Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-03-25

An early season injury to some
big league star very often upsets
the program of his manager, who
is, perhaps, strongly banking on thai
particular player.
/ have in mind the accidents that
recently befell Walter Johnson and
Eddie Collins, also the unfortunate
plight of Johnny Mostil
was standing on the sidelines
talking to Owner Clark Griffith and
Manager Stanley Harris when Walter
Johnson was seriously hurt by failing
to get out of the way of a line
drive from Joe Judges bat
johnson had been pitching to the
batters for about five minutes when
the accident occurred. had just
mentioned that Walter seemed III
great shape and very fast for SO
early in the season
Both Harris and Griffith agreed
with me, expressing the. belief that
the "Old Master was in for big
year.
players Have Habit of Joshing
Ball players have a lot of fun
kidding each other when some player
gets in the way of line drive.
provided, of course, no serious con-
sequences result
When Johnson was struck just
above the left ankle by Judges line
drive and Immediately dropped to
the ground in pain, Nick Altrock,
AL Schacht and number of other
players did London Bridge Is
Failing Down" as Walter rolled
around on the ground.
A general laugh was indulged in
by everybody, even Walter joined in,
although it was evident he was
suffering considerable pain.
1t seems that a golf foursome
was on that afternoon between Alt
rock and Schacht versus Johnson and
Rice. The two comedians rejoiced
that Walter wouldn't be at his best.
At this stage Of the affair Trainer
Mike Martin came on the scene and
took Johnson to the clubhouse for
treatment.
Injury Proved Quite Serious
Walter Johnson never makes a
fuss about anything, if there isn't
a reason for it and | was rather
satisfied in my own mind that's he
was rather badly hurt watched
the washington trainer remove the
stocking, revealing discolored lump
almost the size Of baseball.
Ice applications quickly removed
the swelling and Trainer Martin
said, unless one of the small bones
was broken, Walter would be up
and doing in not more than three
days.
Despite the swelling and pain he
was suffering, johnson insisted in
hobbling around for day, before
admitting that it might be wise to
make an X-ray picture of the injury.
This showed break of one OF
the small bones in the ankle The
leg is in a cast and it is said
johnson won't pitch until May l.
May Spoil Nationals Chances
[ trust the injury isn't as serious
as reported. However, if it really is
doubt if Johnson is pitching by
June 1.
Pitching is the biggest problem
that confronts Manager Harris, and
the Johnson injury complicates il
all the more.
In doping his chances to- win the
American league pennant this year
Harris banked strongly on the chances
of Walter Johnson having big
year. He looked for his ace to win
20 or more ball games.
With Johnson on the shelf for
any great length of time, the Wash
ington club would be dealt severe
blow. Most of the pitching would
have to come from the younger mem
bers Of the staff which is asking
too much.
The accident to johnson, who
seemed to be in for a big year, is
Just an indication of what pre-
carious business baseball is, from
the standpoint of the club owner
and manager as well as the player.