The Washington herald., 1917-03-19
Nationals Pitchers, with Ex-
ception Of Johnson andHar-
per, Are Ready for Work.
By JOHN A. DUGAN.

Augusta, Ga March 1s-Because of the
cold weather that hit here today and be-
cause the pitchers of the Nationals are
fsstly rounding into form the "Old Fox
tonight announced that from now on only
one practice a day would be scheduled.
The drill will be held each morning, and
should the weather conditions warrant II
the workout and game will be held, but
II 1t is raw and chilly the practice will
be postponed until evening"
It's Uncle Ray Morgan now, since he
has been officially appointed manager OF
the Yannigans. Ray is puzzled to know
what pitching selection Griff will make
for him, but it's a sure bet that Ayers,
Humphreys, and Craft will make the
trip up the coast with the transformers.
The "Old Fox last night received word
from Ban B. Johnson that he did not
think the railroaders would walk out,
and that Griff was to use his own Judg-
ment when, where and how to move.
Grin has obtained everything that he
desired in this city as far as a real live
training camp for a major league base
bal club, but to date more minor injuries
have been received by the athletes than
at any other training camp the Nationals
have ever visited. Heretofore it has al
ways been sore arms and aching backs
the bruised forms. and Augusta is al
ready being looked upon as a ''hoodoo"
place for early injuries.
Harry Harper, Clyde Milan. Joe Leon
ard. and Sammy Crane have each re-
ceived setbacks that have kept them out
OF practices, while Bert Gallia was hand
ed a slight attack of la grippe today. an
other athlete was added to this list of
cripples when John Henry discovered
that the lower joint OF his ring finger
on his right hand was badly bruised
Henry's right hand acted as the back
stop for fast foul ball of Ainsmith's
bat in the game yesterday, and this
morning the injured member was causing
him quite an amount of trouble. Trainer
Martin claims there is no bone broken in
the joint, but 1t was badly dislocated and
that Henry would be compelled to watch
the practices for the next day or two
from the bench.
With the present transforming trip
facing the Old Fox, it would be pretty
hard to spare John Henry, and Trainer
Martin Is working overtime In an effort
TO have him in shipshape by the time the
squad pulls stakes for the hike toward
the Capital.
Harry Harper is already feeling a great
deal Of relief from the work DR.. Davis,
the osteopath. has performed upon him,
and believes that he will again be able
to zip them through.
Harper's pitching ability means a great
deal to the Nationals and their chances
in the coming American League race, and
the Old Fox is leaving no stones un-
turned in order to have the Hackensack
southpaw in shape by the time for the
gong to sound
Clyde Milan has completely recovered
from the spiking he gave himself on the
second day he reported. and begins to
look something like the Tennessee Flyer
of old. Joe Leonard's right thumb is still
hVWN - l.. =
~ bat and heaye them over the infield,
and the Chicago West Side kid will be
in prime condition to answer the call on
ATriI II.
Sammy Cranes spiked foot IL a great
deal better today and he will be in uni
form with the Yannigans in the morning
game.
Those wonderful pills Of Trainer Mike
Martins has fast fixed up Bert Gallia, as
the big Texan was around bright and
early this morning and claims to feel
Ike himself again. The Old Fox will not
work Gallia tomorrow unless Mex Is
confident ne Is ready. but from all ap-
pearances Bert will be back once more
taxing his regular turn on the mound.
Four more days or perhaps less remain
Tor the athletes at Camp Albion and to
man a sigh of regret will be heard
when orders are issued to pull up stakes,
as the best little boost that can be put
over for Augusta is that the Nationals
nave obtained more results in the four
teen days OF work here than thirty days
OF grinding in their Charlottesville camp
Grins pitchers outside OF Harper and
johnson are now ready to heaye them
through in a full game, while the other
BOYS are prime for battle and will hand
quite a few surprises to the team that
they are TO meet on the transforming
TRIPS. II still remains to be seen II
Griffith has strengthened the club with
the addition OF the new members. bur
1t is sure bet that he has picked I'd
quite a few promising looking youngs-
ters.
Two veterans Of the team. who were
fSured upon as having their days
numbered. have reported this season in
great shape and the Old Fox will be
compelled to use a great deal Of think
Ing power before he can cut either OF
them loose. These veterans are: Pitcher
I'm SHAW and Inielder Ray Moran.
Shaw has shown the Old Fox more
stuff tHis spring than at any other time
since he has been with the club anc
barring injuries he will be one Of the
dependable moundsmen when the bugIu
sounds for 1917
Ray Morgan has always been a big
factor in the Nationals makeup and this
season should be his big one. 1t will be
remembered that Morgan's ability with
the stick has always made him danger
Gus for the opposing pitchers and E
would not be at all surprising to see him
jump into the regulars lineup shortly
after the return of the team to the
Capital.
In speaking Of Jimmy Shaw yesterday,
Joe Cantillon said: Il have heard a
great deal about that big boy. Shaw, from
the other boys who have been out my
way, but this Is the first time I ever
saw him work. Why Grin has got an
other Walter Johnson in that big kid
and you mark my word that IL he Is not
injured he will win many a game for
Teach" this season.