The Washington herald., 1912-06-07

Clark Grifith had a heart to heart talk
with President Ban johnson to-day re-
garding the treatment several OF the Ma
tionals received while the club was in
St. Louis from a number Of the grand
stand patrons
Vile epithets were hurled at Catcher
Henry and Pitcher Tom hughes. The
players themselves spotted the undesira-
BILE citizens, and only for a warning from
other Ty Cobb scene. Just why a base
ball fan should pick out John Henry or
Tom Hughes for a target is hard 10 un-
derstand. for they are the most gentle
manly players on or on the field, and
always mind their own business
Ban johnson has promised TO look into
the matter and Owner Hedges Of the
Browns will be duly notified by the
league chieftain. Henry is particularly
sore over the incident. and unless he is
accorded different treatment the next
time the Nationals play in St. Louis he
will either refuse to don the mask and
protector or demand that Grin allow him
to settle with the pest, and put silencer
on his stream OF abuse in the shape OF
healthy wallop or two straight from
the shoulder.
Buzz" Foster. the Nationals clever
little third sacker. made his debut as
professional in Walter Johnson's home
town, CoffeyviIle, Kans. This was seven
years ago. and Foster. who was then only
a kid OF the lots OF Chicago. was shipped
to Coffeyvills by a fan who had seen
him play. At this time CofIeyviIle was
in the Kansas State League, and the kid
made good from the start, playing sec
ond base. II is needless TO say that this
year was Fosters last in CoTeyviIle. for
- -Wa a-#a a 20 @TFW hvve he. He
tie infielder still has a soft spot in his
heart for Walter Johnson's home
It is interesting TO hear Foster talk Of
his early baseball days. Said he the
other night: I remember the first time
I ever saw Jimmy Callahan pitch, l
watched the game from a lCnothole in
the fence. and now to think that / am
Cal, who was, and always has been my
idol II sure is funny what a difference
just a few years makes"
The story that Tom Hughes nearly met
his death in ST. Louis as the club was
leaving for the railroad station last
Tuesday night by a manhole blowout
is a trihe overdrawn. 1t is true that
Hughes was in the neighborhood OF the
explosion, but was some distance on
when the blow-off occurred. In telling of
the lnClQent 10 Ine boys the veteran
hurler added: That manhole shot up
into the air like one Of Walter Johnson's
fast ones. II 1 had as much smoke as
that I'd never lose a game"
Howard Shanks is preparing for a visit
to his home in Monaco, Pa, when the
Nationals reach Cleveland. The young
ster thus far has not been able to screw
up enough courage to ask Grifs per-
mission for a day of, but delares he will
do so in a few days.
Shanks, who is only nineteen years old,
is suffering from inconsistencies. He has
not been so far away from the old fire.
side in his life as this spring. Down in
Charlottesville the kid threatened to bolt
several times. A little later the home
sick feeling wore away, and then he did
not want to pay the folks visit for
fear that Grin would make him stay
there. Now Shanks feels he has done
well enough to merit a days vacation.
Grin will undoubtedly grant the request.
Three Of the Nationals claim Chicago
for their home; they are Schaefer. Fos-
ter and Tom Hughes. and while the club
is here they are never seen around the
hotel lobby, except to attend the morn
ing lectures in Manager Grifith's room.
George Mcbride halls from Milwaukee,
and viii be given a day OF before the
club quits Chicago, to see his people.
That Grifrs judgement in disposing Of
Eddie Gagnier was absolutely correct Is