The Washington times., 1912-08-25
Famous Twirler Has Been
Backbone Of Griff's
Outfit.
STERLING GARDENER
ALSO HAS HIGH RANK
Mcbride and Gandil Come in for
Much Praise This
Year.
BY SENATOR"

The Climbers have made such a re-
markable record this season, lifting
Washington from a graveyard position
to the runnerup's Job in the American
League, that much of the good indi-
vidual work of players on the team has
been overlooked. However, Griffth's
outfit contains several stars OF the first
magnitude. notably Walter "Smokebalr'
Johnson, 'Zeb" Milan, George Mcbride,
and Chick" Gandil, not to mention
'Massa'' John Henry, Dare -Devir'
Dan Moeller, Bob Groom. and Eddie
Ainsmith.
johnson and Milan, two cronies II
ever there were cronies, have gone out
this season and established marks to be
shot at for some time. The. peerless
pitcher of the major leagues has won
sixteen straight Victories from all
corners, not picking out the weakest,
but meeting them all as they came, and
handing them a fine collection Of neat
trimmings.
Griff's premier hurler has won twenty
eight games and dropped but seven, be-
ing responsible for more than a third
of the teams victories. In those games
he has famed 22 batsmen, the largest
number by far credited to any pitcher
in the league. He has given seventy
seven free tickets to first base. In
every game in which he has appeared
he has pitched sterling ball. and, II the
prize automobile goes to any man, It
should go to Walter johnson this year,
for he has proved himself the back
bone Of the Climbers. the sensation of
the league.
Milan Another Star.
The other universally recognized
star of the baseball armament con-
nected with the Climbers is "Zeb" Mi
Ian. the dashing little middle garden
er. When the season started he
gravely announced that he was GO
ing out for a base stealing record
He has lived UP to his promise. He
has stolen slxty-nine cushions, and
there are six weeks more for him to
work in.
Ty Cobb, with eighty-three steals in
1911. holds the American League rec
ord. but good judges of baseball be-
lieve Milan Will distance the far
famed Jungaleer before the curtain
falls on the season of 1912 He has q
long lead over his nearest competitor
and has no real rival for the honors.
Not only Is he good base-runner,
but Milan Is in the 800 class as a hit
ter and is one of the really great out
fielders in the league. He ranks with
Ty Cobb and iris Speaker as a fielder.
Nothing but his connection with a
tail-end club for the last few years
has prevented his receiving the hon
ors due him.
Gandil Is Shining.
Arnold Gandil the big first baseman.
obtained from the Montreal club of
the International League for four play
ers and a bundle of money, is another
star with the Climbers. His great
work with the bat and around first
base has established him as one OF
major leagues real stars. He is now
leading the team with the willow, ana
promises to add a few steps in his
climb to the top of the swatter's list.
George Mcbride has been wonder
full player ever since joining the Wash
ington club, but he has never been
ranked high enough because of his be-
ng with a poor ball club. This year
with a strong club, Mcbride has come
I into his own, and the fans all over the
| circuit are discovering that only Jack
Barry begins to compare with him.
| The Climbers are not a team OF
I stars. but they have in these four.
/ Johnson. Milan, Mcbride and GandiI.
four Of the greatest players in major
! league baseball. Next year they arc
sure to be prominent in the work OF
, the team in Its battle for the America 4
| League GOnfalon