The Washington herald., 1912-03-29
DOOM PRAISES
GRIFF'S CATCHERS
Says Washington Fans Will
Not Miss Gabby Street
This Season.
JOHNSON TWIRLs TO-DAY
Nationals Great Twirler Will Be
Opposed by Alexander.
Knight Reports.
JOHNSON TWIRLS TO-DAY
By WILLIAM PEET.

While I would not like to express an
opinion regarding the Washington club
on the game played to-day, will say
this: Gabby Street will be entirely for
gotten after this season. never saw a
better pair OF young catchers in my
life than Henry and Ainsmith."
Thus spoke Red" Doom, the scrappy
manager and star receiver OF the Phil
sdelphia Nationals, to the writer during
an Interview last night. "and. want TO
add" he said. that cashion appears to
he a pretty sweet pitcher. in spite OF the
fact that he looked bad against US to-
day"
According to Manager Doom, the
PhiIlies have just spent three weeks at
Hot Springs and during that time had
but seven days when II was possible to
practice. Doom says that outside of
Alexander he has not a single pitcher
who 10 in any sort of shape, and declares
that as far as the PhiIlies are con-
cerned the ante-season series next week
in Quaker town against the Athletics
will be a frost and a walkover for the
worlds champions.
There is no denying the fact that the
Quaker City club looks like a powerful
hitting aggregation. and IL they can pro-
duce any sort OF pitching this season
they are bound to be heard from before
the season is many weeks old.
The Phillies are weak IN the box at
present In fact, Manager Doom said
he did not know what men would COM
prise his twirling staff this season. as
he had four big, husky recruit pitchers
in Philadelphia who had not been able
thus far to show what they could do.
For to-days game. providing the
weather does not call a halt, Walter
johnson and Jerry Akers will be 10 the
box for the home folks, while Alexander.
the sensational twirler of last year. will
oppose the Kansas Cyclone, and a battle
royal may be expected. These pitchers
will probably work the first five innings.
finish the game for the Nationals, and
Washington fans will get the first chance
TO see Jerry's famous "knuckle ball.
That KID Foster II already showing the
effects of GrIns skiIlful coaching was
demonstrated in the ninth inning OF yes
terdRy's game, when he drove a pretty
hit into right field, scoring a run. II
the midget keeps this up during the
practice games here. it is hard to see
where the Nationals can improve much
Fosters fielding is sure 10 be better as
time goes on, for the third base is as yet
new to him.
Jack knight. the New York infelder
obtained by Manager Griffith in the
Street deal, reported here yesterday noon
and was in uniform during practice be-
fore the game. Knight looks as II he
had lost twenty pounds in weight. He
is as pale as a sheet, and from all ap-
pearances has done most OF his work
indoors.
The infielder says he will soon be able
TO do himself justice. and then will come
the solution of Griff's infield problem.
Just where knight will play nobody
knows. Both Flynn and Cunningham
are going at a fast clip on first and sec
ond, and II is doubtful II knights arm
is strong enough to permit a trial at
third base just now.
When the Yannigans play Jack Gasso-
ways All Stars here tomorrow, knight
will in all probability bold down short
stop.
Cashion's wildness virtually cost the
game yesterday. but this means very
little, as Csshion is sure to grow better
as the season advances. The Nationals
have a grand young twirler in the Caro-
lima slabman. who is bound TO win a lot
of ball games before the 1872 curtain
hops.
outhelder Howard shanks felt so we'll
yesterday that he refused to stay in bed.