The Washington herald., 1912-01-23
RecruitSScott and Ainsworth
Are Returned to the
Youngstown Club.
BOB BGROOM HEARD FROM
Lanky Twirler Anxious for Season
to Start-Keeps Mum on
Contract Matter
By WILLIAM PEET.

Before leaving the Capital for Char
lottesville yesterday morning, Manager
Grifith announced that he had received
the signed contracts of Pitcher Aims
worth. formerly OF Youngstown; Short
stop Scott, Of the same club, and In
fielder Foster, OF Rochester.
In the next breath GrIffith stated that
he had turned back to Youngstown both
Ainsworth and Scott, notifying the
Youngstown manager, Bill Phillips, TO
this effect.
Griffith figured he has plenty of infeld
candidates and would not need Scott,
who did not set the o. and P. League
on fire last season. Ainsworth was not
wanted either by the local boss. The
only Youngstown players to be given a
try-Out are Shanks, an outfelder, and
Sheer.
BY dropping these players Grifith cuts
his present squad down to thirty players,
and of this list nineteen have already
sent in their signed contracts, leaving
eleven outside the fold.
II was stated that Griffith would give
a promising young outhelder named
Duffy, from Lockport, n. Y, a chance
this spring. Duffy is recommended high
ly by a local fan, who claims the boy
has all the earmarks of a conner.
Much IS expected Of Eddie Foster, the
former Rochester shortstop. Foster will
be tried out at either second or third
base. John Camel, the Rochester man
ager, maintained that Foster was the
best shortstop in the Eastern League last
season, and had his doubts as to the
kids ability to play second or third.
Grih believes that an infelder should
be able to play any position. and the
chances are that Foster will be first
a
tie arm and is good at covering the bag
Foster bats right handed and was the
best hitter in a pinch on the Rochester
club.
The writer was yesterday in receipt
OF an interesting letter from Bob
Groom, the Nationals lanI1y twirIer, who
shirt to get down TO weight. as he has
not taken on or lost pound in weight
since the season closed.
Bob has been requested by Manager
Griffith not to give out interviews re-
garding any salary or other matters per
tanning to the club. and the pitcher has
kept his word.
From the general tone Of Groom's-Iet-
ter It would appear as IL the salary
question would easily be settled when
the pitcher arrives in this city for a
talk with the Nationals boss.
Groom s letter, in part, follows:
BelleTiIle Ill, January l9 1872
William Peet. Sporting Editor The Herald:
Dear Sir: What's the latest news in Wash
iuEtng I saw by Sporting Life last fall that
] was slated for Rochester in that deal for three
players It looked real for long time. and
am not the scare yet, although l most
sure that waivers were not asked me- through
NIcCrecdic Of Portland. Greg. ! met him las;
fall and he was anxious to sign in case
the Washington club decided to dispense with ny
services
Griffith seems to be a dandy fellow. In hi,
letters 70 ne he asked to be conhdentiRl re
Earding business that might not draw Hny
unjust criticism; there is nothing I tel
you about my contract
I have ny eye a young pitcher here whom
Grit might like to try out I may write to hin
about the kid
We have had a tough old winter far. and
several times the theTnometer has gone down a
low l6 degrees below I haven't taken On
pound lost bit sincs the season closed. sc
won't need & rubber shirt this spring. Have
been working hard, and not doing much, either.
VIII be glad TO get back with the boys thi,
spring and old Sol cannot come out strong enough
70 please me. Yours, BOB GROOM.
Groom is attending the St Louis Uni
versity Medical College, and is in his
second year. He hopes to hang out his
shingle and settle down to practice when
his baseball days are over.