The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-06-14
GRIFFITH SEEKING
LAJOE FOR TEAM
If Vet Agrees, He Will Be-
come Pinch Hitter Here.
Is COUTNG The OLD APPLE
Indians Succeed in Putting Fire
and Fight Into Foes.
IS GOUTNG The OLD APPLE
By LOUIS A. BOUCHER.

manager mas OpcnGA
tiations with Larry Lsjoie, veteran
slugger Of the American League, and
now manager Of the Toronto Interna-
tionals, seeking to obtain his services
as utility first baseman or second
baseman and pinch hitter.
II Larry and Grin can agree on a
suitable stipend, the Frenchman may
be found in the Washington lineup
within q week or two.
Lajoie was allowed to slide out Of
the American League because the
magnates believed his long years OF
toll entitled him to a cnance 10 act as
manager when the opportunity pre-
scented itself Toronto wanted him
and 90 Larry went to the Interna-
tionsl League.
Knew He Could Hit.
Everybody in the league knew he
could hit They knew that illness and
injuries had much to do with his mark
OF +246 in 113 games last year. and
there was never any Understanding.
1t was mainly sentiment that let him
go to Toronto.
With Toronto, where he Is playing
second base in his same old smooth
style, Larry is numbering the ball.
For twenty-one games up to Memoir
ial Day, when he went hitless In two
contests. LAjoie was hitting for .435.
getting thirty hits in sixty-nine times
up. Today he Is around the 400 mark,
and International League pitching is
mighty close to big league stun.
That Larry would not hit 400 in
this Las 0TNf AfNf
II is also undoubted that he would
at IN exceedingly well as a utility
tnhelder and pinch hitter Of parts for
the Griffs.
Would Strengthen Team.
Manager Griffith is convinced, after
talking with Ban johnson and many
well-informed baseball men around
the country. that II he can put a
punch into his team as It now takes
the field, he may yet get into what
promises to be a seethinE struggle
for the flag.
Therefore, the Old Fox has heark-
ened to tales OF the batting proves
OF Larry Lajoie and is now negoti-
atinE with him.
Lajoie has always taken the very
best care OF himself AS result,
after many years OF big baseball,
he is today in excellent condition, and
much more formidable than many
younger men.
Griffs Are Serappers.
The Indians have done wonders for
the GrIfmen. They have walked them
up. for one thing. They have also
walked up Washington fans, for
another. Until Tuesday many fans
here imagined Grihrs team composed
OF sleepy old ladies. but they have
changed their minds since hearing OF
thirty-six innings of fighting baseball
IN two days.
Though the Indians and Griffmen
have contested for but two days, the
present series is quite the best shown
in years. Indeed, some believe that
the series is the best ever shown
Washington fans, considering the
brand Of pitching, base running, hit
ting, helding, and fire.
Grfnmen Take Rest.
Today the OLD Fox let up on his
charges The athletes, worn out after
their two days Of hard work under a
hot sun and in a muggy atmosphere,
were allowed TO sleep late. No prac-
tiee was held and the boys didn't even
have to report at the ball park.
Meanwhile Manager Griffith is busy
communicating with trusted advisers
IN various parts OF the country He
is on a hunt for players who will as
sist him in pulling the team up into
the first division.
Inquiring about a certain minor
Lacquer, the Old Fox received the fol
lowing information. "a fair hitter,
poor fielder, and likes whisky" Need
less to say, this player will not be re-
ouired to Join the Washington club.