The Washington herald., 1912-01-20
SEVEN PITCHERS
ARE WITHIN FOLD
j. AKers, Three-Eye League
Recruit, Latest to Sign
His Contract.
MAY NOT GET POWELL
outfelder on Whom Griff Refused
to Waive Is Left-hand Hitter.
Other Comment.
By WILLIAM PEET.

seven Of the Nationals string Of ten
pitchers have already afiixed their sig
natures to 1912 contracts. The latest
10 come within the fold is Jerry Akers,
who last season won nineteen and lost
twelve games f,r the Dubuque Club of
the ThrSe-E Eye League. Yesterdays mail
brought Manager Grifith q long let
ter from Akers, inclosing the signed
contract
The only twirlers unsigned are Bob
Groom, Boehling, and Ainsworth, and
the last two named are likely to send
their contracts almost any day now.
Groom will likely want to talk things
over with Manager Grifhth before sign
ing up.
Akers was captured via the draft route
last fall The pitcher was highly rec
commended to Manager McAleer by a
friend of Germany Schaefer's in Chi
cago. McAleer watched his records each
day and put in a draft for the young
man, and was successful in landing
him.
The pitcher writes that he is spend
ing the winter at his home in Dubuque,
Iowa, that he is linesman employed
by a telephone company and that most
OF his work Is done in the open. He
states that he can hardly wait for the
SetiSOh 70 open.
Bob Groom was a bit disappointed
with the terms of his contract last year
and it was only after long talk with
Manager McAleer and President Noyes
down In Atlanta that the Ianky hinger
finally agreed TO affix his signature.
Groom thought then that he should
have been given an increase but Nc
Aleer could not see IT, Not knowing
the conditions Grifith probably sent
Groom contract calling for the same
figures which adorned the 1911 instru-
ment Sir Robert says that McAleer
promised him more money in 1872 II his
seasons work so warranted.
There will be no trouble about Groom
as the pitcher has sense enough not to
join the hold-out class. Griffs iron-clad
rule IS that II player shows he is worth
mere money the long green will be forth
coming
That Manager Grifffth has refused to
waive claim on OutheIder Powell. OBJ
tained by the White Sox from the St
Joseph club, does not mean that the
youngster will be purchased, although
the local boss may take chance. as
Powell is described as being a likely
looking ycungster.
Johnny BeaH. the local boy who played
containing the st. Joseph club, states
that Powell looked like good ball player
to him. According to Beah the kid bats
lcft-handed, and this in itself may cause
Grin to hesitate before planking down
Sl,EO0, as the Washingtos club has a sur
felt of left-hand hitters now. and espe-
cially among the out6elders. Milan,
Gessldr, and MOeller are southpaw swat
tars.
II Griffith is able to buy Moriarty's
release from the Detroit Tigers, the Ma
tionals will not be getting an old broken
down ball player-one who has seen his
best days.
Moriarty is not more than twenty
seven years old, and would strengthen
the local club . per cent 1t is doubtful,
however, if Hughey Jennings win be in
iuced TO part with his third sacker.
Ever since Frank Gotch used his fam
ous toe hold on Hackenschmidt and
others, there has been a lot of talk about
barring il by certain wrestlers through
out the country who have not attained
the knack OF grabbing a stray toe and
twisting it so that the vicum must either
give UP, flop over on his back, or sus-
tain broken leg.
In the match at the Gayety Theater
stage here last Tuesday night, Joe Tur-
ner. the local boy, gained two falls out
Of three from Al Maupaus, of Baltimore
both his falls the direct result Of the
deadly toe hold"
Before the match Maupaus wanted the
toe hold barred. but the referee insisted
that the agony twist was a legitimate
wrestling hold, and refused to give in TO
Maupaus' request. 1t is doubtful IL Tur-
ner could have thrown Maupaus without
this hold, as the Baltimorean was the
heavier and knew just enough about the
game to pull himself free from the usual
holds.
Maupaus will never amount TO much as
q grappler until he masters the toe hold
himself or learns how to keep an an
tagonist from using it. James Hin.
Maupaus' manager. writes the following:
Baltimore. Md. Jan. 49, 1872
sporting Editor The Washington Herald:
Dear sir-I want 10 issue a ehallengs TO Joe
Grant Of Washington, d. O.. in behalf q Al
Maupaus Of Baltmore Nd, I understand that
Grant MD he could throw Maupaus without using
the toe hold
If he thinks he can throw him barring the toe
hold, an he has to do is TO say %, and Maupsus
Is wiling 20 take him on al any fine, as I
don't think there rs a wrestler In Washington Who
an defeat Al In = night of wrestling with the toe
hold barred. and II this hold had been bared in
the match with ice Turner at the Gayety Thoater
winner and I think the Wrestling fans who
this match viii agree with this subject
Now II Is mp TO Grant To show his ooiOrs OF keep
Iuiet. Thanking you kindly. I rcnsin.
JAMES {. HILL, ZOE West Gross street
Manager for Al MaupauS.