The Washington herald., 1914-05-26


Bob Groom, the Nationals lanky pitch
er who last spring jumped to the 81
Louis Federal League Club and VINO mas
been with them all the season thus far,
was an interested spectator at the De-
troit game here yesterday.
A dispatch late last night from beiti-
more, where the ST.. Louis FEDS are
playing. stated that 1t was rumored that
Groom had Jumped the Federals and was
planning to rejoin his old club. also that
| he had violated Manager Mordecai
Browns orders in coming to washing
I ton.
Groom was seen last night and re-
fused to discuss the matter. Manager
Griffith when interviewed said:
| II talked with Groom yesterday for
minute, but nothing was said about his
coming back to the Nationals. In fact
\ I could not take him back IL he wanted
to come for the reason that his case Is
at present in the hands of the National
Commission, and ! would have to be
governed by their decision In the mat
ter"
Grifith would not even say whether or
not he wanted Groom in case the pitcher
decided to return to organized baseball
and the National Commission voted fav-
orably. The Old Fox added: II cannot
ulSCu66 SuCH CdSCS VI 6iNO oeh AitSA
until official sanction from President
johnson Is obtained
Groom also maintains strict silence
He is wise enough not to say anything
that will get him in bad" with either or
ganized baseball or his present employers.
but 1t Is believed that Sir Robert would
like to be back among his old pals. and
there is a possibility that he will be, too.
Stranger things have happened.
Victory over the Tigers here this aft
ernoon will put the Nationals at the
head Of the American League race. The
margin will be but twenty-five points.
Jean Dubuc. who has been pitching fine
ball all season for Detroit, and who has
always been a hard man for Washington
to beat, will probably be in the box for
the visitors while either Joe Engel or
Boehling will work for the home team
s.sss
This youngster Burns, who has been
playing such a fine game for Hughey
Jennings looks like a first-class man.
Although he did not manage to hit the
ball safely during yesterdays game, he
hit the ball hard every time up. He hit
a long fly to Milan on his first time at
bat against johnson. Flies to Shanks
resulted from his second and third at
tempts and upon the occasion Of his last
time at bat, Eddie Foster. by beautiful
stop, robbed him Of base hit.
Shanks certainly displayed some intelli-
gent baseball. 1t seemed that anything
he attempted had to come through.
Gandfl was on third when he endeavored
to sacrifice him home. He succeeded. but
instead of Burns tagging him out Shanks
dropped to the ground. kept his feet IN
the base path and rolled to the first sack
in safety, eluding Burns, who had the
ball. On the second ball pitched, while
Stanage had the ball in his hands. he
successfully worked the double steal.
Stanage had to wait for second base to
be covered and Shanks had arrived at
the midway sack before the ball got
there.
Little Ownie Bush did not last long.
In the third round, while attempting to
go from second to third after Foster had
thrown Kavanaugh's grounder to Candle
Bush was caught at the hot corner by a
perfect throw from Gandil. He kicked
loud. and long at Silk O'Loughlin, and 1t
was surprising that he was not elected.
His finish came in the last half OF the
round when the umpire called Shanks
safe at first base. Bush got up in the
air and told O'Loughlin several things
which he did not care to hear, and as
a result Ownie went to the showers. Os-
car Witt took up the job at shortstop.
Rippy Williams slammed out the bingle
that sent over the first two runs for the
Nationals. In the fourth he cracked one
out that had some steam behind it, and
Witt made a nice stop Of the ball. Not
Tiger stole base and not one attempt
Cd =, do SO. In Johnsons last three
So; Rippy has been behind the plate
and only one man has stolen a base and
one was a gift from the receiver.
Marty Kavanaugh, Jennings peppery
CONTINUED ON PAGE NINE.