The Washington times., 1920-04-18
ELLERBE TO GET
TRIAL IN BATTLE
S.uppIants 0'NeilI At New Haven
In Exhibition
Game.
NJ LOUIS A. DOUGHER.

BOSTON, April 1S.-Jlmmy u Neii'
the Grifmen's new shortstop, may
have good arm, hut he has thus Tar
failed TO show IL. In these earlier
weeks of the season, when the run
ming paths are damp and slow. he Is
getting the runners with sort OF
push to his wing. but unless he can
snap a ball, he will be in difficulties
later on. The running is bound TO be
faster with dried out grounds. He
will have to show more strength IN
his whip TO be able TO stay.
In today's exhibition game against
the New Haven Eastern Association
club, Frank Ellerbe is playing the
shortfieId. O'NeIlll is complaining or
stifr wing, and so ne has been
given a rest. However, Grin Is watch
ing him with an eagle eye. II the
weather warns up in Washington,
O'NellTs stan arm will be expected to
thaw out, Otherwise-well, he may
be benched.
shannon Needs Work.
That Maurice Shannon needs ex-
perience before becoming a star at
third was shown here yesterday when
he left left the bag uncovered in the
Itnln anu " s"'NN
third on a sacrifice. Charity to Har-
ris. shannon came In fast. but II
was Gharrity's ball. Then, instead OF
going back 10 the bag, the red-topped
lad stood nat-footed and Walters
scampered over to third.
Hell learn" said Prexy Griffith
after the game. Hes playing new
position and is liable to do many
funny things before he gets the hang
of the job. But he's satisfying me"
Harris Kills Chance.
Stanely Harris, the new second
baseman. pulled a stunt yesterday
which might have been costly had
luck been going that way. Walters
pushed up Texas Lacquer back OF
second in the tenth frame. Harris,
who is exceedingly fast. went out
after the ball. Rice came in for II
with equal speed. Then Harris quit
on the ball as Rice claimed it. but
stayed there. interfering with the
catch. The ball fell between them
for a cheap bingle.
"He won't do that often" said Grif-
fifth. Harris is a smart youngster.
He must make his mistakes in learn
ing, but he never makes the same
mistake the second time"
In the two games played thus far
the new Griffmen have generally
looked very good. Shannon, who bats
ght-handed against southpaws and
switches around for the other fellows,
seems a dangerous hitter at all times,
getting a good swing into his work at
the plate
O'Neill and Harris are both right
hand hitters. The former Texas
Lacquer seems a harder swatter than
Harris. but the latter Is just now off
his stride. In yesterdays game,
O'Neill slammed a double to right and
single to center. and both were
clean hits.
Hit Hard Smash.
, Harris got one hit, a fine two-bag
ger between Hooper and Hendrix. On
a dry field that drive would have
been good for thre bases. He GER
tainly hit il hard enough.
Clark Griffith went to Washingto ton
last night, leaving the team in
charge OF Lieut.. G. Mcbride and the
clubs affairs in Eddie Eynon's hands.
He will be on the job in Philadelphia
tomorrow, and then Eynon will go to
Washington to prepare for the open
ing day in Washington next Thurs
day. Harry Courtenay, who pitched
for New Haven last year. and Bill
Snyder are the pitchers for today's
exhibition game at New Haven.
Jim Shaw or Al Schacht will go
against the Mackmen tomorrow