Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-06
McALEER'S BOYS TAKE FIRST
PRACTICE STUNT TODAY
Griuo Likes the Looks of Outfielder Swain
Miller Regular for Left Field Try
Out Lelivelt Reports.

hue will come back He says that the
fans who saw Jiggs when he was with
the Nationals will not know him when
he comes around the circuit tits year.
Charley Conway, the Youngstown re-
cruit, is ringer for Ginger Beaumont
of the Cubs. only that he is a right
handed batter Conway has had but one
years experience in base ball. but his
showing last season was so good that he
stands chance to prove surprise.
The charge has frequently been made
that the climate of Washington is not to
the liking of all ball players. Doc Meyer.
judged on his experience last fall. is of
the opinion that one reason why he did
not make a better showing while with the
his stomach. He has been under treat
ment all winter, however, and is con-
fident that he will deliver this year. L
am in fairly good shape now, but week
or two down here will have me ready,
and l only hope that Manager McAleer
will give me all the work he can after l
get right, said the youngster.
Though of apparently slight build. Moy-
er is husky. being one OF the wiry kind.
Andy keefe. as it develops, is not see
ing his first trial in professional base
ball He played a short engagement with
youngstown last summer. but did not
make. good because he did not have a
Cleveland youngster is inclined to take
on flesh very easily. and he says that he
must work hard. for two weeks to get
down where he can deliver the goods.
Street and Elberfeld two of the players
here who we're members of the ''all star
team last fall. are of the opinion that II
Clyde Milan were p:ayed In left field he
would be the greatest player in the
league in that position. They say that
Milan's left field playing was the sensa-
ton of the series with the Athletics, and
they are of the opinion that if a good
candidates for outfield positions Manager
McAleer will make no mistake in switch
ing Milan around to left.
This. however, is not apt to be done
for the reason that McAleer figures he
will not find as good a fielder as Milan
among his recruits and that center field
gives Milan better chance to cover
ground and put up defensive game.
Milan played marvellous bail In left and
would no doubt develop into the greatest
left fielder in the country. but the way
We are situated think it would be
thing unforeseen happens and We have
among our batch OF youngsters star or
the Milan kind. l wish could see my
way clear to make the change, for I be-
neve that M,lans equal. II the games he
played in left against the Athletics: can
be taken as criterion, could not be
found. But so far as that is concerned
Clyde has few superiors in the outfield
him in. For the present I do not cortem-
plate such change. but am hopeful
that we may develop a good left fielder.
for believe that right field can be taken
care Of"
Bunting halls from New Jersey, and
there is no more studious individual in
base ball. He puts in most OF his time
reading. and it is literature of a kind
which tends to instruct. Little is known
of the youngsters ability further than
that he is said to be a natural hitter, but
it is evident that he is we'll thought of in
minor league circles. for Manager McAleer
already has all sorts Of offers from minor
league clubs for him in case he finds that
he cannot carry him this season.
Were it not for the fact that it might
create the impression that favoritism was
taken south in the spring. for he is one of
those few players who do not need any
training, always being in condition. The
Kid goes through his first days practice
as if it were midseason. He throws just
as hard, and runs without getting sore, as
do the average players. This is one Of
the few springs in Elberfelds career that
he is with the first squad to report. AS a
rule he IS always the last to get in. but
this spring he has a bad case of the
fever. and it is all because he believes the
Nationals have a chance to make good
| showing in the race.
What encouraged me most" said he,
| lis the fact that We did not play any
| stupid ball last season. True. we We're
beaten more often that we won, but we
| played a scientific game of ball and could
not quite reach because We lacked the
strength. l believe that McAleer has
secured players who will fill up the holes
we had last season, and if he just keeps
an eye on us We are sure to beat out
several clubs. It would not have required
:, great deal to make US first division
team last season. and, while I am not
claiming anything for us in the coming
race. I feel quite different about this
team this spring compared with last"
| There will be nearly thirty of the Ma
| tionals i'm training here this week. and
| becaus., CT the difficulty of giving all the
players an even break in the matter OF
practice it is McAieer's intention to make
up two teams before the end of the week
and have them play each other. In this
way Ne expects to get better line on
the young players than by merely watch
VIII give the players better chance to
| show their ability.
just what exhibition games have been
arranged for the Nationals here has not
vet been announced, but the local man
agement will fix a few dates shortly
which will bring the Nationals and the
Atlanta team together.
Jack Lelivelt was among the arrivals
last night. He is pounds over weight, but
| in better health than he was at any
time last season. He says he is sure Of a
place in the outficld.