The Washington herald., 1911-03-08
By WILLIAM FEET.

Special Tie Washington Herald
Atlanta, Ga, March THE real sensa-
ton of the Nationals practice this morn
ing was the appearance Of Southpaw
Dolly" Gray, who arrived yesterday
afternoon. 1t seems that Gray has been
working hard all winter, and for the
first time in his life reported in fine
shape. He has taken on twelve pounds
and when weighed just before leaving
the hotel tipped the beam at lS2 pounds.
During batting practice Gray was
called upon to shoot a few over. He
had Gabby Street behind the bat, and
il was fun to see this pair fool the left
handed hittcrs Miller, Corbin, and
keefe. Gray would get two strikes and
three balls on these youngsters, and then
shoot a wide. Quick-breaking curve, and
most of them would chase it clean into
the bleachers missing the ball a mile.
Il never saw a twirler in such good
shape right now as Gray" commented
Manager McAleer. If he can keep that
extra weight he has gained and come
along slowly he will be a wonderful help
TO US this season when We need him
most. Heretofore Dolly has not been
in tip-top form until about July
The weather was cold and threatening
this morning. and the Nationals worked
out from lo:&O until nearly l o'clock,
when a sudden shower came and
practice was abandoned. Although Con-
way, Ralston, and Bunting complained
bitterly of lame arms at the breakfast
table. they managed to get up a good
sweat. and after one of Trainer Quirk'S
ruhdowns they declared they were ready
10 start again If necessary.
Doc Gessler is taking his spring
training seriously. and none Of the young
recruits worked harder to-day than the
big outficlder. 4 know that unless l can
hit better than I did last year this will
be my last season with the Nationals"
he said, and. believe me I am going to
he right there with the bells on. Last
year was the first poor season have ex-
HorienCed in some time, and You can bet
! viii be there with the WaIlop this year"
LeIiveIt Springs SURPRISE
Although dolly Gray had the three
kaft-hand hitters mentioned at his mercy,
ne found Jack Lelivcit a different prOpo-
sition. Heretofore LelivcIt has found
southpaw twirlinG an institution Of the
devil, but not so to-day. He no sooner
stepped up to the bat than kid" EIbcr-
field called out, Hit him on the head,
Dolly"
I'll get you for that" rctortcd Lcli-
welt. Then Gray shot last straight one
and LeIiye,t fOulad it over the grand
stand. CoupI" Of curves came next and
Jim McAleor. who was umpiring chirpcd,
''YOuVe got his weakness, dolly " Then
came another curve and L@liVelt hit the
sphere on the end Of his hat on d line
right back AZ Gray and McAleer. both
Of whom ducked just in time and the
gang yelled. Better feed him straight
ones after this; he eats those curves
The regular training stunts for the
present will consist first. of the men
getting ont and tossing the ball around
until their arms are limbcrcd up. Then
the outfieldCrs 20 to their places and a
couple OF funEo hittcrs get busy. After
this. the pitchers work with Catchers
John Henry, Gabby Street, Eddie Ain
smith. and Mike Eah0c Next comes
real hating practice. and the pitchers
take turns in the box until all have had
their little fling. and also after each
man has hit about fifty balls For the
w-ind-up Mana ger McAIecr selects an in
field and also an outfcld. and does the |
batting himself. He hits them hard and
never straight at player. The out |
he!ders are also given plenty of oppOr-
tunity. as two OF the pitchers usually |
knock out long flies.
Bob Groom was given his first work !
out this morning and took things easy. |
He has been studying medicine at St |
has had little opportunity TO exercise. |
He will not need TO take off any weight, |
as he appears just about as heavy as |
when he left the Capital last October.
Hot Springs Family ArrfveA-
When McAleers bunch returned to the |
Kimhall House from to-day's practice |
they were met by George McBride's Hot |
Springs family, including Clyde Milan, |
Walter Johnson. Tom Hughes, Germany |
Schaefcr, Bill Otey, and Wid Conroy.
The greetings were cordial. and a real
fan fest was in progress until the dinner
bell sounded.
Dixie Walker did not show up with the
others from Hot Springs. as the big fel-
low was given permission to stop off a
Birmingham. Ala. his home, for a dav.
He is expected here tomorrow or Thurs
day.
In speaking of the work at Hot Springs.
Capt. Mcbride said: We had aWfuIIy |
bad weather thCre, but all the bows en-
joyed the baths long walks. and seeing
the sights and ] believe We were greatly
benefited. We had few chances to get |
into real games. but everybody is in good
shape. and I think We will show some
thing on the other boys when we go out
to practice Tomorrow
Every one Of the Hot Springs crowd has
a good word for Tom Hughes and they
are sincere when they declare he is not
only coming back this season. but looks
better than he ever did before in his life.
The writer will have a chance to look
Hughes over tomorrow, and will give
the readers of The Washington Herald
his honest opinion.
Every member Of the Nationals squad
is on hand now with the exception of
Long John SOmerlott, who is out for first
base, and he is expected on almost any
train
Late this afternoon Manager McAIeer
arranged a game here for next Saturday
with the Georgia Tech nine, so that the
boys will get their first real try-out
against an organized team then. This
means probably that on Friday two
teams, composed of local players, will
pull of five-inning battle
indications point to nice, warm, sun
shiny day for Tomorrow. and another
hard workout is scheduled
Training Camp Notes.
Second Baseman Billy Cunningham has
not lost his batting eye. He slapped