The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-03-11


 The spring training season of the Barons has started.
 Taking advantage of the ideal weather yesterday, Manager Carlton Molesworth and seven of his Barons journeyed out to Redwood Field and had their initial workout of the 1917 season. The practice consisted of only preliminary work, which will continue for the next week.
 Although the spring training season was not supposed to start until tomorrow, the players who have already reported were So anxious to get down te work to grind into condition, Moley consented to start a few days ahead of time. The practice was very short, but it was sufficient to cause every one of the seven bold and battle scared" to feel the consequences last night.
 Yesterdays arrivals brought the num- Der of Barons reported to duty to 10 Walter Werner the promising young out fielder, rolled into camp just too late for the initial practice. Following him few minutes were Pitcher H. L. Douglas and Infielder Lee Farley.
 Farley came from Cincinnati, where hs has been spending the winter. He has played semi-professional ball there for the past several years and has the ear marks of a promising youngster. Doug las resides in Jellico, Tenn. Both are big men and seem to be in the best condition possible.
 EVERY MAN SIGNED
 Although only 10 of the roster has re- ported, Moley is proud to boast of the fact that every man on the team has signed his contract. This assures the local man. agement no trouble from hold-outs this year, something which has been handi- cap to the training season in previous years.
 The signing of First Baseman Burke yesterday morning completed tlse list. Burke wired that he would be in Bir- mingham on Monday morning wire was received from Doc Johnston stating he would be few days late in reporting on account of his home being damaged by the recent flood in Chattanooga.
 The entire squad is not expected to be m Birmingham before next Saturday It does not require veterans as long to get in condition as the youngsters and con- Hequently few of the Barons will be ex- cused in their tardiness. Todays arrivals are expected. however, to swell the list to at least F.
 Moley stated last night that the practice for the coming week would not be very strenuous. Nothing more than necessary will be forced on the players. Workouts
 
 ernoon. The regular batting and fielding practice will occur daily as well as the runs around the park to condition the players.
 TEAM NOT COMPLETE
 With the 10 Barons on hand, F more must arrive to complete the roster. The squad, as it stands will compose the team for the coming season as an out fielder will be added during the latter part of this month from the Pittsburg Pirates as final payment on Burleigh Grimes. This, however. is expected to be the only addition to the present ros. ter.
 President w. D. Smith of the Barons, together with Secretary West is con. ducting the business end of the arrange ments for the approaching campaign, while Moley is busy at the park. The club is leaving no stones unturned for a sue cessful season is being planned.
 Fans can expect a winning team if Mo 1ey's group of yougsters and veterans materializeo The spring prospects" are fine. It looks like the Barons will have another rag contender. More can he told, however after a few Of the regulars are seen in practice, and this will occur this