The Washington herald., 1917-01-21
GRIFFITH FIGURES ON
A GEORGETOWN game
Sawyer Threatens to Quit Baseball for
the Movies-Other Gossip.
By JOHN A. pUGAN.


Georgetown will be granted game
with the Nationals this spring II the
collegians desire to play the American
Leaguers. Manager Griffith has always
given the Hilltoppers a game ever since
he has been pilot of the local team, and
had figured on scheduling the Blue and
Gray for contest on Tuesday, April 10.
Since the games with the Brooklyn Ma
tionals for April and have been called
OF the Old Fox will attempt to induce
the Hilltoppers to take the date on the
4th. This will be the first game that the
regulars will play after their return
home from the Augusta training camp
and the Blue and Gray will no doubt
jump at the chance OF obtaining this
date.
Because of the illness OF Graduate
Manager Charlie Cox baseball at George
town has been almost at a standstill,
but since Cox Is fast recovering II Is ex-
pected everything will hum at the Hill
top within the next few days and some
agreement will be reached with the Old
Fox in reference to the date of the Ma
tionals-Georgetown game.
Whether Manager Griffith will book
games with any of the other college
teams remains to be seen. as most of
the college teams in this vicinity have
already 1lled their schedules for the
early days in April and there is little
Gsllaudet Or Virginia playing the Ma
tionals this spring.
Reports from the meeting of the Chi
cago baseball players who are members
OF the fraternity, which was held in the
Windy City last week, show that Joe
Leonard. the youthful third sacker the
Nationals received from Cleveland last
year in the famous MoeIler-BoehIing
swap, attended the confab
Although Joe was present he refused
10 make public his attitude in reference
to the existing fight between Fultz and
organized baseball. When Manager
Griffith was asked about Leonard at
tending this meeting he stated that he
was glad that Joe was present as he
wanted each and every one of his play
ers to learn and study the situation
thoroughly and to know just what was
what before they affixed their signatures
TO Washington contract.
Griff claims that he was sure Joe Leon
ard would not Join the "Fultz clan," as
he Is sensible youngster and one that
would always give second consideration
TO any big move like the present tight
Carl Sawyer, the famous running mate
OF Nick Altrock in the comedy act which
these two Grifrman stage as a side issue
with the National. for the entertainment
OF Ine real OugS, may not be with the
local club this spring.
Sawyer is at present doing a comedy
act with a moving picture company in
Los Angeles. and if he succeeds within
The next thirty days, in the manner that
he has put over the movie stufr'' during
mis- past performances, he will quit the
old ball game for the screen.
Sawyer would be greatly missed by the
Grinmen and by the fans in every city
on the circuit. but his running mate,
Nick Altrock. would miss him the worst
Of all. as he would be compelled to tote
the burden of the Griffmen comedy all by
himself next season.
Eddie Foster, the veteran third sacker
Of the Nationals. will attempt to pur-
sUade the old Fox to use him in at no
other position except third base. Eddie
has come to the conclusion that he can
not do lmselt OF the team justice in any
other 7. ace but at the hot corner and
Fatim will no doubt pump this at
Manager Griffith through the entire three
weeks VI training in Augusta next March
Just what switches the "Old Fox is
figuring on making, can not be learned
but 1t is sure fact that their will be
some hot scramble for the infield Jobs
before the old bell, sounds on April T.
With the Giants generally conceded the
1911 pennant In the National League and
Manager Wild Bill Donovan, of the New
Torks. already laying claim to the nag
in the American circuit, looks as though
New York was going to be very much
in the imelisht next campaign, base
oallically speaking. Pilots George Stall
hngs, Wilbert Robinson, and Pat Moran,
OF the Braves, Superbas and Phillies re-
spectively, have at this early date con-
ceded McGraw and his revamped team
hrst place next season. so it looks as
though the Giants were going to have
things very much their own way in the
senior circuit. When the three teams
that are generally considered to have the
best chance for the top-notch honors de-
clare themselves inferior to the Giants it
doesn't look exceptionally bright for the
second division clubs.
The spit BALI Is sure to be barred
some day by the magnates. The emery
ball was barred last season and the use
Of rosin will be prohibited next year 1t
IS only question until the pitchers will
be allowed to use only the ball in making
their delivery. These are matters that
have long been discussed by baseball
1nagnates. All artificial methods of de-
CeivinS the batter should be eliminated
al the earliest possible date.