The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-26
NATIONALS CHOOSE
IDEAL PLACE To
DEVELOP PLAYERS
CHARLOTTESVILLE SCENE OF
PREPARING GRIFF'S CHARGES
FOR LEAGUE RACE.

J. Ed Grilio. writing in yesterdays
Washington Star OF the Nationals
training grounds at Charlottesville, has
this TO say of the university as place
for the developing of ball players:
charlottesville. Va, where the Ma
tionais have trained for the past two
years and where they are scheduled
to again get themselves into condi-
ton for the coming season, Is un-
doubtediy one OF the most ideal train
Ing places ever visited by major
league ball club.
Most Of the big league teams go
much further South 10 do their pre-
iiminary work, yet it is questionable
whether the invasions into warm
climates are as beneficial as Char
lottesville has proven. To begin with
the climate of the training camp is
but little different from what it Is
here at home. The players are not
asked to work out in midsummer
weather, and consequently do not suf-
fer from the change to cool climate
when they como North.
Furthermore. there Is no better
bali field for spring work than at Lam
beth field at the University of Vir-
ginia Well kept and so arranged
that drenching rain does not put
ID out Of commission for more than a
few hours, il is possible for the play
ers to get in more work than do the
teams that 20 to the extreme South
Then there are splendid accommoda-
tons in the college gymnasium. while
the system of housing the players all
together. though in separate houses.
has proven an ideal proposition.
Furthermore, it is possible for Griffith
to regulate their diet since he is al
ways in close touch with the culinary
department of the camp. and diet Is q
most important feature of a train
Ing camp
Few Amnsements.
aside from the moving picture
shows, of which there are several in
Charlottesville. there Ia really no other
form OF amusement All the players
can do during their stay there is to
put in their time getting themselves in
shape and that really Is what training
camps are for
'Griffth inaugurates regular
routine of training. AL hands to the
field in uniform every morning about
10. Vigorous practice Is INDUCED and
sometimes . game ~ played before
noon In the afternoon there Is more
practice and occasionally another ex-
hibition game either with the co.'s
legians or among two teams picked
from the squad. Great care, however.
is taken in the preparing of the
close observation of Griffith himself.
The pitcher who takes strenuous
workout today puts In his time chas-
ing files and batting for the next two
days, Then he let's out his arm again
and in two weeks most OF them are
ready to give a fairly good account
Of themselves on the rubber. With
/ the other players 1t Is different. There
| la no let up In their work. They are
given two turns at fielding practice
every day and put in lot OF time at
batting practice, in addition to playing
| in the games from time to time.
An Early Breakfast.
| breakfast is served at 7:30 and by
| Q o'clock most of the players make
| their way to the gym to change their
street clothes for uniforms A light
! lunch at about o'clock, and then a
couple Of hours or so OF lounging
| about, when the players are sent back
to the field. 1t In a strenuous time
| this training work. but 1t works won
ders with the players. After about
! two weeks of practice and training
the Improvement in the playing be-
comes apparent. The pitchers begin
| to leave out their arms and the rum
ners begin to show speed.
| ITO the young players tho training
season Is a pleasure. Most of them
are at their best right from the out
set and they usually make the vet
/ Grams whom it requires weeks to loosen
| up look slow and outclassed. but In
time the old fellows get into their
stride and as rule the youngsters
have to take q back seat.