Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-06
UNABLE TO VENTURE
ON THE OPEN FIELD
Several Days Must EIapse Be-
fore the Nationals Can
Work Outside.
HEAVY LAYER OF SNOW
ON PRACTICE GROUND
Griffith, However, Not Disturbed.
Says Team Has Plenty of Time.
Other News.
BY ]. ED GRILLo.

BY j. ED GRILLO.
CHARLOTTESVILLE Va, March 6.
With 4 heavy layer OF snow covering
the ground and Il drzzhng rain still
falling this morning, all chance for
Griffith's squad to practice in the open
today went glimmering. The usual
work in the gym. however, was required.
1t is sure to be several days before
the players can venture outdoors to
work again. though the chances are that
the present snow will rot last long
and that tho only damage win result
from the thawins of the ground.
Emil MeuseI and Wally Smith, the
Atlanta infieldcr. arrived in camp late
last night. completing the squad. Groom
is now the only player missing. Meusei
is a splendid-looking young athlete. tall
and straight. lie is said 10 have had
but little experience in base ball, but
las the reputation of being q natural
hitter. and j. was on this recommenda-
ton that Griffith secured him. He was
touted by Frank Dillon. the manager
of the Los Angeles team, who is Grit
fiths cousin. Wally Smith is believed
to be the best OF the new infielders
who lately Joined the team: this be-
perience.
Griffith had his first heart -to-heart
talk with his players last night. Right
after dinner he called them together
and gave them to understand what he
expected. A warning against dissip1-
ton was issued, and tho players were
told that only those who hustled rs
hard during the training season as in
a regular game would be appreciated
Every man on the squad must get up
at . O'Clock III the morning and retire
at 1880 o'clock at night
Notwithstan the fact that weather
conditions are most unfavorabie for the
training of his players. Manager Griffith
refuses to be the least worried.
There is plenty of time for us to get
into shape, he said. upon his arrival
yesterday Il would. of course. prefer to
play some games right now, but there is
no way to control the weather, SO there is
no use complaining.
II can get the pitchers in fair shape in
doors and that is. after all, the most inn
portant thing to be considered The rest
of the players won't require much time to
get in playing fettle. and this is to be
strenuous training period. once We are
able to work outside
. snowstornl was raging when Griffith
and the main squad arrived here yester-
day afternoon. None of the newcomers
INDUCED in work, but the recruits tex
their practice inside, both morning ssd
afternoon II it clears there Is a. chance
to play q game here Saturday with the
Virginia college. Every effort will be
made to do this, as Griffith is anxious to
get his players In action. The snow of
yesterday helped matters in one way, in
that it brought the frost out of the
ground The snow did not lay long and
acted more like a warm rain.
Gritiith's squad will be completed some
time today. ''Wally" Smith missed the
train, bringing the main bunch down
from Washington yesterday, and got In
last night. Emil Meusel the Californian,
left his home in Los Angeles long enough
ago to be here. but he evidently has met
with numerous delays, and is apt to be
day or two late. Every one of the
members of last years team appears to
be ready to work. Clyde Milan and Joe
Boehling are the only ones to be a few
pounds over and this will come off read
lily once they get in action in the warm
sun. There are several others who need
to be built up Ainsmith and johnson
being among them.
did not give UP hope of landing Milan
even after he had reached Washington
for the purpose Of signing with Griffith.
1t is said that Larry Schlaflv, the mana
ger of the Buffalo Federal League team
was in Washington at the same time
and that he made Milan flattering offer
to join his forces. Milan, of course,
turned down the proposition, but, from
what Is known of the figures Schlafiy
offered him. the new league is either
playing Dluffing game or is willing to
pay out fortunes for the right players
Eddie Foster looks to be in the best
health of his career as a National. The
little fellow seems fit and ready even
now, and the chances are that he will
paign. Foster has not only entirely re-
covered from the effects of the typhoid
fever with which he suffered last sea-
son, but he has been keeping himself in
shape this winter by doing light work in
the gymnasium daily.
Alva Williams is another player who
seems to have been benefited by the
winters rest. The big catcher is enjoy
ing the best of health. and believes that
his arm has entirely mended as a result
Of his visit to Bonesetter Reese last fall.
Paul Smith, the former Southern Michi-
gan League fielder, is big, husky fell
low. He is nearly twice as big as any
Of the other candidates for the position,
yet appears to be light on his feet.
When Griffith selects his outfield. il he
has any intention of making change
the players who are to NIL these posi-
tons are to be able to do something be-
sides hit the ball. There is no doubt
that batting strength in the outfield is OF
great help to team like the Nationals.
but Griffith does not propose to weaken
his force, defensively, for the sake Of
adding a little batting strength. For this
reason, it is decidedly questionable If
any of the several youngsters he Is to
try out this spring will be able to wrest
a Job from the three men who filled the
positions last season. In addition to
Milan. Shanks Moeller and Acosta. he
will have Smith. Lee Allen, Meusel and
Nye to draw from, though the latter Is
not to report here until June, after his
school days are over. The youngster
who is retained will have to show a lot.
Holland. the young inhelder secured
from Atlanta, was recommended to Crit
fifth BY "Ty" Cobb, who had Holland on
the team he led through the spring OF
1918, when he was holding out. Cobb
figures him to have the making of a big
league star. Holland is a likely built
chap. and appears to be fast on his feet.
He is to have thorough trial before
decision in his case will be made.
Martin is another young infielder of
whom something is expected. He has
never played professional ball, however,
and may be farmed out after the train
ing season.
T-sII,- Smith who like Holland was