The Washington herald., 1917-03-04
Young Pitchers Cut Loose
with Speed and Altrock
Calls a Halt.
ny JOHN A. DUGAN.

Augusta, Ca. March 3-GeoIge Nc.
Bride. the dandy captain of the Nationals
and veteran of the club. Is expected to re-
PORT here late tonight or tomorrow In
a letter to Maj Gen. John Henry today,
the veteran shortstop reports that he has
been boiling out at Hot Springs during
the past two weeks and had Just received
orders from the Old Fox to join the squad
30 as to help In rounding the pitchers
into form.
1t Il known that George is anxious to
get away to a flying start this season.
Young Sammy Crane, from Harrisburg.
who Is a candidate for the captains"
position in the short field, viii have to
hustle all the way, as in his letter to
Henry Mcbride states that he Is confident
that he will have the best season of his
career.
Weather conditions here varied quite
a little today and between the "acts"
Trainer Martin hustled the boys out for
two long practice sessions. A battle has
been raging in the weather section during
the past twenty-four hours, as the sun
has been making great attempts to burst
through the heavy thickness Of clouds
and has on two occasions been victorious.
but not for any length Of time, as the
same hard downpours and drizzling rains
quickly followed. But the boys were sat
isfied, since they once more had peep
at "Old Sol"
Trainer Martin issued orders after the
practice this afternoon that there would
be no workouts tomorrow and the Ma
tive Sons are pronouncing their predic-
tions strongly of clear weather by Mon
day morning. Although tomorrow IL slat-
ed as day of rest, Trainer Martin viii
get the gang 'out shortly after break
fast for a long hike. many Of the boys
have formed parties to visit the famous
Bon Air golf course, which is about hVe
miles from headquarters.
The practice today looked like real
baseball workout as Uncle Nick Altrock
carried the first bat to the field. Catchers
Charity, Ainsmith and Henry along
with the veteran Southpaw put the boys
through a long bunting practice and all
hands worked up a good sweat.
Nick was given the honors OF hitting
the first ball in training camp while Doc
Ayers, the Hillsville sawbone. was the
first one TO gather in the pile by this
route. the Doctor putting this over in his
always graceful manner.
Ty Cobb, who intends to workout with
the Nationals, did not appear at Sally
League Park today, but informed the
boys that he will be with them Monday
if weather conditions are o. X:
Charlie Jamiesons who played in sixty
four games as an ohtfelder with the Ma
tionals last season. has been sent South
by the "Old Fox" to trim himself for
doing some of the box work this year.
Uncle Nick Altrock has taken the fleet
footed youngster under his wing, and to-
day kept Charlie on the Jump with
fatherly advice and suggestions.
Trainer Martin and Altrock were COM
PEELED to cut in on Pitcher Claude Thom-
as at the evening practice when the
sOuthpaw finger started putting the old
zip on the horse hide. Thomas report
ed in the best of shape and is ready now
to start curving the ball. Martin Is
afraid that Thomas will get too much
work and insists on just short workouts
for him until the arrival of the Old Fox.
Martin laid the law of Camp Albion down
to the gang this afternoon for late
reporting at meals and practice. and
claims that the first offender will be
sorry.
Charlie Jameson is the champion pool
player of the squad, although little
Johnny Berry can WELD the stick good
enough TO give him a close contest. Be
cause OF Berrys ability at tickling the
ivories the squad formed a corporation
and have purchased him all the latest
pieces of music, and regular Charlottes-
willie minstrel show is in store for the
main squad on the arrival Wednesday
night
The World of Pleasure" Is doing a
oHe-hlShI Sldhu hero IOhlShI anu HloSt "a
the outfit are lining up to hear the
catchy tunes and see the girls.
Jimmy Shaw, the big Pittsburgh
Stogie, is one of the hardest workers in
the squad. and as he is slightly over the
required poundage Trainer Mike and
Uncle Nick do not let up on him a min
ute, but have him driving longer and
harder at each workout.
Many Of the boys this morning felt the
effects of the hard practice grind of yes-
terday and are anxious for the days rest
tomorrow.
Checkers is a great game in this little
village and Ty Cobb is the champion
among the natives. A match is now be-
ing arranged to have Tyrus play one Of
the Washington newspaper men, and IL
he succeeds in beating him the speed
merchant Of the Tigers will be pitted
against Eddie Ainsmith, as orr is the