The Washington times., 1911-06-14
Under Contract to Get Pre-
MUM If He Hits Over
Three Hundred.
so, FANS, WATCH THE
AKHOOND OF SWAT
He's Busy Thinking Up Schemes
g to Knock Hide Off Ball, and
Is Succeeding.
By SENATOR.

Doc Gessler is rapidly climbing up
the ladder OF swatters. and he will
continue to strive for the highest po-
!sition, for it means an extra bonus
at the end Of the season If he man.
ages to land in the 300 class. So just
. you fans keep an eye on the Akhoond
of Swat when he comes to bat. You'll
fsee a man fighting for a prize.
C{ Gessler was more or less Of fall
r. ;ure last season. With the Red Sox he
had always been 800 hitter, but as
soon as he landed here he failed to
hold his own with the willow, and
last season dropped down far below
all expectations.
The contract offered the veteran out
fielder this season did not suit him.
:: and il was only after a conference
3. with President Noyes that he agreed
to play ball. He had been in light
training since New Year when he
showed up at Atlanta and was about
ready to play. However, he did not
hit his stride at the bat till three
Eweeks ago. His contract this season
carries bonus If he hits higher than
800 and, therefore, the Akhoond Of
Swat is busy thinking up new schemes
Tor knocking the hide off the lively
ball lie is succeeding pretty we'll,
too.
Russell Not Sought Here.
With waivers asked on Charlie
e. Wagner, Clyde Engle, Eddie Cicotte
and Ray Collins of the Red sox and
Lefty" Russell of the Athletics, there
should be some busy business soon in
American League circles. However,
1t isn't likely that any of these play
,ers will become members of the Ma
tionals
Jimmy McAleer doesn't dote much on
the tWirllng abilities Of Connie Mack's
$l2oCO lemon. and, in addition, would
'ager of the worlds champions have his
own way in regard to the placing OF
The Nationals could use both Collins
and Cicotte, Of the Red Sox, but can
sure to rise over their disposal. When
John !. Taylor has one of his fits he
cans few players. Cicotte is an
in-and-outer, but Collins is high-grade
twirler. with a future. Taylor will Try
TO get the best he can for them.
Both Wagner and Engle could fit in
& well with the local team, but other
- teams with players to use in a trade
will most likely benefit. Jimmy McAleer
hasn't anybody wanted by the other
clubs; Taylor might like to have Street,
but there's. nothing doing there. He
b doesn't need Milan, and that's - last
word. The Nationals own weakness
keeps them weak in this latter-day
baseball hurry and scurry.
0tey's Curves Commended.
If Steamboat Bill" Otey remains this
season with the Nationals, it will be
truly strange. Failing to see anything
in him, McAleer asked for waivers. He
got them, and then hunted around for
a place to drop him. He couldn't find
any minor league team desirous of the
southpaw's services, and so he keeps
him.
Now Otey is working harder than an
other man on the staff in the morning
practice, and all the players 40 go
to bat against him are loud in their
praises of his skill and curves.
- I'll be hanged If I'm not a bit wor-
ried when l go up against him." said
Doc Gessler this morning. as he came
back from the plate. All he had done
was to boost little fly to the inf1eld.
This Otey person sure has some
Gessler is not alone in this belief.
Capt. George Mcbride, too, agrees that
Otey has a lot of stuff and Jimmy
: 'port-sider in the hopes of his tanning
down. and becoming valuable to the
0uttit.
Worry Makes McAleer Ill.
Manager Jimmy McAleer, boss and
brainbox of the Nationals, was little
better today, his attack of stomach
trouble continuing. He got but little |
sleep during the night, but was conf
dent that there would soon be a change
for the better.
McAleer has worried considerably over
the outlook of the ball team, and this, |
coupled with his weak stomach, has
well nigh ended his sleeping at night. |
Almost every day he promises himself |
not TO worry any more over the situa-
ton, and just as often he finds himself |
thinking about it as much as ever.
1t is McAleer's ambition to land the |
Nationals at least at the top of the sec |
ond division, and to have the pitching |
staff break up, carrying down with it |
most of the chances of victory, has |
greatly worried McAleer. He is pay
ing for his worries now by his attack |
OF illness.
Just Gossip. 81
"Rubbershirt Bill" Cunningham prac- |
ttced around second base this morn
ing. He means to keep in condition |
for immediate action whenever called |
upon.
Jack Lelivelt, now that he has been |
superseded in the outfield by Red" |
Walker. does a lot of work mornings |
at first base.
The Nationals will leave Sunday |
night for Philadelphia where they |
will play four games with the Mack |
erels.
Secretary Fowler expects to have |
the roof on the right field bleachers |
early next week.
No. that bat of Tom Hughes is not |
cherry wood. That's iodine.
Kiiuo Gets HiS Share