The Washington times., 1911-08-18
More Gradual Rise Is Need
ed For Brilliant Fielding,
They Argue.
LONG HITTERS NOW
HAVE ADVANTAGE
National Park Slope Was Arranged
For Quick Drainage Of
Field.
By SENATOR"
Only Washington Newspaper Man
With the Nationals.

ST LOUIS, Mo, Aug. 1S.-That the
grade in center field in the Washing
ton ball park will have to be made
more gradual or there will be a de-
Cided falling off in brilliant center
fielding, is the opinion being eX-
pressed by outfelders who have been
in action there. Clyde Milan, while
admitting he is not yet entirely ac-
customed to his surroundings, has
little to say on the subject, but other
Cutfelders are more inclined to talk.
"There is no question but that
Washington now has a great plant.
but l think inclined ground, which
rises back of second base and extends
10 the center field fence, will worry
anyone who has played on level
ground" said one of the St Louis
Browns today. In order to protect
himself a player must play unusually
deep and come in on drives. This
gives good protection for long hits,
but leaves too much unprotected ter
rttory back OF the diamond.
Long Hitters' Advantage
eff you play short you have to climb
in getting back, which gives the long
hitters a decided advantage over the
felders and pitchers. However, the
Ilace could be easily changed and
should be-"
The slope at National Park was ar
ranged with an idea of qulck drain
age, and the extreme center field
dries unusually soon after rain has
stopped.
AS a result of a slight cold, contract
ed on the long trip from Washington,
Dutch Schhefer has been troubled
somewhat by a stiff left shoulder. but
today he said that it has rounded to,
and he does not anticipate any further
worry.
Bobby Wallace, the Brown manager,
Is a great admirer of Becker and Cash
ion, the two young Washington pitchers.
Il think Jim has picked up a pair OF
real live ones in Them" declared Wal
lace, today While we were in WASH
ington l watched both in action and
I'm naturally sorry that none Of our
o scouts saw them first. Becker, to my
mind, is today a more finished pitcher
than CashiOn, but the big fellow has
all sorts of stuff and if he can master
control it will be good night for many
a batter he faces"
Expect Cardinals to Win.
Despite the injury of Bresnahan at a
most important juncture Of the season
there is still a supreme confidence
among the National League followers
here in the ability of the Cardinals to
win the pennant this year. They are
evidently leaving the Chicago Cubs out
of the reckoning, and teeI that Pits
burg is the real club they will have to
beat.
With Wagner out for a spell. the con-
1idence here today is greater than ever.
They argue that the wonderful fighting
spirit of the Cardinals will offset any
weakness, and if the club fails to make
a brilliant finish there will be many
a disappointed fanatic in the Mound
City.
In rejecting on the small attendance
in American League Park, it Is evident
that the society crowd that had intend
ed to purchase the Browns last spring
were not as foolish as advertised when
they gave up more than $20, ,OO0 to get
out of the bargain. The season has
been one Of the most disastrous finan-
cially. and Hedges will be fortunate If
he does not finish. with a loss.
While the Nationals are in St Louis,
Bob Groom is staying at his home just
across the river. In the winter months
he is Il student at a medical college
here.