Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-09
BY j. ED GRILLo.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

BY j. ED GRh1O.
Special Dispatch to The Star
ATLANTA, March 9.-Do not be sur
prised II when the American League sea-
son opens Herman Schaefer is found
playing left field for the Nationals. While
no definite decision has been made by
Manager McAleer In this matter. he said
that Schaefer has the best chance at
the present time for the position. There
are really only two other candidates being
considered for outfield berths. They are
Corbin and Miller. Swain, Ralston, Con-
way and Keefe are hardly up to the
necessary standard. and unless they show
marked Improvement in the way they
handle themselves their return to the
minor leagues is assured.
McAleer believes that Schaefer has the
making of a splendid outfielder. Not
only has the Dutchman improved with
the practice he had at Hot Springs, but
his knowledge Of the game and the fact
that he is a good inside player and ex-
pected to show marked improvement in
hitting make him the logical man for
the place. Schaefer. as usual, reported
in perfect playing fettle. He is faster by
several steps than any Of the recruits
trying for one Of the places assisting
Milan, and when 1t comes to knowing the
fine points Of the game there is no bet
ter posted man on the team. Then, too
Schaefer has spirit and energy. and un-
less there is material upset in present
calculations It will not be much of a
struggle for him to land the place.
There are no Speakers or Cobbs among
the recruits McAleer has brought south
for try-out. Several Of them may have
the making Of good ball players, but it
will be only after season or more ex-
perence. Miller and Corbin outclass the
others. They seem to be more settled in
hard fight between this pair to determine
which is the better man.
It does not require an expert to see at
glance that the players who have been
on the Washington pay roll for several
years outclass these trying to get on it,
Even the little practice that has been had
since the players came here proves this.
There is no question in the world that
in ''Husk' Henry McAleer has one Of the
coming first basemen Of the league.
Washington patrons Of the game will
marvel at the Improvement this youngster
shows around first base. He is q veritable
speed marvel in the position, and II his
hitting shows the Improvement in the
regular game that 1t does in practice, Hal
Chase had better look to his laurels. --e-
ing player who has not yet had year s
experience In base ball, it is doubtful II
to warrant his being played there right
from the outset, but there is not the
slightest doubt that in the course Of time,
and 1t won't be long. Henry will be star
tice creates the impression that he has
been playing the bag for years. He can
get all sorts of throws. is quick to cover
the bag. and his fielding of ground balls
Is nothing short of sensational. 1t is
very plain now that John Somerlot will
have to hustle to get the place. for either
Henry or Lelivelt is sure to give him a
hard fight for it.
Long Tom Hughes promises to be in
just as good form the coming season as
he was last year, but, Of course, he will
be in much better company. so he is
hardly to be expected to make as SPLEEN
did showing as he did for Minneapolis,
but there is no doubt tat he will strength
en- the pitching staff. Hughes worked out
for the first time yesterday and he dis
played the same speed which made him
winner in this company for years. He
Is lighter than he used to be, and, while
his arm is not yet as strong as it will
eventually be, he being a warm weather
man. it is good enough to make him ex-
ceedingly hard to hit just now. Hughes
does not expect to have the easy time
he had last season, but he is confident
that he can deliver the goods.
Il worked nine straight games last
season without using a curve ball." said
he, but, Of course, I don't expect to be
able to have 1t that easy the coming sea-
son. for I realize that there is a great
difference in the company. But I could
have used a curve had 1t been necessary.
Furthermore, ! was with q great hitting
team. 1t was seldom that We failed 70
get the base hits into the double figures,
and, of course, that makes 1t easy for
the pitchers but for all that ! think l
will be able to hold my own here, for
with the coming of warm weather my
arm Will thaw out and l will be able to
put them over there as well as ever"
There was no chance to work out dur
ing the morning yesterday because of
the soggy condition Of the grounds but
from 1 o'clock until the players were
hard worked during the afternoon. Every
took his turn working against the bat
tiers, while all hands had a chance to
keep warm fielding. It was the hardest
work the team has done since 1t came
here. The weather was not ideal for
practice, but 1t was warm enough in the
benefit was derived from the days work.
While the Nationals will play their first
game Saturday, when they tackle the
team from the Georgia Technical School,
this game will also inaugurate a new
From Monday on there will be a game
every day between the Regulars and
Schaefer Yanigans. These teams are very
evenly matched. and should not only
prove interesting. but prove the best kind
OF practice. Schaefer was placed in
charge of the second team for more rea
sons than one. In the first place. he will
be able to work up a strong rivalry
among the players, and 1t will also give