The Washington herald., 1912-03-24
BOSS GRIFF SAYS
TEAM Is In GOOD
SHAPE TO PLAY
Connie Mack's Athletics Only
Outfit to Encounter Bet
ter Weather OIL Trip.
WILL KEEP YOUNGSTERS
Nationals Leader to Hold on to
Recruit Pitchers Until
Final Call.
WILL KEEP YOUNGSTERS
By WILLIAM PEET.

Charlottesville. Va. March 2S-Although
arrangements had been completed and
Doth teams were on edge for the ball
game this afternoon, it started in to rain
at L o'clock and Manager Griffith called
on the iannigans-Regulars battle. at the
same time announcing that there would
be no practice indoors or out.
rs the Nationals have bur two more
days here Griffith was particularly snX-
ious to play the game. but the fates
were against him.
For fear of injuries there was no work
in the gymnasium this afternoon. The
wooden floor raises havoc with the play
ers legs, and The squad is in good
shape right now the local boss did not
care to take any chances
Griffith IS Well satisfied with the condi-
tion OF his players. With the exception
OF two or three Of the young pitchers
every member OF the squad is in shape.
and with a couple Of weeks OF any kind
Of warm weather tine entire bunch will
be ready 10 start the season.
Grin Is Satisfied.
Manager Griffith said this afternoon:
Despite the fact that my players have
trained but a short distance from Wash
ington, where climatic conditions are
about equal. / believe the team, as a
whole. is in better shape physically than
any other major league club. barring
possibly Connie Mnck's Athletics. The
worlds champions have been lucky in
getting warm weather and httl7 rain. All
Ihe other clubs have suffered.
I received a letter from McGraw. OF
the Giants. couple OF days ago and he
wrote that he had not seen the sun for
fourteen days. The Chicago White Sox
are also Up against the same proposition.
So ! don't see where any Of them will
aave much on US when the sea son opens"
II present plans are carried out, the
Nationals will be up against the same
strict training and practice rules when
The boys reach Washington next Tues
day night Griff will have the men out
for morning practice each day and the
afternoons will be taken up with the
exhibition games. The men will also
he required to observe the same early
10 bed rules" and the Nationals scrappy
little leader will be in a position TO keep
tabs on them and see that they carry
out his commands.
Washington fans will have an oppor-
tunity to see every present member OF
Griffs baseball family in action, for the
second team or Yannigans is scheduled
to meet Jack Gassoway's Al-Star anna
teur bunch next Saturday in the con-
crete coliseum while the regulars are
over in Baltimore playing Jack Dunns
Orioles.
VIII Keep Youngsters.
According TO Grin he will not drop
any of his young pitchers until he has
had the opportunity to watch them work |
when their arms are in shape. The Old !
Fox does not intend to overlook any bets |
Guy Johnson, Joe Engel. John Allen. |
and Buck" Becker are all complaining !
.n~Ify ht.s
ercise are gradually getting rid of their |
ailments.
During batting practice Friday, Guy !
Johnson cut loose for the first time, and !
his fast ball had a beautiful hop on it |
Griff was amazed and said TO the young
Stcr. Il did not know you had so much |
stuff" Buck Becker also burned over
a few and gave evidence of a speedy |
return to his last seasons form.
There is no question about the ability
OF Jerry Akers to deliver the goods. the
hurler from Dubuque. who, by
the way, carries a wise head on his
shoulders, started his training in the
same careful methodiCal manner charac-
teristic of Walter johnson, Tom Hughes.
and the other veterans, with the result
that his arm has never been lame, ana /
each day grows stronger. Akers Is sure
10 be retained. while the other new
corners also have a chance, but they must
show Griff something besides a Wind-up
during the next two weeks. and he pro-
poses to give them every chance in the
" Grid.
shift in InfeId.
When Jack knight arrives on Thursday
a shift will likely be made in the infield
Tor the practice games. There are sew
eral combinations GriG intends TO try.
knight will be worked on first second,
and third base to see how he fits in with
he others Then the present combination
Mil also be played against the visiting
'lubs in the exhibition games with
Knight on the bench I
By this procedure Grifith will deter
nine in his own mind the strongest bat
ing and fielding combination, and thus be
bic TO name the club which will start the
esson in Philadelphia on April IL against
he Athletics.