The Washington times., 1915-03-14

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va, March
14.--"Jack Bentley is not only a
good pitcher. but good ball play
er on top of that" mused Manager
Griffith today. "He could make good
almost anywhere on any team"
The conversation turned upon
Bentley's speed, which is the equal
OF almost any player on the team,
with the possible exceptions of
Milan, Moeller, Pick, and Ainsmith,
the whiz quartet. The Old Fox
didn't hesitate for a moment to give
his complimentary opinion of the
Sandy Spring southpaw.
Bentley's control is excellent in a
southpaw with but years expert
ence on the bench of a big league
ball club. He is a strong. well-built
lad, who takes the best of care of
himself at all times. He has in
creased his speed on the mound con-
siderably since last season and his
curve ball is going to fool many a
big leaguers this coming year. How
ever, his pitching ability is general
ly known to you fans. It's his all
around playing qualities that re-
quire elucidation.
Jack Bentley is a good ball player.
He works so frequently In the outfield
that he is now able to put up a very
fair exhibition there. particularly in left
field. Not only can he come in on n
fly ball. but he can go out, much
more difficult task, and drag down the
long drives meant for the barrier His
speed of foot enables him to so to
both sides and seize the spheroid with
lrl la A fEa I>,,t II. 81
ever dangerous. He gets healthy
swing of those powerful shoulders into
every move against the foe, and, when
he lands on the pill, he usually chases
the gardeners out a bit for it.
Jack uses his head says Uncle
Nick Altrock. his private baseball tutor.
Il don't have to tell him anything more
than once. For instance, at Annapolis.
| taught him how to make a move with
runner on second. The other day In
make it, showing me that he had learn
ed well the lesson at Annapolis and
knew how to use his knowledge. Jack
is an earnest kid with great possibii-
keen him in the business for many
years. He does not tear his arm off to
get the ball away. but has great power
in his swing, just the same Unless
be a winner for Griff this season."
Asking Bentley about all this brings
forth little information. He Just grins
and says nothing. But Uncle Nick and
Old Fox Griff expect great things OF
him this year. nevertheless.
s.
There was one happy lad in camp here
last night: When Henri Rondeau poled
/ that vicious safety to center in the
/ fourth frame of the morning skirmish
he had broken the ice. He had approach
ed the the platter an even dozen times
without avail. No wonder he grinneu
throughout his dinner.
| suppose 1t had to come some time"
was his comment, but 1t took a long
! time to show up"
While Joe Engel did pass three men
! in row in that evil eighth inning yes
| terday, he looked pretty good In the
! that Umpire Griffith didn't give Engel
any the best of it on some of his at
tempts to find the dish II Manager
Griffith had been on the sidelines, wit
| Messing the work of Umpire Griffith
yesterday. the manager would have
made the umptre's life miserable.
-
Doug Neff has the credit OF slammine
out the first home run OF the practice
| season, but II must be admitted that
! Milan didn't break his neck to gather
| in the pill, nor did Ainsmith try very
hard to block off the smiling. peppery
youngster at the plate. Nefr is very
| encouraged him to make the circuit,
| cheering him when he slid across the
| dish.
Henri Rondeau pulled a Charley
horse" yesterday morning. giving way
be able to engage In Monday mornings