The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-05-21
King of Twirlers to Be Hon
ored by Capital Fans in
Big Demonstration.
DATE NOT DEFINITELY SET
By c. w. SWAN.

Washington is to have walter
johnson Day"
This was decided upon last night by
a committee of three welI.known local
business men, all dyed in the wool fans
The tentative date set is Tuesday, June
3. when the Nationals hook up with the
ST Louis Browns. but Manager Griffith
will be consulted before the day is posi-
lively determined.
Walter johnson. the human gattIing
gun, hurler of the fastest ball in ma jor
league baseball. if not in the world, well
deserves this tribute which the fans of
the National Capital will tender him.
Coming to Washington from the bush
lest of bush towns. Johnson became
star of the first water. and has always
been the most popular member of the
local club.
johnson Is Clubs Mainstay.
1t was johnson more than any other
one member of the club last year which
put the Nationals in second place. Wal
ter pitched more than his share~of the
games, but never complained. 1t is true
that he is paid big salary, but he brings
that amount into the Golfers of the club
more than tenfold.
J. B. Newman, the popular merchant
Walter johnson Day committee. with
Ed Mccarthy. of the National Electrical
Supply Company, and Bruce G. Pugh,
of Shannon & Luchs, as his assistants.
Mr. Newman can be reached any time at
his place of business, 10 Fourteenth
Street, where. contributions for the
johnson Day" will be received
1t is planned to present a handsome
silver loving cup 10 the big boy. and also
several floral tributes in the shape of
horseshoe and a diamond. If sufficient
funds are secured, a street parade will
be in order, with a band and other &C
cessOries to make Walter johnson Day"
a huge success.
johnson has always pitched winning
hall for the Nationals. He is the biggest
drawing power in the American League
today. and has always given the club
his best services
When Walter BANKED the Browns for
three innings last week and hung up
new shut-out record, he once more be-
came the hero of the hour. Walter has
to date pitched and won nine games /
leading the american League in this re-
spect. with Fred Falkenberg close |
second with eight victories. Johnson is in
for a great season. and the celebration !
planned for him will be in the nature !
of wishing him 'gOdspeed'' toward that |
goal
morning at Newman's Cigar Store, in /
Fourteenth Street. and will be open t.
all fans.
Come on. you fans. and make Walter
Johnson Day the biggest success of
them all.
johnson is very popular with the ball
players in Ban JOhnsons circuit many
OF whom say that he is the great test
Pitcher in the world.
Doc White. our own boy, who is still
pitching winning ball for the Chicago
hIte SOX. is strong Johnson man.
and never tires Of talking about
Wonderful Walter.
Walter johnson is my ideal of a
pitcher" said Doc recently. Have you
ever noticed the enormous length of his
arms? They reach almost below his knees
That's why he gets a tremendous lever
age and sweep. It's no wonder the ball
comes with such amazing speed. And
every motion he makes is absolute per-
feCtiOn. I've never seen such harmony
of mind and muscle. The ball seems
to obey his Will. This may seem like
a lot Of bunk, but I've watched him
many years now and am more amazed
every time l see him work.
His speed is so great you scarcely
know whether the ball has a hop on it
or not He also has a dandy slow ball
/ recall one instance where a fan told
me- If I had Johnson's fast ball and
had my slow ball neither of us
should ever he beaten.
The person who made that remark
evidently had never batted against John
son. If he had he'd have known Walter
possesses a slow ball fully as puzzling
as any I've been able to throw. You
get all set for one of his dazzling fast
ones and then swing aimlessly. Then
the ball floats up to you as big as a
house. You certainly get a funny feel
ing" !
This is only one ball player in the
big league. There are many more, all y
rs strong for Walter as Doc White. !
Now is the time. fans. for you TO get /
busy.
Let's make Walter johnson Day a I
fitting tribute TO a great pitcher