The Washington times., 1911-04-11
McAleer Says 1t Is Probable
Dolly" Gray Will Open
ing Clash.
SLAB STAR NEEDS
TWO DAYS REST
Long Trip From Kansas Would
Leave Him Chance to
Fall Down"
BY SENATOR"


It is not likely Walter Johnson will
twirl the opening game against the
Boston Red Sox tomorrow afternoon, at
National Park. Manager McAleer has
changed his mind and stated late this
afternoon that for Johnson's own good.
he would hardly be permitted to do SO.
and that Dolly" Gray will start, as
originally planned.
The long ride will certainly have a
firing effect upon the pitcher, and the
chances are that he will not be in the
best condition to step into the box and
pitch a game that would do him credit.
and considering the position in which
he is placed at present, McAleer be-
lieves it would be unfair to allow Walter
to take tine big risk Of falling down.
Moreover, it is likely the big kansan
has not had a ball in his hands since he
left Atlanta, and his arm is bound to
have suffered by the long layof. Re-
ports from Coffeyville are to the effect
that johnson spent most of his time
there in improving his farm, and such
work can hardly be called conducive to
keeping the big fellow in shape.
Needs Day or Two.
MCAle6T Is Oh the lldl ~ Will
be a day or two before Johnson will
be in the proper condition to pitch. If
he should start. the game tomorrow he
would be working under a nervous
strain, and this disadvantage would be
overcome after 4 few days rest, when
the excitement of the opening game and
OF his return has subsided.
johnson is scheduled to arrive here
at noon tomorrow, and if his train is
on time he would hardly have more
than three hours to rest before step
ping into the box. Having considered
all these points, McAleer has prac-
ticaliy decided to go through with
Dolly Gray who is in the best of shape.
According to Manager McAleer, his
big twirler will sign a contract calling
for s6,5OO the club refusing to bulge one
inch in the matter.
lust for One Year.
johnson says he will sign a contract
for one year, thus indicating that when
next season rolls around there will be
another battle between him and Presi-
dent Moves. The outcome then is prob
lematical, but McAleer says that never
will johnson be allowed to "hold up"
the club for more than a reasonable
salary.
I'm glad to learn that Walter is
coming back" says McAleer today.
Il thought all along that he would
think better of his homeward trip, and
would let me know that he was recon
ciled before the season was under way.
I Informed him that, II out of the fold
at the start of the season. he stood
fine chance of being fined heavily by the
National Commission, and I guess that
brought the change of heart. Johnny
King had to pay $3.50 for refusing to
sign up with the Cubs, and Johnson
would almost surely have been obliged
to pay a large sum for his stubborn
ness.
However, although johnson has been
stubborn and has caused me consider
able trouble on the eve Of the campaign,
1 aIn friendly to him. He is but big
tpy who has been led astray by some
wise guy who thought he knew a whole
lot about the game. I'd like very
much to find out who his adviser is. II
he is on my team now his stay will
end abruptly. take It from me.
Surprised By Fans.
THE most surprising thing Of all to
me is the attitude of the Washington
fans. Down at Atlanta l had an idea
that the hammers would be out for me
good and plenty. / could imagine the
fans crying, oh, you' McAleer. where's
WaiteE Johnson 2Tn,on itafIon Ineh wnSh snd we we
ceived a warm welcome that was per-
fectIy friendly, 1 didn't know what to
make of it. 1t took me OF my feet,
really: ,,
with johnson to the last man in this
controversy However, l find that the
fans here are willing to give the club a
square deal, and ii makes me feel good.
too. It's pleasure to be a manager in
a city where the fans are SO much on
the level. know enough about the
other kind
with johnson in line again the fans
of the Capital are once more happy,
and will flock into the park tomorrow.
At Atlanta Johnson was in the
best shape of all the pitchers, and
the short layoff of less than week,
even though he has made two long train
lose his form. Only one day at Atlanta
did Johnson show any signs of wildness,
and, then, too, but for one inning.
No Increase In Salary.
The return of Walter Johnson to the
NaIlOndlS uOSS nut lhdl WIZ
receive any increase in salary. Man
ager McAleer says he will sign this
season for $500, but Johnson de-
clares 1t will be a one-year contract.
He evidently means to make another
fight next season. following the ex-
ample of Ty Cobb. The great Tiger
outfelder held out for a stiff raise
and then signed up for one season,
promising to quit the game then un-
less he was given his demands. The
Detroit club capitulated at the close
OF that season after looking at the
record set by the Georgia peach.
Walter J)hnson has been guided
much by the example Of Ty Cobb, and
may sign UP this year with the under
standing that he will not play next
year unless given a much higher sal
airy for a term of years. Johnson in
timated at Atlanta that he was going
to pitch the best games of his career
this season, and this indicates his pc
culiar position. He is returning now
to play ball for one year. Next year
President Noyes and Jimmy McAleer
may find themselves in the same boat
as regards the Coffeyville wonder,