as strong as
il used to be- and unless Manager Dono-
van is i'm position where he can male
some changes he is apt to get very
poor start in the race.
That Jake Stahl will be greatly missed
was apparent yesterday. Williams. who
essayed to fill the position. is not accus-
toned TO the place, and it is doubtful if
he ever will be. Engel. at third. does not
cover enough ground, and it is absurd
10 consider him as being able to fill Harry
Lords shoes. and unless Carrigan gets
into the game very soon the other seven
clubs viii hang up new base stealing rec
ords at the expense of the Boston back
stops before the season is half over
Neither kleinow nor Madden was able
10 stop the locals from running the bags
yesterday. as the four pliers will attest
Carrigan has always been given credit
for doing much to make the Red Sox a
winning combination by those who watch
base ball closely. and his absence from
the game proved his value much more
than did his presence on the team, for
he works without much oStent d ton.
All of Dolly Grays trouble was caused
by his slowness on the rubber and the
fact that on several occasions he seemed
bewildered, and did not know what to do
with the ball when it was hit to him.
He was not hit hard and would have
gotten away nicely had he been more
alert That is Grays principal short
l. -s.l 4 IN
Grafton in fielding his position. and this
has gotten him into trouble on innumer-
able occasions.
Joe Wood started out as il he intended
to prevent the Nationals from nearing the
plate, but just four innings were enough
for him There was an apparent let-up
in his speed thereafter and he was hit
decidedly hard. Wood, though he has
been pitching brilliantly during the ex-
hibition trip his team made. does not ap-
pear to be ready to go the entire route
yet. unless the cool weather bothered
| him, for there was all the difference In
the world i'm his work after the first four
\ innings. karger. who succeeded him, be-
| ing slow-ball pitcher. was just to the
| liking of the Nationals. who. having
| faced tie speed of Woodland he is said
to have nearly as much as Walter John
| son-found them coming to the plate as
big balloons and had no trouble hit
| ting him hard
| II was particularly gratifying to SEE
Schaefer break into that sixth inning with
q timely base hit, for the Dutchman has
many admirers here who want to see hin
| get along well. II was after Wood hac
begun TO show weakness, when Milan haf
singled, that he was taken out and Karge,
| substituted, 1t was Lelivelt's turn a
| bat but left-handers are not exactly Il
Jacks liking, so Schaefer was sent up In
l his place. The very first ball pitched
| s -haefer cracked into right field for
base and Street came home, while Miller
l vrh had Ia tied for GRAY went IN third