The Washington herald., 1911-02-18
By WILLIAM PEET.

According to the New York papers, the
Yankees have picked up a wonder, in
Third Baseman Otis Johnson, who last
season held down the hot corner for
Jersey City of the Eastern League. q.
1t would seem as if all the other
American League clubs had overlooked
d real live one," and this johnson
would come pretty near burning up the
Ban Johnson circuit.
Rather too bad that Scout Mike Kahoe
or some other friend of the Washington
club did not try and land the youngster
for the Nationals, but Johnson was en-
trely overlooked apparently by Kahoe
Now here is the other side. The writer
had a chat with Scout Kahoe yesterday
and Johnson's name was mentioned.
How did you ever happen to miss
this phenom?" the veteran was asked.
Il didn't overlook him. replied Ka-
hoe. Il saw him play half a dozen
games"
This would imply that Johnson did not
impress the local scout with signs of fu-
ture greatness, for Kahoe refused to say
another word.
Here is some more testimony from play
ers in the Eastern League, and Washing
son will not last through the training sea-
son in the spring. In fact one Eastern
Lacquer here, who happens 20 be a
pitcher, declares that the New York Yam
KEGS have drawn the prize lemon of the
year.
TO read the New York papers one would
think the Yankees had pulled in a world
beater, while baseball men of good judg-
ment are unanimous in their declaration
ha ha I = ss-l,;,
The Gotham scribes, like the rest of US,
have TO come across with midwinter dope
and they have all worked overtime in
boosting Johnson. In reality, they have
done the yOunSster a lot of harm, and
greatly injured rather than aided his
chances OF making good.
A new form of superstition will break
into the major leagues this year if Tex"
Jones, COmiskeys st. Joseph recruit,
wins out in the scramble for first base
on the White Sox. Every one has been
made familiar with Frank Chances Ik-
ing for the number thirteen, a liking
which was shared by Fielder Jones, and
with Frank SChulte's fad of collecting
halrpins, each one of which imperson-
ated IN his mind a future base hit. Tex
Jones is imbued with an idea which is
q tritie more expensive. He believes that
every dime he gives to a blind man or
cripple means a base hit for him on
the following day. He never passes one
OF these mendicants on the street with
out contributing a coin, and claims that
he usually reaps his reward in the box
score of the next game in which he
plays.
Here is what Eddie Collins has to say
about Jimmy Austin, whom the Yankees
traded to St Louis: IF were as fast
as Jimmy Austin, I don't believe I'd
ever stop running until 1 crossed the
plate There is no question about him
being faster than Cobb and /, but Jim
my has never developed the art of get
ting. big lead. That is where Cobb
and 1 have the better Of him. He also
slides head-first most Of the time, which
Is not nearly so successful in stealing
bases as the feet-frst plunge. II Austin |
ever learns these two tricks, he ought
20 steal 100 bases in season, for he has |
the speed"
Somebody crept up close to the ear of |
Earl Moore, the fine and dandy pitcher
Of the Phillies. the other day and re- |
marked: Since you've got away from |
the American League, you have never |
wanted for good patronage and for a |
good word Of encouragement from the |
good old supporters of the game"
1t isn't the league with which one is |
identified that upsets one,'' said the big, |
handsome pitcher OF the Quaker team. |
ITS the way you are treated by your /
respective city in that league
still love the American League and 4
rejoice in all its successes, but a player /
looks to the city for which he is work /
ing instead Of his league. The player |
who succeeds is the player who is happy |
with his home surrounding
Johnny Evers has a new scheme to In
crease batting, which is the bugaboo now |
Of the baseball doctors. Johnny says |
that he would prevent a pitcher from |
purposeiy passing the wagners, Lajoies. !