The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-12-11
GRIFF Returns
EMPTY HANDED
Old Fox Fails to Land by Sale
or Trade an In6elder from
the National League.
AINSMITH HERE TODAY
Climber Catcher Returns from Wilds
of Texas-0wens in Demand.
Other Sport Gossip.
AINSMITH HERE TODAY
Dy WILLIAM PEET.

Clark Griffith. manager of the Wash
ipgton baseball club, returned from New
York yesterday empty handed.
II talked with several National League
managers at the annual meeting about
outfielders," said the Old Fox, but re-
ceived very little encouragement" Garry
Hermann, of the Cincinnati Reds, re-
fused to consider a trade for Johnny
Bates until the Tinker matter had been
settled. may get Bates and then again
I may not. That's how matters stand,
Griff added.
According to the local magnate the
chances of landing an Outfielder from
the National League, who would bolster
up the Washington club, are about to
l against 4 trade or sale, and Grin has
about given up hope
Asked what he thought of the National
League presidential election, Griffith
stated that John K. Tener would prob
ably make 4 capable leader. but that Mr..
Tener would find baseball politics a
tough game before he got through
When told that the National League
had planned to pension Pop Arson, the
former Chicago star, the Old Fox could
hardly conceal his delight. That's
fine he said, lone of the best things the
National League has done in many day.
Arson is certainly deserving of PEN
SIGN. 1 don't know of anybody who has
done more for organized baseball than
Capt. Arson"
Eddie Ainsmith the Nationals catcher,
who has been spending the fall down in
the wilds of Texas where he has filled
the role of COW puncher, hunter and all
around-farm hand, will be in Washing
ton today.
In a letter to Manager Griffith. Ain
smith said that he was coming North,
probably to stay until time for report
inc in Charlottesville next spring.
As Ainsmith was in the very best of
health when the season closed last fall
and went down to Texas on his own
vOlition. GriT said he did not care where
the catcher elected to spend the winter,
just long as he reported in good shape
for baseball.
The chances are tat Ainsmith longed
for 4 good Old-fashioned New England
dinner with the folks in Cambridge,
Mass, and decided that he had been in
Texas long enough.
Tho acquisition through draft of Catch
er Owens from the Minneapolis Club of
the American Association by Clark
Griffith has caused several well known
baseball writers to suggest to their re-
spective managers that negotiations be
opened for Owens services
1t is pointed out that with Henry,
Ainsmith, and Williams, the Nationals
are well fortified with backstops and
could afford to part with Owens.
Paul Shannon, the baseball expert of
the Boston Post, vouchsafes the informa-
ton that the Boston Braves are badly
in need of catchers and that Owens would
help considerably, if he could be landed.
Mr.. Shannon neglects to add what the
Braves have in the nature of tr. ing
material, viz, players who might add
strength to the Washington club.
While Griff's plans are not known ii is
hardly believed that he will carry more
than three catchers next season. AIva
Williams proved to be a handy utility
man and he can hit that pill. The chances
are that Williams will be retained.
When Owens was landed through the
medium of the draft, Manager Griffith
had some reason for grabbing this player.
He does not need him here and the only
inference to be drawn is that Owens will
figure in a trade before the 1914 season
opens.