Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-31
- ONE 10000 enthusiastic fans. all


son, are expected to crowd into
- the Clark Griffith Stadium next
Tuesday afternoon, when the
Nationals finish their series with the
Detroit Tigers for what promises to be
the most memorable occasion ever
staged there.
A varied program, teeming with col.
or and interest will mark the tribute
to be paid to the modest Barney" on
the twentieth anniversary of the big
Trains" debut on the mound for the
Washington club.
Presentations of the testimonial
fund, collective gift of his admirers
throughout the Nation, the American
League distinguished service medal
and numerous individual gifts, rang
ing from hunting suits and bird dogs
to an eagles claw good luck token.
will be made.
Government and base ball digni-
taries will be on hand in numbers for
the occasion, Secretary of State
Frank b. Kellogg will head the list
OF Government officials and will make
the principal presentation address in
turning over to the popular pitcher
the testimonial fund being raised
among his many friends.
~ uCt toCItNc Mtudl.
Byron Bancroft Johnson. who short
~ is to retire as president of the
American League, in addition to max
ing his last important appearance here
as head OF the junior circuit. will pre-.
sent Walter with the diamond-studdied
maltese cross, which is the first dis.
tnguished service medal presented to
an American League player. This
honor will be established as the high
est available to ball player in the
future.
installation OF gigantic simplifying
system throughout the stadium will
make 1t possible for all present to
hear the presentation speeches, which
will be brief.
Three bands will furnish music
throughout the afternoon, starting at
1880 o'clock, when the gates will be
opened. A civilian band will be on
hand in addition to the Army and
Navy musicians. They will be To-
Gated in different sections of the
stands. playing alternately.
Uncle Nick Altrock and his co.
clown, Al Schadt, also will assist In
entertaining the crowd prior to the
pair has planned some special stunts
for the occasion in honor of thels
teammate.
Badges for First Timers"
Probably 100 veteran fans who
saw Walter Johnson make his debut
here 20 years ago, against the same
club he is to face Tuesday, will join in
the celebration. A badge will be given
each Of the First Timers at the en-
trance to the park.
Secretary Kellogg, who will occupy
the Presidents box along with Presi-
dent Johnson, Gen. Stephan, commit.
tee chairman; Clark c. Griffith, presi.
dent of the local club. and others. will
present Johnson with the testimonial
fund at 3:15 o'clock. President John.
son will present the medal immediate
ly afterward.
Following these presentations,
several individuals and business con.
Germs will make individual presenta-
ton Of gifts to the Fire Ball King"
Those who wear the first timer"
badges will greet Johnson on the field
as he prepares to start against the
visiting Tigers.
Before the first ball is released by
Johnson's sturdy right arm the crowd
will sing "Auld Lang Syne," led by the
Columbia Quartet. This is expected
to furnish one of the most inspiring
features of the program.
Evans Hopes to Umpire.
Billy Evans, who with the late John
Sheridan, umpired the game In which
Johnson made his start, probably will
be unable to officiate as planned, due
to an injury to his knee received in
the Friday game here. Evans will
make every effort, in spite Of his in
jury, to render decisions on the paths,
however.
The fund to be presented Johnson
will include all gate receipts for the
game that day above the average week
day total, receipts from the sale of
programs, to be sold by
Washington Boy Scouts at the park,
and all contributions received through
public subscriptions to the fund
treasurer. Robert v. Fleming and
those placed in the receptacles at the
entrance to the ball park.
dwelling of the sundial, presented
by two local concerns, will not be
made until September. It was found
impossible to erect the memorial in
time for the anniversary game.
Fund to Date Totals $500.
Treasurer Fleming of the Walter
Johnson twentieth anniversary testi. |
monial committee reports contributions |
to date of $1,000 to the fund.
In addition to those previously |
listed, the following have sent in their |
J. C. Bradley. George N Brown, 8. E.
D. L. Dulaney William F. Ham. Charles d. |
Hamei. Haa?ilton Hamilton. John Oliver |
La Gorce. Albert Lawrence. Charlcs p Light,
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