Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-12
club in the country more in need of a
first baseman than the Pirates


first baseman than the Pirates
Clarence Walker reported much lighter
than he was at any time last summer
clarence was hunting last winter, and he
is down as fine as deer. Tom Long. on
the other hand, and has taken on weight.
which he needed
The fact that Walter Johnson is rec
Ognlzed star has never affected him in
the least. He does not ask for any privi-
ieges and goes about his work with as
much spirit as the youngsters who are
here for a try-out. Walter is anxious to
get INTO condition and he is working hard
TO bring 1t about. He took several
warm-ups yesterday and a long run
around the park. He does not let himself
Out. put. OF course. there is whole lot
on the ball even when he does not force
himself. It takes Johnson but a short
while to get himself into pitching condi-
ton, and, barring accident, he feels that
ne will be ready to go the route by the
time the team returns home.
Griffith has twelve pitchers here. He
places SIX with each squad. Three of
them chase flies in the morning while the
other three pitch, and in the afternoon
they Change places. This gives each
pitcher plenty of work. and yet he pitches
only about fifteen minutes a day. But
pitching to the batters is more beneficial
than working out with a catcher. and
by continuing this routine for a couple
OF weeks Griffith figures that his pitching
staff will round into form before long.
OF the youngsters. The batters find him
hard to hit by his speed, though he is not
yet giving them all he has.
If all ball players took the care of their
arms that George Mcbride does there
WnllI6 wiz, iv,t> l~o1
today. Mac never throws hard until he
has to. Even in ball games he gauges
the speed of the runner and throws just
hard enough to beat him to the bag In
practice George throws as much as any
OF the youngsters, but it is always with
an easy, graceful motion and no strain,
SO that he is not very apt to injure the
member.
Clyde Milan predicts great year for
himself. His work last season was sec
ond only to that of Cobb, but the Linden
lad does not propose to rest there. He
has put in a fine winter, is down to play
ing weight at the present time, and be-
SIDES getting his arms and legs strong he
will have lot Of time to put in prac-
ticing batting and other stunts which
help player of his speed. Milan is
never satisfied with himself He is am
bilious and always sees chance for i'm
prOvement
Grif1ths system of training is particu-
larly hard on his three catchers. The
pitchers have to work only a certain
amount of time, and the other players
get chance to rest during batting prac-,
tice, but the catchers are at it both
morning and afternoon. either warming
up pitchers or doing duty behind the bat
during batting practice. OF course. they
alternate. but the two turns on the field
a day are bound to have them either ready
or worn out by the time the season opens
Fortunately neither Ainsmith, Henry nor
Williams is frail individual. They are
all husky fellows, who take to work like
ducks to water, and they prosper on it.
Gagnier is brilliant fielder. He covers
lot Of ground, is fast on his feet and is
splendid thrower. He also hits we'll.
Nor is it coming easy for Griffith, as
two large blisters in his hands will at
test. He has to work harder than any
one, because there is not only much for
him to do and watch on the field during