The Washington times., 1913-03-27
NEFF HAS CHANCE
To Join CLIMBERS
Griffith Offers Virginia's Star
Shortstop Opportunity to En-
ter Big League Baseball.
THROWING ARM is STRONG
Philadelphia Nationals to Be En-.
tertained Tomorrow and
Saturday at Ball Park.
By SENATOR"

Douglass Neff, Virginia's crack short
stop. who possesses the best throwing
arm among the colleges, may become a
member Of the Climbers, If he accepts
the offer Manager Griffith has made
him. At present the youngster is de-
sirous OF becoming a civil engineer at
Q ridiculously low salary, following the
advice OF his brother, a physician at the
University of Virginia Hospital.
Manager Griffith is delighted with the
youngsters appearance. and in every
game against the Griffmen. the lad
came through with some startling play.
His throwing Is remarkable for a boy
his age, and he moves to either side
Sd S5h equal d ease knst year he heia
playing short. He was star at third.
but he has improved since being placed
In the short field
Although the Virginia youth is now
unwilling to Join a professional team.
Manager Griffith has not given Up all
hope Of signing him, and will continue
TO correspond with him until the close
of the college season.
If Nen sees his way to joining a pro-
fessional team, 1t will be but matter
of time when he will be a star in the
big show. He knows how to hit. has
plenty Of speed On the bases. and in
the field is a wonderful performer.
Phillies Tomorrow.
Charlie Doom and his "Phiting Pills
will be guests of the Climbers tomor-
row and Saturday at the Florida ave-
nue. ball yard. The National Leaguers
are showing good form in their practice
games. and should provide excellent
opposition for the Griffmen.
Sir Robert Groom, elongated, at
tenuated toothpick twirler, has been
appointed manager and captain OF the
rookie outfit that goes to Richmond
Saturday. The Virginians wanter Wal
ter Johnson as the chief attraction
last spring, and this year put in a bid
for the thin finger. Manager Griffith
was only too pleased to accommodate
them. and So the blond boy will open
the battle on the mound for the rockies,
being followed by one Of the new
comers.
Walter Herrall, who got ten-second
trial with the Climbers in 1911, when
they were merely the Nationals and
nothing more. is not to pitch for the
Cardinal A. c., of Alexandria, Va, next
Monday against the Griffmen. though
such q report has been spread about.
Burdendine, a semi-pro. a member of
the Cardinals for the last years, will
occupy the bCx against the big leaguers
when the bell rings. He will be as
sisted by Cox. Welsh. Balm, Risdon. and
Hayes Mcbride, Jones. beavers. and
Patterson are candidates for the receiy-
ers job with the Alexandrians.
Are Working Hard.
The Cardinals are working hard to fit
themselves for this game on Monday.
Manager Crump is overseeing the work,
and hopes to be able to put up a good
hght. though a victory is hardly ex-
pected. Ayestrike looks the best for
first base, Miller for second. Hayden for
the hot corner, and Corl for the short
field with Nugent and Brown ready to
jump In anywhere.
In the garden are Treanary in left,
Williams in center. and Cockrell in
right. with B. Brown, Murphy, Lynch,
and Owns subbing.
Now that the practice season az Char
lottesville is concluded, the fans may be
glad to take look at the batting aver
ages Of the players, including every
game played on Lambeth Field. They
fnlinu