The Washington herald., 1914-04-06
Final Week of Practice.
Starts for the Criffmen
Nationals Will Face Oliverii' S
Vigilant A. c. in the Local
Park Today.
OTHER SPORT COMMENT
by WILLIAM PEET.

Eight days moro remain for Clark
Griffith to put on the finishing touches
for the near approaching American
League campaign. and during these eight
days some strenuous work will be in or
der.
To begin with the Nationals are still in
need OF batting practice, while the infield
received temporary setback last week,
when Eddie Foster and George Mcbride,
on account Of injuries, were forced to
knock off work.
The chances are that Capt. Mcbride
will get back into the game by tomorrow
or Tuesday as he reports that the strain
ed ligament which has been bothering
him is nearly healed up.
Foster played yesterday and Saturday
in Cincinnati, 50 that the team will be
intact once more, and while the practice
games booked here during the next four
days will be against local college and ath-
letic club teams, the Boston Nationals, a
hard club to beat. will be in our midst
Friday and Saturday. Griff takes his
squad to Providence. r. l.. for two games
next Sunday and Monday.
Warm weather. a scarce commodity this
time Of year. is greatly needed The
Washington pitchers have complained
bitterly of the cold during the past week.
Jim Shaw. or Saturday, was unable 10
do his best work because Of the chilly
breezes which swept over the Cincin-
natl park. while Cashon, who twirIed
against the Newark International
Leaguers here. said that he could not
get himself warmed up properly and
feared TO cut loose at any stage
The Nationals are not as far advanced
in the matter of training as was the
case at this time last year, but a few
warm days during the present week will
help out wonderfully.
At National Park this afternoon. the
Gritfmen meet Joe Oliveri's Visilants,
and the chances are that Schaefer's
fannigans will be forced to bear the
greater burden. as the Regulars do not
reach the Capital from Cincinnati until
noon, and If Griff starts his first team he
will hardly keep them in the game more
than an inning or so.
Buck Becker and Big Six Brewer,
both Of whom were under contract with
the Nationals several years back. will
be the battery for the Vigilants at the
start of tOday's game.
Becker is attempting a come back"
stunt He claims TO be in fine condition.
and would like nothing better than to
make a good showing against his former
team mates.
OIiveri has a number of semi-profes-
siOnal and minor league stars in his line
up and this team is capable of making
the Nationals work over time to win
Henry Ober. the hustling young man.
ager of Saks & Co. sporting goods de-
partment, is one local fan who thinks
the Nationals have Gne chance to beat
out the Athletics for the pennant this
season.
Mr.. Ober was in Charlottesville few
days ago this spring aud was greatly i'm
pressed with the looks of Griffith's young
pitchers.
While the Nationals dropped both ex-
hibition games to the Cincinnati Reds in
the Ohio city. the team made d good
showing and incidentally batted against
major league pitching. all Of which helps
some. yet the Old Fox would have liked
to have grabbed of those games even
though they were but practice contests.
Walter Maranville. p"1psry partner of
johnny EVeTs in the Braves intield,
has followed the wishes Of George Stall
ings and postponed his marriage until
after the close of the season. indicating
that Stallings has some influence with
his players.
All experts seem to agree on one point
regarding the Federal LeaSue-the teams
are fairly evenly matched. According TO
John B. Foster. secretary of the Giants.
the real test will come when fans pay
major league prices TO see the Feds