Evening star., 1925-03-21


The injury to his lower leg that
he suffered during practice Thursday
apparently is not going to handicap
Walter in his training. Neither he
nor Trainer Mike Martin was partic
ularly worried about it. the latter
considering 1t q, very minor hurt. On
Thursday night johnson experienced
some annoyance in walking as re-
suit of the hurt, but he INDUCED in
n good drill yesterday seemingly
without suffering any i'll effects.
The big pitcher warmed up in
sparkling fashion, putting deal OF
effort into his throws. then teok his
turn on the slab In the batting drill.
He also did his bit at the plate with
out his injured leg bothering him
while he was piveting when follow
ing through with his swing. After
his workout Johnson declared the
slight soreness he has felt in his
pitching arm seemed to be somewhat
relieved rather than aggravated by
his toll.
To Toll n Week From To-day.
Harris had considered not letting
Johnson go to the hill at all in the
exhibition games until after the first
week in April had passed. He want
ed the big fellow, who had reported
somewhat late for Spring training, to
satisfy himself that he was ready for
work before sending him into action.
Now Johnson is certain that within
week he will be quite fit to shoot EN-
in, so Harris is planning to use him
against the Giants a week from
today.
Only one drill was held yesterday in
stead of two as planned, rain prevent
ing a morning session at Plant Field.
The afternoon exercise occupied nearly
two hours, however and every one was
given plenty to do. The longest batting
drill of the training season was held. 1t
called to the mound six pitchers, and
every member of the squad had several
turns at the plate.
There was much work for both in
fielders and outflelders. too, for Man
ager Harris is bent upon having his
men at top of fielding form before camp
Is broken here for the long road trip.
Both Jim Mcnamara, southpaw pitch
ing recruit, and Curly Ogden, right
handler, who did much good twirling for
the Nationals last year. appear to have
rounded their salary wings into good
shape. After yesterdays drill neither
complained of the soreness they had
brisk practice. E|
Kelley Is Given Attention.
Much time was given to Harry Kelley,
youthful right-hand pitcher. who is ex-
pected to bid seriously for a permanent
berth with the club. Muddy Ruel and
Nick Altrock were Kelley's main tutors
for nearly a half hour, when the young
ster was bearing DOWN on the ball
considerably. At times the former Mem
phis star tried to experiment with some
freak deliveries, but his mentors quick
ly suppressed him. Harris is particu-
larry interested in Kelley. for the boy
promises to be a sterling performer
within year or two.
Although with only about half as
much work behind him as the young
er men of the pitching corps have ex-
perienced this Spring. Vean Gregg
probably has not much more to do
to get into proper condition. The 40
year-old moundsman went through
his practice sessions yesterday in
surprisingly smooth manner. His
pitching motion was absolutely free
and he uncorked more speed than in
any previous drill. He also showed
TO greater advantage than before in
fielding bunts and later finished his
turn around the half-mile track with
out any undue putting.
The three tWlrlerS who were slated
for duty against the Giants today,
.Iez Zachary, Dutch Ruether and
George Mogridge-were sent through
strenuous workouts. Ruether getting
an extra lot of exercise. His rapid ad-
vancement has been one of the sur
prises of the training camp. Zachary
is not telling as much as the others,
the Tarheel being so near the peak
of condition that too heavy a train
ing routine might reduce his effec-
tiveness.
Regular Catchers to BE Ready.
Now that Matt Hinkle, former Den
yer catcher signed by the Nationals
yesterday and Immediately released
on option to Chattanooga of the
Southern Association, and the other
receivers temporarily employed by
the Nationals. are not available, Mud
dy Ruel, Red Hargrave and Benny
Tate, regular baCkstoppinG staff. will
have plenty to do. Ruel and Hargrave
are fit for an abundance of work and
any extra exercise will benefit Tate,
who still has some surplus flesh to
lose.
ANDERSON HAS RESIGNED
NrrInIHI