New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-04-14

ActlSSI,
. These men who have been laboring
tor months in response to the sum
mons will unquestionably welcome the
chance to once again sit in the grand
stand and bleachers and pour forth
their reams of instruction as to how
the national game should be played to
the performers on tho diamond
Their work has been of the most
arduous sort they need relaxation and
there is nothing in the world of sport
that can equal the elixir of good
baseball game. 1t is safe TO assume
therefore that the management of the
washington Club, whose career in the
past has been most tempestuous. will
have occasion to rejoice and make
merry.
Has Done Big "Bit"
The interest of the Capital City fans
will naturally centre about Clark
johnson. These two Will constitute
the big attraction. No man connected
with baseball mas done a larger "bit"
than Griffith. The manager of the SEN
ators from the moment the United
States entered the war has devoted a
big share of his time and energy to
supplying the demands made BY the
phernalia. He has travelled far and
near at his own expense to gather
funds for this worthy cause. It should
De great day for Clark when the host
OF war workers in Washington greet
him tomorrow
Waiter Johnson, as well as Clark
GrlMth. Will need no introduction to
the Washington fans. Walter has
been the whole show for the Senator's
Tor good many years. He has been
the obstacle that every Eastern team
IN the American League has been
obliged to hurdle at some time or
other IN order TO start the season with
victory Nine times out of ten. ac-
cordlng to the records, the great Wal
t Ter mas succeeded IN achieving victory
through his mighty right arm despite
the woful support he has invariably
received from his team mates.
NOW comes the question that is being
asked by the followers of the Yankees
Can this reJuvenated band of men gath
cred By. Colonel Rupert and mar
shal ed for the fray By Miller Higgins
peat Walter Johnson The odds of
course, should be on Walter but. iudc-
ing from the showing made bq r6c
1anks at the training camp in Macon
and IN the series with the Braves. this
same Walter is facing a hard task.
III Is not the Yankees OF the inglori-
Gus gu past that VIII enter the fray at
Washington tomorrow. In the frs.
pace, new leader IS in charge, and
without casting any reflections on
Smiling Bill Donovan, whom hard lucl,
tralled closely during his career az
manager OF the New Workers.. this new
leader has seemingly instilled the nee
essary lighting spirit into his men.
Furthermore, he has the advantage
over Donovan because Of the acouisi-
ton OF Del Pratt and Ping Bodie
Two Real Players
These two men arc real baseball
players. Both are sluggers Of tho
highest approved type, and both know
now to cover the territory assigned
them IN the most skilfu fashion. Pratt
IN the games played With the Braves
lived up to his reputation by amassing
( total OF SIX safe hits in succession,
some Of them having had the earmarks
/ OF nome runs mad not ground rules in
tervened TO hold them to doubles.
he fielding of Pratt has not been of
the highest standard, but Del is a vet
eran IN the best sense of the word and
has been taking the best care Of him
self on the rough diamonds of the
Southland.
Ping Bodie apparently is set for .he
greatest year OF his in-and-out career
as member of the big leagues. In
the series with the Braves when hits
meant runs Ping was on his mettls.
Has fielding, too, was OF the top-notcn
order, special tribute being due tn.
power he displayed in mis- throwing
arm.
Pratt and Bodie are going to make a
/ lot Of trouble for the great Walter to-
morrow, unless all signs fail. And then
there is Waily Pipp and the home run
klng, Frank Baker. A more botheryome
quartet with the stick it is seldom the
lot lot OF any pitcher to face Pipp and
5aker nave gwen most complete evil
dence Of the fact that they have their
eyes on the ball, and either one is
Ilaoie to break up any game that
Johnson may figure as resting safely
in MS pocket.
Speaking Of the sluggers on the new
iankee team, Elmer Miller, the centre
fielder, should not be overlooked.
, A.i-er made many long drives in
Georgia and the Carollnas, and gives
promise Of hitting the stride with the
bat he pursued in the minors.
Defensively, the Yankees are sure to
hold the Senator's in check. The infield
has been strengthened by the addition
Of Pratt, and the increase in activity
shown by The renowned Baker. Peckn-
"there' as he always has been.
An unfortunate injury took away the
aggressive Al Walters, who was
counted upon 10 bear the back stopping
burden, but in Ruel and Truck Hannah
the Yankee pitchers will .ind capable
receivers. Ruei ard Hannah also are
likely 20 come through with a hit Just
when the need IS the greatest.
Caldwell has worked hard and faith
fully and should be fit to face the
great Walter on the mound tomorrow.
Ray was worked in only part OF one
game IN the exhibition series and
should be in the best of trim to meet
the strain Of the opening game Slim
Love Will be on hand to assume the
pitching task n case Caldwell should
get of 20 poor start.
Summing it all up, the Yankees face
supreme test when they line I'D
against Walter Johnson tomorrow, but
on toe other hand Walter will need
ali his cunning to hold the new born
and fighting yanks al bay.