New-York tribune., 1917-08-31

The storm was a blessing in disguI
days in. both boroughs. Nothing wa
ing weather and the big military pa
away. There were mere handfuls at
Double-headers will be played both
at the Polo Grounds and at Ebbets
Field this afternoon. beginning a; 1880
o'clock. Washington meets the Yam
KEGS, while the Giants visit Flatbush.
For both home teams it is a matter Of
life-and-death struggle to save some
thing from the wreck Of a disastrous
campaign.
The Yankees have at best but an
outside chance 20 finish in the first
division this season. The same may
be said for the Dodgers, last years
champions. While Robbie's boys are
closer to the possibility just now than
is the Donovan clan, Brooklyn closes
the campaign away from home, while
the New York Americans will be at
home for most OF their remaining
games.
Senators on Warpath
At the present moment Bill Douo-
van is most concerned in hanging on
TO what ne holds-ffth position. He
is hard pressed By Grifith's club.
Washington is only one game away,
with four chances in the next two
days TO overhaul the locals Wash
ington for the last month has played
the better ball Of the two clubs.
Brooklyn should furnish the Giants
just the sort Of competition needed to
keep the prospective National League
champions on their mettle for the big
worlds series that will come next
October. Brooklyn has set very fast
pace since the beginning of its last
home stand and hopes 20 cut enough
into the Giants lead TO reawaken some
interest in the September campaign.
The l2.h Regiment Infantry will be
the guests of the Brooklyn and New
York clubs at Ebbets Field this after
noon. The regiment will march upon
the field under command Of Colonel Z.
L. Foster, headed by a band Of 100
pieces and followed by about forty
young ladies from the "Follies,"
"Hitchy-Koo" and "Oh. Boy" compa-
aies. Raymond Hitchcock and James J.
Corbett will announce TO the audience
the purpose for which the demonstrs-
ton is made. Leave il to the Squire
for ceremony and mystery.
A loud gufaw was the only tumble
Clark Griffith gave the possibility OF
MS Washington franchise being trans
ierred 20 Baltimore.
II think if any transfer was TO be
made I'd know something about it,"
said the Old Fox. And Furthermore
[ should think a real major league city
would be selected as successor.
Washington is good baseball
town" the Old Fox continued, "as good
as any OF the smaller cities when the
team is worthy OF patronage. We did
very we'll up to last year. OF course
the war mas hurt US. The patronage
,a largely confined TO government peo-
pie, and these have been too busy 20
pay customary attention TO sports and
recreatiors. But the war is not going
TO last forever.
I'm going ahead on plans for
strengthening for next year and II |
am able 20 strengthen a few Of the
weak spots as | anticipate We will be
back with a strong club next year. II
can give Washington a pennant con-
tender I will not have 70 worry about
patronage
Griffith also characterized as non
= al
pert had attempted to buy all his best
players.
The Colonel is too sensible bust
ness man 10 attempt 70 wreck any one
club in his self interest, and certainly
the American League would not coun-
tenance such folly. There are certain
players beyond price. Detroit might
as well close its park as 20 part with
Cobb. The same goes for Washington
and Walter Johnson.
81 deeply deplore the fact that New
York has not done better this season,
for a strong New York team helps Us
all. However, hard luck and injury
have been chiefly responsible for the
disappointment of the Yankees The last
two seasons.
The New York owners are genuine
yportsmeu and the most liberal men IN
the game. Their misfortune cannot
last forever New York has :orralled
practically every promising minor
league player of the year. Here is a
team tha, will not long stand in need
Of sympathy
Both Bill Donovan and Clark Griffith
concede the National League pennant to
the Giants.
The last series cooked Philadelphs's
goose" said Wild Bill yesterday. 81
know what 10 means 70 a team under