Evening star., 1926-05-29

without zeal OF extra cHOIt
There are some who claim the
Yankees have been travelling far
above their natural pace. Maybe SO.
but they can drop of a trifie and still
70 on to the flag. They can play 500
hall for the remainder Of the season
and still be- ahead Of the Nationals at
the finish, unless the latter hit a
stride around 500 for the remainder
OF the campaign.
Western Swing Will Tell.
This Western swing next month will
iust about tell where the strength
lies The Yanks have been powerful
at home. They gave the Western con-
tingent an awful lacing. The Nation
als were fortunate to get an even
break. If the Tanks make any decent
progress on foreign fields within the
next three weeks they'll be dtfilcult
tn beat out. And II the Nationals do
not pick up some ground in the same
time they may lust as well begin
preparations for next year.
The Nationals have been playing
below their true form. it seems. There
is no reason to figure how q club that
was SO good last year should be so
poor this. season. The average age
Of the Nationals is high, in 30 far az
odco Udu SOcc. puI tH0 VOtGIAltS Ou8 III
not to be as weak as they appear to
ne. The main trouble with the club
seems to be its lack Of tight. It has
not been carrying the battle TO the
other, fellow, as 1t did in 1894 and last
wear
Whether the club is punch.weary or
aurfeited with success is not known.
There have been instances OF clubs
winning a. flag or two then becoming
content with the world II there has
heen such a. let-down in tho Nationals
the men must be aroused within a
short time. or everything will be over
for them this season 1t is difficult to
believe. however. that prosperity has
aoftened the OUTFIT. 1t belongs at or
near the top and should soon improve
its present lowiy position.
Trouble Ahead for Grifs.
The impending swing through the
West promises plenty of trouble for
the Nationals. Right at the jump.off
they tackle the Tigers. who proved
tough customers here not so long ago.
Then the Indians will be encountered
and there are many who now think
the Indians will be in the thick Of the
array Of powerful left-hand swat
smiths the Indians will be dangerous
on their home lot that has such a
short right field.
After meeting these two crews the
Nationals will encounter clubs that
did not seem so formidable while here.
The White Sox series follows the set
of games in Clevelsnd. then the
Browns will be faced in St. Louis. The
the first division. even though they do
not seem to have the class Of pennant
ccntenders.
Following the contests in st. Louis
the Nationals will jump home for q
day to play a double-header with the
Yankees. then move to Philadelphia
for a couple Of engagements with the
Athletics. After June "a the Nationals
will be more or less at home for quite
a time.
Fans Want Early Games.
When the next long home stand
comes around there may be a change
in the starting time Of games here.
Certainly the resumption of the $50
starting time has not pleased the aver
age cash. customer. The shift from 3
o'clock to $50 was made by the club
oficials probably because OF the scant
crowds attending the early season
games. The powers that be evidently
considered 8 o'clock too early for most
If the folks.
There has been no notable increase
In attendance since the change, how.
ever, and there have been many COM
plants about the late starting hour.
The attendance OF women at the
games has fallen off noticeably.
Most of the fair fans have household
affairs to bother about ana they can.
not attend to them il they visit the
ball park for a late starting game.
Despite all arguments to the con.
trary, Washington always has been
and still is a. s o'clock dining town
and the housewives do not care to
change the hour for the beneft Of
husbands who so to ball games.
There was no complaint from tho
women when the games started at
3. but they have been doing a deal
Of talking since the starting time was
made $50. The officials Of the bal!
club would do weil to listen to the
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