The Washington herald., 1914-01-13
IMPOSSIBLE TO
sign SCHAEfER,
SAYS GRIFFITH
Comedian, on High Seas, I'm
less rendered Contract by
February | Will Be Free.
OTHER SPORT COMMENT
AItrock Already in Line-National
League Urged to Get Players
to Sign Quickly.
by WILLIAM PEET.

"wil you tell me how am going to
sign up Germany Schaefer to contract
when he is galloping around the world
with the White Sox-Giants toIrists?" in
quired Manager Griffith last night
Il want Schaefer with me during the
coming season, but unless he gets a con-
tract before February (and don't know
how am going to get one to him), he
can declare himself a free agent"
Inasmuch as the White Sox-Giants tour
lists do not arrive home until the first
week in March, and If the Old Fox sent
out a contract today, the instrument prob
ably would, never reach Schaefer, Grin
Is up against il, and stands a chance OF
losing TINS player.
That Schaefer and Altrock. the comedi-
ans, will both be with the Nationals next
season is a foregone conclusion. Grin has
already signed Altrock. whom he con-
siders a valuable asset to his club, and
he intends to hook up Germany il he has
to offer him contract terms via wire
less.
IF could definitely locate Schaefer on
the high seas" said the Nationals pilot
last night, II would send him terms by
wireless, and demand an immediate ac-
ceptance.'
AItrock is desired as a coach to the
young pitchers. while Schaefer is still
able to go in as a pinch hitter, and, be-
sides, is often called upon for advice.
Yes, fans, both Schaefer and Altrock
will more than likely be with us next
season, and no Washington club would
be entirely complete shout these COM
edians on the coaching lines.
-renn beat the Indians at basketball.
History repeating again.
Many important Developments in the
baseball situation are looked for during
the present week, declares Billy Weart.
of Philadelphia, secretary of the Base
bail Writers Association of America. The
National League club owners and man
ayers have had their eyes opened They
know that they must get busy and en-
deavor to check the raid being made on
their teams by the independents. Up to
date no such fear has entered the hearts
0f the American Leaguers, for their play
ers appear to be almost immune from
the attacks Of the raiders.
Within the past few days the message
has been flashed to all of the National
League clubs to get busy and sign their
players as soon as possible. Despite the
statements made by the National League
that they do not fear the Federals. and
that they are confident the outlaws"
have not got sufficient backing to put
up winning fight, il is known that the
magnates who attended the meeting OF
the National Commission at Cincinnati
last week had their eyes opened.
The reports which were received there
by men who have been investigating the
Federal League movement proved that
there is more money behind the independ-
ents than the men in organized baseball
believed. Coupled with this information
came the signing of several National
League stars and king Cole. of the
New York Americans.
Last week the Federals apparently had
the National Leaguers on the run. Now
the managers of the National teams have
got down to WORK an earnest They are
going to endeavor to repair the breaks
in their teams and efforts will undoubt-
edly be made to get some of the men
who are reported to have signed con-
tracts with the enemy to reconsider their
action and return to organized baseball.
1t is a curious fact that nearly all of
the men who played under the Phillies'
banner last season have either signed
with the Federals or else been made
offers. Going through the list, about the
only regular of the Quakers in 1913 'whu
has not been mentioned as being wanted
by the independents is "Dut" Chalmers
Perhaps "Dut' has not yet secured
Chalmers is likely to also get into the
fashion.
A few of the Philliesi are safe. il the
Federals live up to President Gilmore's
statement and refuse to have anything
to do with the players who have not yet
served out the terms of their contracts
Icbert. Luderus.~ Alexander and a couple
of others are said to have signed con-
tracts last year which have not yet run
out.
One of the mysteries of the present war
is why the Pnillies should have been
singled out for such a raid. With three
men already announced as being in the
outlaw" fold and more considering
propositions, it will be easily seen why
Manager Doom should have his sleeves
rolled up and ready to defend his club
from the invaders. 1t is hoped that
Charlie is down to fighting weight, for
it looks very much as though he had
a mighty big scrap on his hands.
Washington, ID. c.. Jan. T.
Sporting Editor Herald-Did Gene
Demontreville play on the Washington
team in the American League?
PC. H
Ans.-Yes, in 1901, but he was released
that year.