The Washington herald., 1916-04-14
Griffith Peeved
At Forced Lay-off
Heavy Rainfall Makes Polo
Grounds a Sea Of Mud.
Second Game Postponed.
HARPER VS.. FISHER TODAY
BY WILLIAM PEET.

New York. April 13.-Heavy rains last
night put the Polo Grounds in such a
sloppy condition that 1t was deemed ad-
visable to call OFF the days ball game
between the Griffmen and Yankees
Rightfield was ankle deep in water and
the diamond so soft that fast running or
fielding was out of the question. In ad-
dition the weather was 50 cold and raw
thst only handful of people would have
turned out.
Manager Griffith was considerably
peeved at the forced idleness for the
reason that he wanted his players to
get the much NEEDED work.
Indications for clear weather tomorrow
are far from promising, but unless 1t
rains in the meanwhile, Groundkeeper
Fabian says the field will permit of play
! ing the second game of the series and
Griffith stated tonight that he would
adhere to his original plans and send
Harry Harper to the box. Either Keat-
ing or Fisher will oppose Harper.
Manager Donovan, Of the Yankees, be-
| lieyes that with Walter johnson out of
J the way his club can now get down to
business and start winning.
The New York players to man de-
clare that johnson had more speed yes
terday than at any previous time they
had faced him so early in the season.
| Walter himself admitted modestly that
he went pretty good, his arm, he de-
clared. felt fine and he was not one bit
afraid to let it out. Johnson paid Frank
| Bakeh a fine compliment. saying, I'm
glad to see Baker get of to such a good
start in New York. l put all the stun
1 had on the ball every time he came to
bat, and those two hits he got off me
I were no flukes. You can't take It away
from Frank Baker; that boy sure can
hit, I'll tell the world so, too"
|
Ray Morgan has developed into a regu-
lar demon lead-off man. Morgan can get
pitcher into a hole more often than
any player on the local club, and when a
hit is needed in a pinch Morgan has al
| ready proven himself Washington s
handy man.
| yelling murder last winter when Grif-
fifth announced he would give Morgan
one more chance, would have agreed yes
terday that the "Old Fox knew what
he was doing. Morgan Is taking base
| ball serious this season. He is right
down to playing weight and fielding bet
ter than he ever did in his life before.
There promises to be a big throng at
Saturdays game here to celebrate Joe
Judge Day"
Washington fans probably are not
aware OF the fact that New York is
Judges home. Judge was born and
brought up over on the East Side and got
his first baseball experience while play
ing with a fast semi-pro team. Judge s
old teammates and his many friends have
planned a big reception for him on Sat
urday. There probably will be the usual
presentation OF a gold watch, diamond
ring or loving cup and Joe will more than
likely respond by striking out. They
usually do on such occasions.
There is little chance of Griffith making
any change in the batting order of his
club for the opening game in Washing
ton on Thursday week. Both Shanks
and Jameson are playing better ball than
Rondeau and Barber, the Old Fox's early
choice. Nevertheless, just as soon as
Jameson or Shsnks start slipping out
they will come.
New York baseball writer's today pro-
claim Carl Sawyer the greatest comedian
on the coaching lines that ever hit this
town. Sawyer's antics certainly went big
yesterday and the youngster promises to
be a great drawing card the next time
the Griffith men hit Gotham.
The elevated pitching mound at the
Polo Ground came in for a big discussion
after the opening game. Last year Wal
! ter Johnson claimed the mound was SC
high that in taking his long step after
delivering a bali he houndeTed around
almost lost his balance, and could not
control the ball.
The mound is just as high, If not high
or, than last year." declared johnson,
but the ground keeper has made II
easier for me to take my stride by filling
in space from the rubber to the home
plate and thereby effecting a gradual in
cline. l had no trouble whatever yester-
day putting the ball over the plate"
| With no ball game this afternoon, the
Washington athletes spent the time play
ing cards, lounging around the lobby and
taking in some of the shows.