The Washington herald., 1912-04-19
Coombs and johnson Oppos.
ing Twirlers, and Battle
Royal Is Expected.
MACK PRAISES LOCALS
A Young team full of hght is
better than an old team fun of
Erpueh.
By WILLIAM PEET.

WashingtOn's American League base
ball season opening yesterday was
banded a rude kick in the Stats BY the
weather man. but IL all goes well the
original festivities win go through as
planned in the concrete coliseum to-
day.
When Manager Grifith looked over the
bali yard yesterday morning and then
glanced at the skies he made up his
mind that it would be best to postpone
the frolic one day. The diamond was
soft. and there was nothing in the skies
to indicate that the big leak would be
plugged up in a few hours
Il want the fans TO have good day
for the opening" Griff stated, although
he admitted that had ii been absolutely
necessary a battle could have been
staged. but both clubs would of neceS-
sity be working under difhculties. and
for all concerned the postponement
seemed best.
This means that Walter johnson Is
sure to pitch for the Nationals to-day,
and Connie Mack VII order 'sIron Man"
Jack Coombs to t4e the rubber for the
Athletics. Johnson, together with every
member Of the Nationals. seeks revenge
for that .4-toSs defeat plastered on them
by the champs IN the Quaker City last
week, and battle royel may be ex-
pected.
The jumps CGod bless emp will be the
same as the men who handled the Phil
adelphia series-westervelt and SILK
o'Doughlin. The former is a Washing
tonian, and his work so far stamps him
as a capable official silk o'Loughlin
needs no Introduction TO the baseball
loving public OF the Capital
Grin had his pitchers working out for a
brief period yesterday morning, but the
regulars were excused from practice. II.
the field is in shape it is expected that a
short practice will be held this morning.
Connie Maek's worlds champions ar
rived in town yesterday noon and regis
tered at the Arlington Manager Mack
is with them. and when interviewed
stated that his cripples were rounding
into shape, and that his club was going
just about as well as he expected them
Mack likes the looks Of Griff's Nation
ais. He thinks the club Is faster and
stronger in every department than last
season. Connie is also sweet on the Ma
tonals twirisrs. and likewise the young
catchers. AS for. the prospects Of the
worlds champions It is easily seen that
honors, although he is not making any
predictions
The Washington players are completing
plans TO spend the summer in the Capt.
tai, and have been busy since they re-
turned from New York looking UP apart
ments Jack Knight, Dixie Walker, Al
Williams, Tom Hughes, and Bob Groom
are the only benedicts. Mrs. knight and
Mrs. Williams are already here Mrs.
Walker is expected in a few days, while
Bob Groom is undecided whether to bring
Mrs. Groom to the Capital or not
Grin has asked the players to dodge
the hotels and the major part OF them
have obtained apartments. MoelIer, Fos-
ter, Dixie Walker. and others will make |
Chevy Chase their home, as they want
TO get away from the neat of the city |
tied here since the early winter, they
are living on Capitol Hill.
As the players must settle for their |
own living expenses during the season, |
they have a perfect right to stop where |
they see Mt, but most of them have |
acted upon GrfRs advice and are side
stepping the downtown hotels.
With the Athletics is Emory Titman,
citizen Of Philadelphia and baseball fan
extraordinary. Emory Is one of the
lucky ones who has nothing to do until |
tomorrow, and tomorrow never comes,
as he Is well stocked in this worlds |
goods. Mr.. Titman. of course, thinks
the Msckmen will win the pennant in a
walk. ......a ..-...-
According to the Philadelphia North
American spot light man, johnson ana
Flynn have at last gotten together. They
are both on the Washington baseball
club.
Here's another bet we don't want to
overlook: ''wIIliams and Walker form
coon song battery for the Nationals
that is eventually expected to give the
Senators that mysterious rag"
According to dispatches from MiIwau-
kee. Manager Duny. of the Brewers. has
not only completed the deal whereby
KID Elberfeld has been purchased from
Washington, but has sent the kid trans
portation, and II is understood that EI-
berfeld has agreed to report.
which viii award motor cars to the
best all-around player in each Of the
major leagues. is now considering an
amendment to the original plan or
award.
nneu u was announced Ihat Hugh
Chalmers would again honor the players
voted best by committee OF leading
baseball WRITER'S Ty Cobb approached
the donor with a suggestion that previ-
Gus winners be eliminated from future
competition. 1t Is singularIy coineident
that, within a few days OF cobb's talk
with Mr.. Chalmers. Frank Schultz, last
years National League winner, made
the same suggestion to Ren Mulford, Jr,
chairman OF the trophy commission.
In his interview with Mr.. Chalmers /
Cobb said he did not make the sugges-
tion because OF a belief that he would I
again be judged best in his league, but
because he believed the original plan OF
establishing q baseball hall Of fame
would be accomplished best by making
only q single award 70 a man.
While the majority opinion OF the writ (,
ers who compose the commission viii
decide the matter, Chairman MuIford ,
has asked fans 10 write members OF the /
trophy commission and give their views.
The status Of the men who have once /,
been honored by the commission Is q |
very Important matter. said Mr.. Aui- !
ford. 1T IL, after all. matter Tor the I