Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-28
BY J. ED aR1LLo.

Hankerino O'Day is out with protest
against the proposed plan Of having UNI
pires indulge In some spring training IN
order to fit themselves for the regular
playing season. This scheme has been
suggested on innumerable occasions, but
has never been adopted, though there is
hardly q doubt that it would benefit the
umpires and make their work much more
satisfactory during the early weeks of the
campaign.
It is not to be expected that man who
has been idle all winter can step on ball
field and perform the duties of an umpire
satisfactorily. It would seem that it re-
eyes and get their physical condition such
that they can cover plays without being
exhausted. To a majority of the umpires
the plan to have them go south in the
spring will probably appeal. but, Of course.
Hankerino, having gained the reputation
Of being one Of the best umpires in the
country, must show some contrariness in
order to establish himself. 1t is q matter
Of record that O'Day has not agreed with
anything that has been done or proposed
in the last five years. and yet the world
goes on.
Germany Schaefers thespian venture
is q success for the reason that he Is no
different before the footlights than on the
ball field. Schaafer is easily the hit Of
the sketch in which he appears.
Agitation for changing the foot ball
rules comes from those institutions
whose teams have failed to make salts
factory showing. The present rules ap-
pear to have proven very satisfactory.
greatly reduced, but the play Is more
open, and for that reason more pleasing
from the standpoint OF q spectator. But
under a new system of play 1t often
happens that q small school team will
defeat one from one Of the big colleges.
and that is the rub. Under the old rules
such reversal Of form were not frequent.
for weight and brute strength counted
for more than they do at present. But to
go back to the old rules will not add to
the popularity of the game. Another
series of fatal accidents such as the
game experienced few years ago. after
which the rules were changed. may bring
about legislation preventing the playing
Of the game It will be wise to let well
enough alone.
Should Freddie Welsh, the English box
er, outpoint Wolgast In their bout on
the .t title ii OF lightweight champion. as both
men are to weigh in at 1873 ringside.
which is the lightweight limit. and thus
the title goes with the result of the bout.
There is not one chance in a hundred
of Welsh stopping Wolgast. ne is not a
hard hitter. but there Is q good chance
OF his scoring the most points. Welsh Is
believed to be the best boxer in the
game. and while he Is not robust he has
SO much speed that II the, rules are
strictly adhered to Wolgast is not figured
to. land very often. In fact, it will be a
try-out for Wolgast for in Welsh he
meets the cleverest boxer he has ever
faced. Welsh followers predict that the
champion will be baflied by the English
mans speed and ring generalship and
that his only chances would be at close
quarters. which position he Is not apt to
| find himself in very often for the reason
that the rules prevent hitting with one
hand free, hugging and holding.
With 1t generally understood that the
Chicago and Philadelphia clubs OF the
National League are owned and con-
| trolled by Charles Webb Murphy. 1t Il
now being limited that the Cub owner Is
also trying to secure the control Of the
! Boston club. This would give him three