The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-23
olfng Miscellaneous Sports--Big League Gossip

I down, notably the pitchers and catch
/ ers. the average is by no means a real
! indication OF the speed of the men,
Unless the figures tell most palpable
(. falschood. Grif has every reason TO
believe that his club will be out in
front, provided accidents do not oc
cur TO the men.
Doc Newton made his appearance
yesterday. looking as dapper and fresh
as a newiy-laid Easter egg He, like
the rest is feeling fine, glad 10 be in
Richmond and strong in tho belief
that Steve has a winning bunch OF
youngsters. The seven here before
were out on the college campus morn
Ing and afternoon and began taking
things little faster. Gradually the
soreness is wearing off and by to-
morrow when all Of the squad Will
have arrived, these early birds will
enjoy the pleasure of seeing their
lean mates overcoming the first an
guish of training.
First Game Thursday.
The first game of the season for the
locals will take place Thursday with
Charlie Dooin's Phillies. Grit expects
10 work the youngsters entirely In
this encounter He is particularly
strong for Kelly Harris. who, when he
was here before, was known as
Charles. Harris is probably the fast
est man on the club. steve is going
TO try him at second. and in the event
he shows anything he will be kept
as utility fielder. Never again will
Grif be caught without somebody to
MI gap. as lie was last year, through
injuries.
His pitchers are not worrying him,
but he is a little anxious to watch the
newcomers cut loose lie is in homes
OF picking at least one likely young
ster out OF the crowd. OF course he
has his veterans of last year In Har-
vey Bussey, Harry Griffin and Charley
strain. and he also has Burlcson. These
are known quantities. with the eXcep-
ton OF Strain, who should have i'm.
proved considerably But the club has
no portpaw. There is a youngster
| named Woolcry, from New York state,
who Is expected 10 report but Steve
is by no means certain. Woolery is a
big fellow and shoots from the south
side. With just one lefthander in
camp, making good, Steve would feel
much more secure However, "A num-
Der will report. and since there Is
strength in number. the leader is hop
ing for the best
Heinie Busch writes In that he would
like TO tell many things. but doesn't
know how. He is modest in his prc-
dictions claiming no pennant but pro
missing TO have his club out there
nshting all the time. He will have
FIVE catchers. eight pitchers. three
third basemen. three second basemen
and FIVE outfelders report. making "A
total of twenty-siX men He isn't at
all worried about his holdouts remark
ing that nc has offered them all they
are worth and that they can take 1t or
leave it. but they'll take IL or no.
play baseball.
Buck Presley comes to bat with this
and aside from the slight rcmar lis
about oursclf. we consider 1t re-
markably good letter. so read it:
Gus Malbcrt.
The Times Dispatch:
Dear Sir.-Your letter Of March 4
received. and l am indeed glad to fur
nsh YOU with a little dope concern
ing the Tigers" of 1913 am de-
lighted to get a little dope in your
sporting sheet / want to say in the
beginning that we arc out to win the
flag again this year and YOU can en-
pect us TO DO in the race from the
jump I don't want TO he misunder-
stood. We do not claim tho pcnnant
but we do claim II fighting chance. and
The boys are always ready TO put up
the fight. We do not want & MAJ,
"'''-'7'' NV 10 NiiiillS W put ms soul
into the game. and this is always the
one subject OF discussion in our secret
meetings. want To tell YOU that
bunch of boys we had last season
would give an arm for II game, and IL
is that same spirit that brought us
under the wire last September will
say this If ] can only get the boys up
10 the same pitch as they were during
! The last month OF 1912. we will 80
/ under the wire we'll out in front. From
your sheet Of recent date YOU con-
ccde the nag TO Norfolk or Richmond
Here is tip straight from the stable:
Don't count the 1919 Tigers out until
September II. We always have a BAH
club. and we don't expect TO make this
year an exception. ! expect this to be
the best year the Virginia League has
. had in several years, and | am sure
| The class of ball is going TO be better
( than last year. Several OF the clubs
look awluily strong to me and | expect
I 10 see Il good fight from start TO finish
am gong TO have the boys report
/ March 20, and we will start at once to
| get ready for the campaign I viii
/ nave TO mail YOU list of the PLAYERS
/ uhdcr special cover, as ] do not re-
/ inembcr all the men. and the contracts
/ are down at Secretary Helms Office
/ we VIII have about twenty men roport
( Lahtte AVill do the bulk of the catch :
/ ing, and j think he is the best in the
league You may disagree with me.
bat LATTE for mine. Hines and Stew
art catchers. will report for practice.
VIII play first base, as / am thor
ouShl! convinced that | can't play
( lhird Shields, Baker and King. in
ncidcrs; Maths, CHM, Graham, outneld
i,rowh, Gardn. l;frd, Clark, pitchers
we also have bunch of recruits.
Which VIII try TO furnish YOU II
me pace is too fast for this bunch we
VIII ger others Wishing you a sue
ceSsiul year ] remain.
w. L. PRESSLY.
Heres what Pop shafer has TO say
about his prospects:
Gus Malbcrt: The Times Dispatch;
fiend Gus.-zlours TO hand. Was
pigased 10 hear from you. in reply
WI say that it is little early to
MAKE predictions IN regards to who
~ an