The Washington times., 1914-02-28


practically every one of the repre-
sentatives of the House of Griffith,
and. following the day of rest to-
morrow, the men from whom will he
chosen the supporters of Walter
Johnson. Joe Boehling. and other vets
and near-vets, will be ready to pitch
IN and pitch out, SO far as that is
"once:ned. and do some real strenuous
work.
One of the distinctly favorable fea-
lures of the work has been the fact
hat, included in the school of pitcn-
ers. there lis no one who could be
classed rs q dissipater. The question
of drinking does not enter into the
question, IL for no other reason that
there is not saloen within many
miles Of this place. Not 4 man on the
squad has had SO much as a glass
If beer since invading this dignified
town, and the rule prohibiting cigar
cites has served to remove an ele-
ment that, is always troublesome in
Drimipg men.
The cigar trade has been given a no.
ticeable boost since the arrival of the
firing squad, but corn-cob pipes are
proving considerably moro attractive
here are not the best in the world, and
pall players do not receive paw for the
ime they spend In conditioning quar-
ers.
One thing that has made for the sue
"ess of the Nationals while they battled
and stormed and fought their way into
second place in successive years has
oeen the matter OF physical shape
There was q time, not SO long since.
when training. SO far as the Wasllin ston
lub was concerned, was one OF the
greatest jokes of modern times. The
men were not only allowed to do almost
IS they pleased, but the situation WAS
no one around who seemed to know
just what training meant.
Most baseball trainers know about as
much about getting a man on edge and
keeping him there as an Eskimo does
about the hesitation waltz. Now. how
having in Mike Martin a man who is
conceded to be among the pest real
trainers in the business. Educated for
years by the peerless Mike Murphy,
Martin has studied the science until his
opinion on matters of condition is re-
~p@ctei by men not only on Griffth's
team. but by players on every club in
The American League.
Martins word as to the conditioning
uf the Griffmen is final. For years he
has Served under his present chief, and
that he is not now trainer Of the New
York Giants is because the esteem in
which he is held by Griffith is so strong
that IL drew forth inducements that re-
tanned him for Washington when the
New Workers were after his services
II Jack Bentley shows sufficient
Natural ability to make good ne should
nave a mos extensive career in ma jor
eague baseball Possessing a grand
physique, wcikhing lS9 pounds. and six
reet tall. the silent singer from Sandy
Springs has movenen. absolutely
without hitch. Snap pitching has
orced TO the discards many a inan who
- ould have lasted many years had it
-lot been for an unnatural yank of the
aim 5ust as the ball left his hand,
Two comElete circles by the arm. Il
r:se TO his full length and then @ swing
T hat is followed through give Bentley
n system of delivering the ball THAI
: not easily excited and has come
O.. own here TO take this training as i
serious nroDositirn.
Inflated ideas OF their own inptrtance
ave started many young player or
the trail TINT leads 10 Oblivion. but
i;eriley. Hc is ready and willing at
IL times tG receive EugS 2stions looking
>" his Improvement and through this
Hethod has won the friendship Of Nick
tltrcck. Al all practices Atrock
handles Bentle". and. apI rcciatiny the
ustice Of Altrock's reputation of being
"ne OF the most crafty Of all left
ianders. the friendship. OF the vetcran !
should be great asset for the young
81 may be wrong. bu: honestly !
mink that VIC have the right man in |
he right place in tn.S Jack Bentley" |
Naid -altTocH today. II lave been in |
his business long time. E'Yt I never
thought ] ever knew one-tenth about |
jitchinG as some youngsters YOU rrn |
Cross diink they know. We will never |
''aL" any troupl" like that with Jack. |
md that will helm him a whole lot |
'efore he takes off his glove for the |
ast time
Now that the athletes are getting into |
aeir stride, Mike Martin has issued an |
rlct against unnecessarily heavy /
Lnches. He wants them all TO have