The Washington herald., 1917-03-25
Old Fox SaysHe Will Consider
Birmingham S Second Sack
er In Next Years S Drafts.
BY JOHN A. DUGAN.

Memphis, Tenn, March 2i.-"Old Fox"
Griffith always has his eyes open for
promising youngsters and while taking
this transforming trip against these
Southern Leaguers the foxy pilot has his
lamps blinking in all directions, look
ing for a chance to jump in and make
a trade or a purchase that will benefit
the Nationals.
The Nationals trip of hiking through
this Sunny South got a good start in
Birmingham yesterday when the "Old
Fox" himself took one or two looks at a
promising young infielder Of the Birmins-
ham BaronL
Griff was impressed with the work of
Infelder Danny Clarke. Of the BirminS-
ham club, and admitted that he believed
the BarOns' second-sacker would some
day become a big Lacquer. Through the
Lawson leak channel comes the tip
that the "Old Fox" talked over a deal
for this youngster with Manager NJ.
Molesworth of the Barons, but when
questioned on this subject last night
the ''Old Fox" only admitted that he lik-
ed the boys looks and may consider him
in the drafts next season.
It may be a case OF sour grapes and
that the Nationals pilot could not do any
business with the Barons, as 1t is a
known fact that Birmingham is the farm
ing grounds for Barney Dreyfuss' Pitts
burgh Nationals.
But even II Grifr is unable to lane
this KID he must be given credit for
picking out the real ones. as when the
figures in the record book are looked
over 1t cam not seem possible that big
league scouts could leave a youngster Of
CIarke's ability in the bushes.
Clarke hit the pill for .29S in 10 games,
while he fielded his position for a .s54
count. and made but thirty-three errors
in 19 chances.
This youngster is but 10 years of age
as he broke in with the Augusta club, OF
the South Atlantic League and was last
season purchased by the Birmingham
club. This Is his second year with the
Barons and is a sure fact IL the "Old
Fox does not land him that he will
be heard from attached to some big
league roster before the draft season
starts.
Christy Mathewson's Cincinnati X
blew into this city shortly before the
midnight hour. and are ready to give
battle to the Nationals in this Sunday
attraction here.
Walter Johnson has been advertised to
do the mound duty for the Nationals
against the National Leaguers. but the
odd Fox stated tonight that he would
also work George Du Mont and Jimmy
Shaw against the red-leg tribe.
Mathewson tonight stated that he had
not made any definite selection for the
contest today but that his hurlers were
in pretty good shape and prepared to
give the Nationals a real battle.
The Old Fox was busy on the wire to-
day making arrangements for the games
with Nashville and Cincinnati to be
played in Nashville on Monday and Tues
day Floods have made the playing OF
n game at Nashville ball park almost i'm
possible and the "Ol Fox was of the
Jump on to Louisville and lay idle but late
tonight he received word that II the
grounds at the Nashville park are not
in shape that these contests can be
played on the field at the Vanderbilt Uni
versity.
CLYDE Milan's brother Claude, who Is a
student at Vanderbilt. made the trip here
today to watch the Nationals play.
Young Milan is the youngest of the Milan
boys and admits that some day he ex-
poets to break into professional base
hall. Booth Hopper who was a member
of the Nationals Charlottesville squad i'll
1915 was also a visitor at the Peabody
Hotel today and took in the game this
1t will be remembered that Hopper is a
member OF Cantillon's Minneapolis club
and is due to report to the Miller at Par
sons on Monday.
Sammy Cuttings. the Washington sand
lotter. who was given a trial by the Old
Fox for last season. and Dixie Walker,
the old National hurler, were present at
the game in Bennington yesterday.