The Washington times., 1913-03-22
JOHNSON PROVES
HIS FUNGO TITLE.
Large Audience Sees kansas
Cyclone" Bat Ball Nearly
Five Hundred Feet.
BEATS ED WALSH'S RECORD
Pain in Henry's Weak Left Knee
Is Lessenine, and He Is
Able To Be Out.
By SENATOR"

CHARLOTTESVILLE Va, March ..
Pop Lsnnigan today busted himself
gathering affidavits to prove that Wal
ter johnson, the Climbers great pitcher,
= entitled to world honors for fungo
hitting. He had no trouble in obtain
ing these from Jack Ryan, the Vir-
ginia coach; Bruce Harlow, a Princeton
student travelling with the varsity ball
team, and a number of other specta-
tors who yesterday saw the Kansas
whirlwind send an old practice ball a
distance of 4sl feet and eight inches.
johnson will receive credit for his
mighty effort in the record books of
1915
Being a great admirer of Johnson S
ability, Pop" Lannigan was watching
Sim sending up flies to Hank Shanks
Sefore the practice game. He noticed
that Walter was driving the ball high
and far, and finally suggested that he
make bid for the record. johnson
complied, using an old ball for the pur-
pose. He got hold of the ball with all
his strength and away went Shanks for
the running track beyond the garden.
Lannigan Measures.
Before Shanks could pick up the ball.
Jannigan shouted to him to let II re-
the Virginia trainer drove a stake, and
before the Virginia Princeton game
measured 1t with a steel tape used IN
registering shotput records at the uni
versity track meets. Johnson had hit
The old horsehide 4sl feet inches,
breaking all previous records. Ed
Walsh. the White Sox star, is credited
with 4l9 feet 6 inches. This is official
having been made at a field day. Mike
Mitchell, now with the Chicago Cubs
is said to have knocked a ball 45i feet,
but even this mark is put in the shade
by Johnson's
In that field day here next week for
the Washington players, johnson ought
to equa;, if not better. this mark" said
Pop Lannigan today. He had not
made particular effort when he broke
the record yesterday, and therefore /
believe he can do even better when he
sets out to do II. I shall be on hand with
my steel tape, and there will be plenty
of witnesses willing to make affidavlts,
giving johnson an official record. Right
now he has the worlds record. for no
man ever hit a ball 49, feet s inches
before"
To Hold Field Day.
Manager Griffith will hold the field
day Monday and already the players are
showing interest in the various sports
Though IT has been announced that
none Of the Regulars would be allowed
TO comepete some may be admitted IL
the day is warm and the ground firm
Griff does not want 10 risk inJuring his
stars but will let them compete. If con-
ditions are right Suitable prizes will be
offered in the different events and some
Of the rockies have spent their money
already.
John Henry passed a comfortabl
night, and was able to be up and around
on his weak knee today. The club ply
sician failed to arrive yesterday. but is
is suffering only slight pain and hopes
that this will pass with the coming Of
good weather. Manager Griffith is in
clined to take the players injury philo-
sophically, believing that he will soon be
in condition to engage in the daily work
outs.
George W. Cameron. manager of the
New Haven club Of the Eastern Asso-
citation, wired Manager Griffith this
morning that he is glad to get young
around New York. The Harlem youth
was considered the best school boy
PLAYER in the metropolis two wears ago
and Cameron thinks he will be able to
develop him for the Climbers in sea
son or two.
Chats With Griffith.
''Tollie'' Pendleton. Princeton's star
baseball and football player had
short chat with the .'Oid Fox here
yesterday afternoon. but no mention
was made of the Tigers Joining the
climbers. Pendleton has given his word
tbat, If he decides to play professional
baseball he will give Griffith first
chance at his services. and the Climb
ers' leader is perfectly satisfied with
the young mans promise. Hes still
in school, you know said Manager
Griffith today. but I'm willing 10 take
his word about giving me a chance TO
get him. if he decides 10 play profess
sfonal ball His word is good enough
for me"
Yesterdays rain left Lambeth Field
rather soggy and damp today, and -
the Vets were not required to turn OiI;
for morning practice the rockies having
the place to themselves. At O'Clock.
however. the Regulars donneI their
uniforms for a strenuous practice be-
fore the game with Virginia. scheduled
for O'Clock