The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-04-11
BATTERY FOR OPENER,
JOHNSON AND STREET"
Hold-out Twirler Will Sign Contract Tomorrow.
Nationals Have Stiff Workout on George
town Field-Other Gossip.
Continued from Page One.

season opening is commended for this
reason, that by asserting his authority
he plainly showed the other members OF
the Nationals that he alone was su-
preme in his power Had Johnson been
able to hold up the club for the sum he
wanted, other players might take the
initiative next season, and so cause all
sorts of complications.
When President Tom Noyes, of the
Washington club, was told that Johnson
had left Coffeyville he did not seem to
be much surprised, simply saying. i
felt sure that he would come down to
our terms. We have always treated the
players fairly. Nobody has real kick
coming and Johnson would surely have
seen the futility Of holding out under the
existing conditions
Walter Johnson's roommate. Clyde Mi
Ian, when told of the news that the big
twirler was on his way to Washington
was delighted. He said:
II was sure he would ne with US and
/ am glad of it. for with Walter in the
nox Wednesday I don't believe that the
Boston club will have a chance to win
the game. I'm tickled to death that he
* coming
The other members of the Nationals
felt the same way. and there was a gen.
cral rejoicing in the camp.
Manager Jim's hopefuls took advantage
Of Georgetowns kind offer and worked
out on the Hilltoppers field yesterday
morning, starting at 1870 O'Clock and
keeping at it until about 1:3O-
All the pitchers tried their luck against
the batters and for a w:nd-up McAleer
himself cracked out hot grounderS to
E,r1I Il nod n
of pitchers to the task If hitting to the
outfielders.
4 crowd OF some 200 fans. besides half
= hundred Georgetown boys, watched
the practice and enjoyed seeing the pro-
feSSionalS at work.
Germany Schaefer. as usual kept the
crowd in a pleasant humor with his
funny antics. He wore those violent
green-colored stockings purchased in At
lanta on St. Patrick's Day.
Manager McAleer announced positive
" last night that Jack Lelivelt will
play left field in the opening game. He
feels sure that Lelivelt, with his eX-
perience, will make a much better
showing than either Miller or Charley
Conway.
The statement in an afternoon paper
yesterday that Lelivelt during the past
week in Atlanta had been hitting the
ball hard is a joke. Lelivelt couldn't
hit an elephant in the back with bass
fiddle, but was meeting the ball better
and gave every evidence of being some
where near right in a few days. Leli-
welt is a natural hitter-always has
been-and this alone more than makes
up for his slow work in handling hard
hit balls in his territory.
Infielder Dave Bunting will got the
Richmond club of the Virginia League
if McAleer can get what he considers
the player is worth. Just what this con-
sideration happens to be the Nationals
boss will not say, but it is understood
that one of the Richmond stars will be
turned over to Washington at the close
of next season.
Bunting looked promising down in
Atlanta but with Wild Conroy and Ger
many Schaefer there was really no
need for the club to carry him, as the
veterans are easily of more value to the
team.
The grounds at National Park will be
in shape for the opening game tomorrow
workmen were busy Yesterday clearing
away the debris in front of the stands,
and many of the temporary chairs were
put in place.
1t is freely predicted that the greatest
crowd in the history OF organized base
ball in the Capital will turn out for the
battle.
The Boston Red Sox are due in Wash
ington late tonight 1t is not known who
will twirl but Joe Wood is spoken OF
as the most likely candidate.
Mrs. Bob Groom arrived in Washing
ton late yesterday afternoon. She will
remain here during the season.