The Washington herald., 1917-03-03
Rain Halts First
Practice of Squad
Weather Conditions Still Re-
main Unfavorable for
Workouts.
By JOHN A. DUGAN,


The same old hoodoo that has always
heretofore followed Clark Grifith's ad-
vance squads during early season train
ing Is sticking with the boys during the
present campaign as most of them have
not seen "Oid Sol" since Tuesday.
The rain that welcomed the squad on
their getaway in Washington has fol-
lowed the gang" here and although this
Dixie city has 1t all over Cha rlottesville.
as far as being q mild climate for spring
training. drizZling rain. that soaks to
the bone, has been falling since yester-
day. causing the safe and sane trainer,
Mike Martin, to call off the mornig work
out today
Mike could not be d!scoura ged by this
downfall. and hustled all hands out to the
Augusta ball park this afternoon for the
hrst stunts in preparation for the Ma
tionals American League campaign.
Brighter prospects in the weather ques-
tion are in store as tonight the stars are
out in full bloom and a strong northeast
ern wind is blowing, which is proclaimed
by the native sons" as a sure sign Of
fair weather
Quite a short workout was slated for
the squad this afternoon, because OF the
driZZling rain and after limbering up a
bit they each were made 10 hike II around
the park four times. although Mike was
little severe with the fat boys and sent
them on the hikes for six laps.
The great and only Ty Cobb met the
boys at the hotel today, but he did not
take in the practice. as he preferred
10 wait until the old sun was shining to
start his work
There was nothing doing on the mill
tary preparedness stunts today becau use
the squad did not have their leader.
Uncle Nick Altrock. Nick Journeyed TO
the ball park this morning to help
Trainer Martin out with arranging af-
fairs for the squads this afternoon and
the trip and TO and from the park was
made in the cars.
Lefty Thomas, the southpaw that Grif
collared from the Des Moines club of
the Western League has reported in
great shape. Uncle Nick was compelled
to call the Westerner today for putting
too much zip on the ball and the
Ianky southpaw will do but very little
heaving of the pill until the "Old Fox"
arrives here with the main squad.
Doc Ayres. who has always had quite
a hard time in conditioning himself was
also relieved from the hard grind as he
is right down to his playing weight and
claims to feel ready to shoot over the
fast ones.
Little Charlie Humphreys. who was
with the Richmond club of the Inter
national League last season. Is slightly
under his required playing poundage and
will be taken along at slow clip by
Trainer Martin. Charlie came near being
out-lawed last August by the Richmond
lnternationals because he jumped the
club on July :. Humphreys hurt his
leg sliding into second base and went
home for treatment. When the National
Commission was presented the question
on his case they forced Billy Smiths
club to pay him for the season.
Although Humphreys is positive that
he will be one of Grifiith's regular south
paws this season he stated that il he
must go back that he holds nothing
against the Richmond club and would
be glad to report there. Humps" has
gained an inch in height since last don
ming a National uniform.
Shaw appears to be in pretty good trim
hut the balance of the players will be-
put through some hard preliminary train
ing.
Uncle Nick was the first player 70 don
a uniform as the veteran southpaw
twirler made the trip TO the park this
morning and donned his uniform before
he pitched into a card game at the club
house with Henry. Charity and Martin.
One big asset was added to the train
ing camp squad when Johnny Berry re-
rorted last night. as the youngster from
the Windy City Is regular real rag
GER of the piano. Berry formerly played
with the Logan SC6lare team. and al
though he is short Of build he appears to
possess all the makings OF a slabman.
Chicago Jack kept the boys well enter
tanned this morning by knocking of all
the popular airs, and when it comes to
tickling the keys little Barry is the goods.
Bert Gallia had failed to report at
late hour tonight. hut Trainer Martin be-
lieves that he has made the trip through
to Washington to take in the inauEUra-
tion and will he on hand with the main
string Wednesday, The honor of hurling
the first ball of the season was bestowed
on Uncle Nick and the veteran made
good all the statements that he had been
making during the winter as being anX-
ious to get into share. as he piloted Lefty
Thomas and Charlie Jameson to the
pitching pen five minutes before any of
the other boys had hit the field.