The Washington times., 1914-03-04
Griff Wants to Give Him Raise
Next Year, If He Makes
Good This Season.
WALTER JOHNSON is HERE
Says Griffmen Are Sure to Miss
Bob Groom When Hard
Campaign Is On:
By LOUIS A. DoUGBER.


Jesse Clyde Milan, leading base
stealer of the big leagues, signed a
one-year contract with the Griffmen
today, receiving sizable increase in
the figures. 1t took him but ten min
utes to make up his mind, and then
he wrote his name to the papers
binding him to the Washington club.
"Why didn't you try to hook him
up for more than a year," Manager
Griffith was asked. "The Federals
will be after him next year."
"Well, wanted him only for one
year at the terms he accepted. Per-
haps next year he'll be worth a lot
more. If we win the pennant, it'll be
better for a player to have a one
year contract, won't it? Then ne can
get a good raise. I'm going to treat
my men with all justice, and l con-
slider it better to have Milan in line
for one year only-better for him.
self, ] mean."
Milan called upon his manager in
company with his old "roomie,'' Walter
johnson, the smokeball finger. Both
looked as if they had treated them
selves well during the off season. 1t
goes without argument that the Old
Fox was pleased his standbys looking
SO we'll.
You fellows look ready right now"
laughed Griff.
That's what we are was the reply.
Milan was rendered a flattering offer
from the Federal League a month or SO
ago. but he didn't consider il for mo-
ment. He knew he would receive fair
treatment from Manager Griffith. And
Il didn't pay much 2:tent on to the
Federals, explained ''Leb' today.
They merely asAed me what l wanted
TO jump the Washington c.ub, naming
no figures themselves. SO / didn't even
reply. I've always. been treated vel,
here, and rve no kick coming"
Milan and johnson pulled ito town
Dewey on l. street. They will spend the I
day calIIng upon friends and then hike |
10 Charlottesville tomorrow morning at
I0:40.
Hearing that Groom was thinking
Of jumping TO the Federals. said John |
son today, II wrote - him. asking him
about il. l wasn't .:'ini: to tell any !
body what he might s"y, but the SON |
of-a-gun never wen answered me.
If Bob jumps, we're going 20 miss /;
him. He had a lot Of hard luck last (
season, and didn't do himself Justice !
but he's one of the best curve ball pitch |
ers ! ever saw. Yes. we're going to !
miss him, al right, if he isn't with us ,
though, before the training season is |
done !
In order to have everything prepared |
for the return of the Grinmen from !
Charlottesville. Manager Griffith visited .
the ball park today, routing odt Red !
O'Dav and setting him to wo-!I on the
grounds. He found the park in fine /
condition. considering the .cCpnt ,
weather. and didn't hesitate 10 say that
much of the teams conditioning would
be done st Florida avenue
charlottesville has been Jumped
pretty hard" said the Old Fox. "and we
NAV be delayed quite bit down there
TO stay. think Lambeth Field will be
in shape inside II two days. But the
weather this spring is bad that ,
amt bank on that. Perhaps well have
10 do our work here when We come
back
AS the squad of regulars. Including n
few rockies. is to leave tomorrow morn
ing on the 1919 train fer ChHriottes-
Vile. Manager Griffith will remain IL
his office tonav TO greet tho new pl.
ers. Paul Smith. the young Outfic ..cr
flom Adrian. Mich. s the only one I"
show up so far. but the others VIII
drift into town this afternoon and to-
hight
Len Spencer. outtielder: WaIy smith.
inilelder: Otto NVe. oGtfielder, Leo Mar
tin: infielder: Billy Allen. outfelder.
and Young Lee the semi-pro outfielGer
from Bayonnc. y. j., are due here to-
day.