The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-03-05

II have never seen Mike look so
good" remarked Bucky Harris, as
he watched the former Yankee at
the plate. Remember how thin
he used to be? Now look at him.
The extra weight may make all
the difference in the world in his
hitting. He couldn't hit before be-
cause he was too light. He's not
too light now and should be just
the man for US"
Mentally has finally reached the
age when he begins to put meat
on his bones without knowing 1t.
III he had IOafed during the win
ter, Il would now be merely soft
fat, quickly disappearing beneath
n Florida sun. But Mike spent
most of the winter in the open
air, trudging and tramping
around. He was careful to exer-
else frequently and the result Is
nearly fifteen pounds OF added
muscle certain to be valuable TO
him In his hitting.
mike is going to be valuable to
~ this year in more ways than
one" explained Manager Harris.
Ellis speed makes him an ideal
man to replace slow man on
third when we need a run to win.
He is a fine base runner in his
own right.
His fielding anywhere in the
infield has always been brilliant.
Now, If he can put something into
his swing at the plate. he's going
to prove a sweet hitter. Tnar
makes him the ideal reserve play.
or. able to play anywhere, hit hard
in tight places and run bases IKE
a fool. Wow, consider myself
lucky to have landed him In ex-
change for Doc Prothro.
It was McNally's work during
the fielding drill Of the Yannigans
that caused much chatter among
the tourist fans. One Of his stops,
after coming fast for a slow ball
on rough ground, followed by a
flip toss to third base, was the
real thing. The regulars, sitting
around waiting to take their turns
at bat, praised that play, Mike be-
ing a popular lad with his team
mates.
III Roger Peclxinpaugh has any
trouble with his cIIrOnically aiIing
back this year, McNally will go to
the shortfieId and keep the fans
on their toes. III OSsie Biuese
sIumps at bat and needs brief
rest, il viii be this same McNaIly
who will replace him and deliver
the goods.
However, while McNally was the
days headliner, the fielding OF Ossie
Rluege at third for the regulars and
Memo Leibold for the Yannigans
drew mild applause. President
Griffith, marveling at the fancy
work Of the midget outfielder, re-
marked, Wonder how Miller ever
went to third and Memo stayed on
the bench in that last world series.
The new infield here is soft and
txeacherous at short and second
base. At third It is better, and
both Bluege and Leibold showed
their best PAGES in the fielding work
outs, with Judge and Shirley not
Ear behind.
Harris and Adams had plenty Of
trouble at second, and the soft go
ing soon had the champions pep
pery manager worn out. He quit
before the others. Mentally took no
chances Of injury at short, while
Peck merely went through the
motions.
Because of the bad infield It is
probable that the fielding Of the
world champions in their games to
be PLAYED at Plant field won't be
anywhere near their correct stand
ard. For one, Roger Peckinpaugb.
remembering that leg he hurt in
the world series, will be most con-
wervative. He won't risk putting
himself on the bench before the
regular campaign gets under way,
He wants to have another great
year with the title holders.