The Washington herald., 1916-03-29
Griff' S Regulars Home;
Play Georgetown Today
Opening Game Of Exhibition
Schedule Will Be Staged at
National Park at 3.
DENY BERKELEY RUMOR
Old Fox Says He Knows Nothing
About Signing Virginia Short
stop-Other Gossip.
BY WILLIAM PEET.

Manager Grlffith piloted his regulars
back to the Capital from the Chsrlottes-
vile training camp yesterday afternoon,
and had he been at the helm of a college
team there would have been a loud out
burst of cheers when the train pulled
into Union station.
Old Washington looks mighty good to
me-" chirped Walter johnson.
Me. too" added John Henry.
so say we all of u.s." chorused the
newspaper correspondents who had been
in exile for nearly a month.
There was only small knot OF fans
at Union station to welcome home the
club-no demonstration whatsoever. and
1t was just as well. for Grim is trying
a number Of experiments this season, and
the club as it will open the season is OF
untried timber-the hitters have vet 10
demonstrate their ability to stand he
big show gaff. In oher words, Rondeau.
Judge and Jameson, the newcomers
must make good with the stick IL the
Nationals are to be considered a first
division aggregation
Grin believes that these men can de-
liver. Time alone will tell.
Providing the weather Is pleasant anC
the ball park in shape to stage a game.
the Nationals will open the exhibition
series here this afternoon. playing
Georgetown University's team. This
game starts promptly at 3 O'Clock.
Georgetown, according to reports, has
fast nine, one of the best in this sec
ton of the country. and the Hilltoppers
are confident OF giving the Nationals a
run for their money.
1t is Coach O'Reilley's intention 10
pitch Murray, big right-hander, against
the professionals. Murray halls from
Everett. (Mass) High School and Is
said to possess all the earmarks of a
great pitcher.
Grifr will start Harry Harper, his lanky
south-paw, who will go five innings and
then probably be relieved by Dumont
This game marks the opening of the
exhibition series and will be followed by
a contest against Catholic University to-
morrow.
The report that Grifith will sign up
Bunny" Berkeley, the University Of vir-
gtnia shortstop, Is emphaticaly denied
by the Old Fox.
Il have had no talk with Berkeley, no
agreement whatsoever and you can say
for me that SO far as I know Berkeley
IS not being considered" emphatically
declared Griffith.
ton for the rumor that Berkeley will be
given trial with the Nationals when he
graduates next June. Berkley's team
mates and others who are supposed
to know. informed the writer that
the little shortstop would probably
cast in his lot with the Griffmen, when
he graduated from the Virginia law
school.
81 Crk
pro, who has been with the Nationals
during the training camp season, has re-
ceived an offer from the Augusta club
of the Sally League, and will more than
likely accept terms.
Schwab Is hard worker, looks as II
he might be hitter and possesses a
good throwing arm. He should have
little trouble making good in the league
from which he has received an offer.
1t will be up to GriT to decide Just
what will be done in this matter and
Schwab plans to talk with the Old Fox
today.
Lamar, the Rockville youngster, who
was given a trial with the Nationals in
Charlottesville, last spring. has appar-
entity grabbed himself Job with Jack
Dunn's Baltimore International League
club.
Griff always maintained that some day
Lamar would be a good hitter, and II
is Just possible that the young man has
finally arrived.
Manager Grifith has issued orders for
all or MS players to be at the ball park
at 10 O'Clock this morning, where practice
VIII be held either on the field or under
meath the grandstand.
threatening weather last night made
1t doubtful about staging the George
town game. but If there Is a possible
chance to play the contest will be staged.
]. C. Kofoed. writing in the Baseball
magazine, claims that kid Gleason
originated baseball twenty years ago
while he was captain of the New York
Giants. Kofoed says:
The Giants and Anson's Chicago Colts
were fighting IT out In the eighth in
ming. with the score to s in favor of
the Giants. the Colts filled the bases with
two out and Jimmy Ryan at bat.
In those days Ryan was one Of the
greatest sluggers, and a long hit then
was bound to tie the score. Gleason,
ever alert. saw that the comparatively
weak-hitting Decker was next at bat,
He ran over to Jouett Meekin, who was
on the slab. and whispered something in
his ear. Meekin seemed amazed. but
called Catcher Wilson. and the three had
a conference, with Gleason doing most of
the talking.
Then. to the establishment of every
one, Meekin deliberately pitched four
balls so wide of the plate that Ryan had
not chance to touch any of them. A
moment later he famed Decker, winning
the game. 1t was the first time on record
that a twirler deliberately passed a man
Qorcing in rum to take a chance on a
weaker hitter"
Amateur Golfers Down Pros.