Evening star., 1921-02-15

ing put MS name TO a PlttSpursn COLI
tract last fall.
Grin Wires to Landis.
Weary of the delay in learning his
fate in regard to this pair. President
Griffith this morning telegraphed to
Judge Landis, requesting him to speed
up consideration of his claim in order
that he may make arrangements with
them to report for training in the
event his conte ntions are upheld. The
well known jurist is having troubles
of his own just now, being the target
for attacks in both houses of Con-
gress regarding his right to sit on
the bench and serve base ball at the
same time. but is expected to make an
official ruling in the matter some time
this week.
In order to obtain better line on
his new material, Griff has decided
to send his juvenile infielders and
picket men south with his battery
candidates. The players who have
been designated to start work at Tampa
on Monday. February rs. are Pitchers
Zachary, Courtney, Erickson, Schacht.
Acosta, Mogridge, Gordy, Brewer and
Conway; Catchers Picinich, Brottem
and Torres; Infielders Foss, La Motto
McHugh and Goebel. These men will
be needed for the three exhibitions
with the Phillies at the training
camp of the latter. Gainesville, Fla.
the middle of March, and hardly
would be in condition to play then
if they started training any later.
In addition to these "tin can jubi-
lee" contests, the only games with
the Phillies will be played March 80
and 81. at Jacksonville. Fla. Grif
is trying to arrange for game in
some minor league town for April l,
Chattanooga and going en- tour with
the Giants. Atlanta was found un-
available. Augusta, the former train
ing grounds of the Nationals. or Ma
con, may be booked.
According to present plans. the
camped there for just two days more
than a month, and an equal length of
time will be devoted to training by
the veterans, who will spend a fort
night at Hot Springs. The remainder
of the array will have just two weeks
of work before camp is broken at
Tampa the night of March 29.
Baker Dislfkes Bench Duty.
Frank Baker has informed the
Yankee officials that he hasn't quite
decided whether to play ball this
season, and that he will make the
big decision within a few days. put
that if he decides to get back in the
him or trade him. This is taken to
mean that the former home-run king
will refuse to do bench duty or con-
fine his activities to bench duty.
One of the New York members or
the rumor foundry today opines that
"as Huggins needs catcher and an
other southpaw. the sharps are guess
ing that he will try to send Bake
to WashingtoR for either Charity or
Picinfch and one of Grimth's left
handlers"
Griff today merely reiterated that
Charity will not be disposed of under
any consideration. and that Picinich
is obtainable. but that none of his
southpaw pitchers will be given up.
& ''The Baker negotiations are closed"
Griff said. land will not be reopened
unless Higgins takes the initiative.
I have heard nothing further from
him."
Grtfith has received a letter from
oliver D. Tucker. burly young out
fielder, who halls from Radiant, Va.
and practiced with the Nationals for
a couple of days last fall, asking
when he is to report. Tucker says he
received a contract from the Nation
ais. signed and returned it. all Of
which was news to the local chief
tain. Tucker may be placed with
some minor league team. but will not
be taken to Tampa.