Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-10
GR|FF MAY SECURE
COLLEGE PLAYERS
Rixey and Douglas of Virginia
Slated to Become Members
of Local Team.
PLAYERS GET ANOTHER
WORKOUT ON FIELD
Joe BoehIing and Guy Johnson
Surprise Griffith With Their
Pitching Ability.
BY j. ED GRILLO.
sciaI Dispatch to The Star.


Eppa Rixey, the university portside
pitcher who has been much sought after
by major league magnates this year. may
don National uniform before the end of
the season. This afternoon the big fell
low gave some interesting information to
a few friends who paid their respects at
lunch time at the Rixey home on Chan
ceIlor street In the first place he said
that lie expects to land sheepskin this
year, and for this reason may acquiesce
in the offers of Manager Griffith and af-
fiS lis John Hancock to the papers.
Whether or not he will return to school
next year in order to pursue a course in
one of the professional schools is a mat
ter of conjecture but suffice it to say
that it looks very much like he will be
pitching ball around Washington Ameri-
can League Park before 1913.
Rixey also took occasion to set at rest
q rumo: that was circulated in town to
the effect that he had received a ffatter-
ing offer from Manager Connie Mack of
the Athletics. He declared that 1t was
all news to him and that to his knowl-
edge no such offer had ever been made,
written or orally. to himself or any
other member of the Virginia ball team.
The elder Mr.. Rixey was also in a talk
ative mood and vouched to say that he
is not averse to his son playing profess
sional base ball if he SO desires and
would prefer that he get his start in the
American League with the Washington
club.
If the big fellow would make good with
the VaShingtons he could claim at least
one unique distinction, that of being the
tallest twirler in the big leagues. Rixey
stands six feet four and a half inches
IN his stocking feet and seems to have
all the earmarks of a likely twirler
Shortstop Douglas is another Virginia
product who may be given a trial by the
Washington club. The youngster has
determined booster and admirer In the
person of Umpire Rigler erstwhile uni
versity student who declares that he
Is the most promising looking intielder
he has ever seen outside Of major league
ranks Eppa Rixey admitted today that
he had been talking over professional
ball with Douglas. although they had
not as yet come to a definite con-
elusion. His side partner seems dead
anxious for chance with the big boys.
SO it would appear on the face of facts
that both youngsters may be wearing
National uniforms before long
Old Sol sprang gladstone surprise
just before time for the second workout
this afternoon, and after getting the
best of his most formidable rival j.
Pluvius, stayed with the boys on Lambeth
through the greater part Of two hours.
The diamond was sOggy-in fact, too
much so to permit work-so Manager
Griffith chased his kids to the outer
garden. which was in fair condition. The
pitchers warmed up under the watchful
eye of the chief and Trainer Mike for
about a half hour. and finished up with a
slow jog around the running course.
Griffith paid particular attention to Joe
Boehl!ns and Guy Johnson, and looked
over their slants for about a half hour.
He was struck by surprise when the
former Richmond amateur served over
slow ball that looked exceptionally
good That was great stuff," he said,
when the kid put the first one over.
TRY it again. though without changing
your motion You know You will have to
use this means in order to deceive the
batter And it was not long before
the youngster had mastered the situation.
He was dismissed and Griffith seemed
satisfied that there was still another
young twirler who warranted close
ing nicely and proved another source
of the smile that wouldn't come off, !"
on the face of one Clark Griffith
gaining the old pep" When the squad
of regulars get their start Monday
Trainer Mike will therefore have a
chance to devote most of his time to
them. Barring the unforeseen, only an
occasional treatment will be necessary
for the kids
An unwelcome cold wave hit the camp
late this evening. the weather man hav-
ing unraveied the fifth joke of the week.
fortunately for the bunch, tomorrow is
Sunday, and hopes now extend in the
direction OF bright and balmy Monday.
BY far the most humorous incident of
the weeks stay at Camp Griffith was
1oungfng room here tonight, when the
antics OF George Waller. a female i'm
personator Of University Glee Club fame.
took serious turn at the expense Of
one John Allen. cub twirler.
Allen had missed the first part Of the
evenings program and entered the room
Just after Waller had completed his first
turn, a clever song, in which he played
the dual role of girl and boy. He was
ready to start stunt two when the young
ster from West Virginia entered the
room brimful of Saturday night tales
from downtown. At first he did not no.
tice the intruder. but finally Ed Ainsmith
came to the fore with the necessary
Touchdown" Waller who is one OF
the leading 1okesters among the rah. rah
boys. was quick to take ADVANTAGE Of
Aliens seeming Innocence. and a hasty
retreat to a temporary coy corner was
decided on SpoOning was soon on in
earnest. but in view Of the entire party
Allen appeared somewhat embarrassed
but at the same time at a loss as to
the proper action. 1t was not long be-
fore the entire party. including Manager
Griffith and Trainer Martin. We're in a fit
of commissions. and all the time the
young aspirant for twirling honors was
helpless to locate the point OF jest
Finally, when quietude was restored,
partially enforced through the exhausted
condition of the witnesses, who now were
scattered on the floor like so many pieces
Of broken furniture. young Waller re-
lieved the situation by removing his wig.
Allen opened his eyes in amazement his
\ face colored like an embarrassed maid
hrom the county school. but with the
spirit of good fellow he joined in an
other hearty laugh with the rest of the
bunch
Saturday night I'm Griffith hall was an
enjoyable one for the players, who sacri-
need the chances to see IA good show
down town for novel little entertain
| Continued on Second Pagel