The Washington herald., 1918-03-12


Harry Harper was the first player
OF the Nationals to report late for
work. but after getting on the field
he was not allowed to rest one minute,
as both Martin and Altrock kept after
him and put the big left-hander
through grind that is sure to have
him ready when Griff rings the gong
for box duties.
Young Berman proved to be q real
college or sand-lot rookie" as he re-
ported without his catcher's mitt, but.
Of course, brought along his Fordham
Uniform. A hurried wire was rushed
to New York tonight for Berman's
tools OF labor, but in the meanwhile
he 10 taking care OF his end Of the
catching burden with a second-string
mttt, which Is the property Of Eddie
Charity. This youngster gives prom
1se IN built and appearance, and al
though quiet and timid, he seems anx-
tous to get into the swing of the big
leaguers.
The real feature OF the opening days
work and what will. no doubt, have
the golden ring in the news line to
Washington fandom, Is the fact that
Joe Judge showed no signs Of his re-
cent injury. He fielded bunts with Jim
Shaw and Uncle Nick, and handled a
few inield throws at the initial sack
Trainer Martin has worked all the
stiffness out OF the sacker's left ankle.
and IL Is a sure bet right now that he
will be holding down the cushion when
the gong sounds next Month. Judge
has been putting in some faithful work
while here with Trainer Martin, as he
has done quite a lot Of walking be-
fa -,
turning in.
Judge has also been on the tennis
courts for a few sets, and although he
feels no pain while in action. he real
lies slight muscle soreness after exer-
cise. Trainer Martin is confident that
this will be entirely removed with work
aud that Judge will surety come
around o. X
Merrell Lynch, the youngster Grit
fh obtained last season from the
Western League, reported during the
wee hours last night and Joined his
teammates at breakfast this morning.
The lanky hurler has gained twenty
pounds in weight and may come
through for the Old Fox this season.
Wheel Barrow waldbauer, the big
Richmond youngster. is the first Grip
pie Of the season, as he twisted his
day. but Trainer Martin claims there
is nothing serious.
Mrs Harper, who is the bIushing
bride Of the Hampton Terrace Annex,
is something of a Molly Bjursted'' at
the tennis game. She has already
taken the number of most of the boys
in the, squad and is looking for new
laurels' from each of the visitors who
stop at the Terrace
Jimmy Shaw and Doc Ayers seem
to be the fat boys of the party.
Shaw is away over weight, while the
Hillsvilles moundsman Is few
pounds above normal.
The long conferences which these
players had with Manager Griffith
must mean something as each Is hard
at work'in an attempt to get into
shape. Both worked harder today
than any Of the crew as they make
no bones of stating that they desire
to look pink when the Foxy pilot
arrives Sunday.
The little town Of Augusta Is Just
packed with the khaki klad khan.
Between thirty-five and. forty thou
sand Sammies are stationed at Camp,
Hancock. Some thirty odd dyed in
the wool fans in uniform were on
drill The soldiers at Hancock look
upon the Nationals visit to Augusta
as a real recreation for them and
talk II already going the rounds Of
the games which Manager Griffith
has scheduled with the teams at the
camp.
At late hour tonight Earl Yingiing,
the Cincinnati boy. who is scheduled
to report with this advance squad
had not put IN an appearance. He
remains the only one Of the van
guard who is overdue.
Ray Morgan, washington's second
sacker, slipped into Washington yes
terday and had a talk with Manager
Griffith Ray signed his contract and
returned to Baltimore to make prep
rations for his journey to- the
training camp with the second squad
OF players.
He said he was in the best Of health
and Il would take him but a short
time to get into condition and be
ready to play the best game Of his
career for the Old Fox.
Grin announced he had a letter from
Walter johnson in which the big
pitcher said he would be In the city
Wednesday or Thursday Of this week
to talk business with his manager
The manager expects little Difficulty
in getting johnson to affix his Sig
nature to q contract once he has a
talk with Walter. -.-