The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-05-03
Southpaw Harper Was Slated
for Minors, but Waivers
Could Not Be Obtained.
A UNIQUE CHARACTER
By WILLIAM PEET.


! Boston. Mass. May About once
a year Manager Griffith Inadvertently
let's a good story slip through his
| fingers and the writer today hap
pened to be on the job and able to
| grab the story first hand.
| Southpaw Harry Harper would be
pitching ball for one of the Interna-
| tional League clubs or in the Ameri-
can Association if Griffith had been
| able to obtain the necessary waivers.
That's the story.
Harper, some day. is going to be
the greatest lefthander the game has
ever known. He lacks experience and
| confidence in his own ability. That's
why he is wild as a hawk"
The aforegoing statement was made
by Griffith tonight while talking with
George Davis, an old professional,
and the present coach of the Amhers,
College team.
Davis Recommend ed Harper.
1t was Davis who brought out
Harper, recommended him to the old
fox for two years. and who is still
wondering why Southpaw Harper is
not the greatest pitcher in the Ameps.
can League.
Griffs answer to the last question
is that Harper, who is only a boy in
experience, lacks the necessary con-
troll and the only way for him to get
going properly. would be to farm him
out for just one year where he could
be worked three times a week.
The reason why this cannot be done
is stated in the aforegoing. Five
club owners out of the eight in the
American League refuse to waive
claim on Harper That's why Griff
cannot part with him.
A Uniqae Character.
Harper. himself. is an unique char
acter in baseball. He ranks with
Manager Hickey, of the St. Louis
Browns. as the only man under con-
tract in the American League who
does not have to show up at a ball
game on Sunday.
Ever since Harper has been a member
of the Nationals he has not been re-
quired to play ball on the Sabbath, a
clause in his contract. inserted by the
players mother. brings about this con-
dition of affairs.
Speaking of Harper brings to light
story worth publishing OF an incident
which happened here this morning ana
which throws strong light on the
young mans character.
Talks to Sunday School.
Rev. Richard Wright, pastor Of the
Pilgrim Congregational Church of Cam
bridge. who is a personal friend of Har-
per's father. invited the Young pitcher
to attend divine service this morning.
Harper not only accepted the invitation,
but responded to an appeal that he ad-
dress the Sunday school and talk to the |
boys and girls.
Harper's little speech must have made |
a big hit, for he was forced to stand !
next to the pastor and shake hands with
every one of the audience. from the |
little girl to the Oldest member |
Of the parish. |
The weather here today was clear but |
rold. and little prospect is held out for |
fair day tomorrow; nevertheless, the |
Nationals and Red Sox will play a ball !
game if there is a possible chance and |
Walter johnson Is slated to pitch for |
the Griffmen. Johnson will be opposed |
oy either Foster or RUDE Ruth
Joe Wood to Work.
Boston baseball scrfbes who have writ
en- column after column about Smokey
Toe Wood. the once great pitcher Of the
Red Sox being 'all in are liable to be
orced to take back much that has been
cribbled. for upon reliable authority it
vas learned tonight that Wood would
probably pitch against the Nationals
lere next Wednesday. providing the
Weather Is warm
1t appears that Wood has been coming
long gradually. and that he Is now lust
bout ready to take his turn in the box.
he addition of Joe Wood means much
o the Red SoX' chances. for Just at
resent Boston's pitching staff is not in
he best of condition.
Dutch Leonard is another hurler who Ia
kelly to be sent against the Nationals
efore the Washington club pulls out of
own. Leonard is now in shape and
as given a good account Of himself
n practice.
Ryan with Nationals.
Jack Ryan. coach of the University of
'irginia team. and Griffs right hand
IAN, reported here today. He will remain
18th the Nationals until the season closes.
Burton Mank. promoter of the National
'owling Tournament, which is being held
n this city, called on the WASHINGTON
layers tonight and succeeded in getting
emission from Clark Griffith for a five
ian team representing the club to roll
sainst the pick Of. the Boston duck
In talent at Mechanics Hall Tuesday
The Washington team viii be composed
Gandil, Morgan, A1trock, Foster and
icBride, and IL this team is able TO
ONE across with the highest team total
core. it stands a chance to grab off
ne major prize-somethinE like $500