Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-04
By DENMAN THOMPSON,

VIII carry the UIuII VI puA
den in the battle against the
II the Nationals inaugurate
their 26.game Spring exhibition
schedule with a victory 1t will be
largely due to the reserves or mere
rockies. because with one or two en-
ceptions none of the regulars is likely
to see any service.
But for the cold. windy weather
that prevented batting practice
Wednesday, and also interfered, al
though to lesser degree, with the
training session yesterday, 1t is prob
able that majority of the first-string
men would at least have started in
the curtain raiser. But as 1t is they
will take their daily workout before
hand and then climb into their civies
to witness the encounter from the
grandstand Just like cash customers.
Manager Harris today asserted it
was optional with veterans whether
they horn into the contest or defer
their plunge into real base ball until
next Tuesday, when the Beaneaters
are to be met in a return engagement
at their training base in st. Peters
burg.
Myer May Start.
The most likely starter among the
regulars, aside from Bennah Tate,
who is certain to share the back
stopping burden with John Berger. is
Charles Solomon Myer. This young.
arm thoroughly loosened up, and has
been giving the ball long rides in the
wand drills. The next most probable
toiler is Leon Goslin. The Goose
hasn't started meeting the sphere
well yet. but he loves to play base ball
and is rarin' to go, as usual.
1t has been settled for several days
now that Horace Lisenbee, Gen.
Crowder and Admiral Jones will
whack up the chucking chores among
them, each travelling for three in
nings. They are the most advanced
of the squad Of pitchers, with the
possible exception of Clayton Van
Alstyne, and have contrived to hold
their edge despite the recent un.
propitious weather.
Unless Myer elects to- hop into the
fray. Bob Reeves will be assigned to
the shortstopping and probably will
top the batting order. Ollie Tucker or
Sam West viii play right field. with
Earl McNeely or Bernie Neis appear
ing, In center, while If Goslin decides
to conflne his activities to roofing,
Henry CuEop will hold forth in left
field
Cullop also may get a crack at
cayorting around the initial station,
where Bob Mccain Is due to start,
and Stuffy Stewart, who reported just
yesterday, is tentatively billed to
cover second base. with Grant ellis
guarding the far corner.
Braves Not Advanced.
This array, while not any too well
seasoned, comprises a team of no in
considerable strength and is expected
TO make a good showing, notwith
standing their restricted period OF
training, for the Braves will have
no advantage over them in this re
spect. as practice fon tnexawalso die
not get under way until this week
I'VE are out to win all of these
grapefruit league games, il possible, >
Manager Harris said today, land
with that end in view win present ouI
strongest front at all times, blu,
under the circumstances I think we
win be better of tomorrow using the
youngsters. who viii be playing THEN
heads OF. than the older men who
might hold back through fear of in
jury from letting out too soon.
I'm anxious to size up the recruits
anyway, and that's what these games
are Tor, as well as to provide preppine
Tor the regulars. Actual contests af
ford the only means of getting a true
line on the capabilities of a rookie, and
expect to use them often along with
tons"
Manager Dave Bancroft of thu
Braves apparently is just as anxious
10 win as Is Harris, for he is bringinf
squad OF 20 players to town for thu
tilt and is planning to use the line-uJ
with which he tentatively has decided
60 make his race in the Nationa
League this year.
Richbourg in Contest.
Lance Richbourg, the Crestview
Fla. resident who had a trial with the
Grinmen several years ago and set
dazzling pace with Milwaukee last sea
son. is listed to play right field anC
lead OH. Herbert Thomas, obtained
from the Providence Club, is slated t.
bat and play second. with Eddie Moore
the ex-Pirate, covering third and com
ing up in the same hole.
Jim Welsh and Eddie Brown, regu
lars both, will play center and left
field and bat fourth and fifth. respec
lively. followed by either Maurice Bur
rus. another veteran Brave, or Jacques
Fournter, the old-timer obtained from
the Brooklyn Dodgers, who will guart
the initial sack.
Boss Bancroft himself will cove,
short field, and he will bring quite {
string of batterymen with him. The
backstopping viii be done by Franz
Gibson and Jim Taylor, both Hui
habitues last year, with Francis Hogan
also on deck for an emergency.
The pitchers Bancroft plans to llav,
share the mound work are, Elmel
Hearn. Brooklyn boy who left hand
ed his way into job with the Braves
last season; Foster Edwards and Ar
thur Mills, both orthodox beavers, VIII,
came up from Providence.
For reserves Bancroft :. is carrying
our od friend George Mogridge. Henry
Wertz and Joe Genewich. and is t
tote additional player insurance in tn
persons Of Infielders Walter Gautrea,
and Andy High and Outfielder Jacl
Smith.
Stewards Nose Better.
Stuffy Stewart, who blew into CAM
yesterday just in time to get his frs
workout Of the season under sem!
Arctic conditions. is q bit Under pa
this Spring, due to incarceration in
clinic.
The speedy utility infielder. VIII
MAKES his home in nearby Lake City
came here from Tallahassee, where h
recently underwent an operation OF
his nose. which had been giving hin
some trouble.
He asserts the surgeons scalpel re
moved an obstruction that was in
teYfering with his breathing and tina
he expects to be In top form within
a few days.
Although Red Ormsby, regula
American League arbiter, has beel
assigned by Acting President Navi
s.,IS a., oil ~
Washington's Spring practice con
fesfa. he may not get here until mex