The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1912-01-03

Perching on q spin-stool and grind
ing out chords from among the thin
white keys that formerly penetrated
the skulls Of elephants. until the
crowd commences to pat the Brus-
sells with their soles. Is one OF the
most valuable attributes Of q ball
player when not actually engaged in
the fray on the site marked with
three canvas sacks and a piece Of
rubber.
The House Of Clark Griffith today
holds the unique. but not altogether
to-be-desired. reputation OF being the
only, family in major baseball that
does not number among Its members
a capable piano player.
In this day and generation man
ager might well ask, when about to
sign a player. II he has any ability
as an entertainer. for II the pennant
should depend upon the capabilities
of its men to perform of the field,
Washington would finish in the nadir
position.
OF all diversions which ball players
most enjoy when out Of the heat of
battle, Is good music. with piano airs
easily the most popular. Singing Is
we'll liked. but II It came to a show
down most OF the clubs would vote
In favor Of their colleagues who can
make a plano do anything from the
sextet from Lucia to Alexander
Band" Good piano playing is always
welcome in ball club. but especial
ly on rainy days at the training camp
and around the hotel while the team
Is on the road.
His Nearest Approach.
The nearest approach to a piano play
er last year was Eddie Ainsmith, who
used to sit In front OF the upright at
Atlanta and pound away by the hour
a tune that was a cross between
turkey in the Straw" and Chop Sticks. q
Whether he expected to eventually
learn to play or liked solitude has
never been known but. sufrice to say,
as soon as the Ainsmith serenade
started the other players usually found
other part of the Kimball House.
But Ainsmith's near-pianoing had
nothing on cemetery quartet, COM
posed Of John Henry, Doc Gessler,
first two claimed they could sing bass
and the latter pair tenor When Henry
and Gessler would start out 1t was
like q sea lion awakening from long
a circus tent would be about the near
est one could, imagine a. sound that
would correspond to the imitation tenor
Of Conroy and Ainsmith. Whenever
this four had nothing else to do they
would add to the general misery of Gre
at Songs from Silver Threads Amc as
the Gold" to I'm the Shade OF the
Cigarette Tree"
Earned a Reputation.
This quartet finally became 80 violent
that 1t earned reputation all the way
round the circuit and 1t was only the
dire threats of physical harm that
finally drove the four into involuntary
| retirement.
What the Nationals lack in the way
of piano players and good singers they
make UP for in other lines.
Herman Schaefer is now pretty gen.
orally considered the best all-rount
comedian In either of the big leagues
He is welcome to any party Of players
and, while most OF his wit and hume,
| Is aimed at individuals, he has a way
| of saying things that leaves no stinI
even to those upon whom he draws tn,
| laugh.
Charley Street has few superiors In
the business so far as pool playing Il
| concerned. This form of pastime has
| always been popular among ball play.
ers. and In addition to Street, Wash.
ington has Walter Johnson. Clyde Mi,
Ian, and a couple OF others who car
WELD a cue with the best of them.
Sir Robert Groom Is the title holder
| at checkers, and. in fact, has so muct
ability In showing the little circles across
| the red and black squares that he ha,
| frightened on all rivals at this game
] Chrtsty. Mathewson ID generally con