The Washington times., 1927-05-21


At first 1t was predicted that
Johnson would make his seasons
debut about May /. Then May Is
was named and a few weeks back
1t was confidently said by some
that June / would see the veteran
back in the lineup, winning games
steadily and aiding to swing his
team into the pennant hunt.
1t is doubtful IL Johnson starts
by June /. He may decide to try
his luck by June 10, but it is a
good bet that he will not be a
winner when he does start.
1t is possible that johnson will
disagree with this honest opinion of
this writer. but he will have to
produce the evidence by winning
ball games. There will be no gain
saying such evidence.
The most beautiful thing about
Johnson's pitching style has always
been the rhythm. Winding up, he
would deliver the ball with a con.
tinuous, even action from his
shoulder to his heels. In stepping
forward to deliver the ball he would
follow through, to use a golf ex.
preston, pivoting on his left foot
slightly as his right foot left the
rubber. 1t was in that follow
through motion that he produced
his terrific speed.
Joe Judges hot liner fractured
a small bone on the outside Of
Barney's left leg about four
inches above the ankle. It was
in n cast for several weeks.
When he came away from Wash.
ingtOn he was advised not to
pivot on his left foot and he
has been obeying that direction
to the letter.
AS result of his failure to pivot,
johnson has acquired a motion that
for him is false entirely. He
pitches with his arm now, not with
his whole body running down to
his heels. While he may believe
himself improving steadily, neverthe-
less for him to essay to pitch a
game with his present cramped de-
livery would mean failure.
Warming up with a catcher is
vastly different from pitching to a
batter. Pitching in practice to bat
ters is vastly differenet from pitch
ing with an umpire on the Job.
Johnson undoubtedly thinks himself
coming along beautifully when, as
matter of fact, he is yet to try
his real pitching motion. Until he
does, he will not know whether or
not he has recovered from that
sorry accident at Tampa.
When Johnson now delivers the
ball, he steps out with his left foot
as the ball leaves his hand and
right there stops with slight
hitch. He does not follow through
because to do so would necessitate
his pivoting on that left foot. He
RECEIVERS his balance with an awk-
ward sweep of his right arm, not
at all in his old style.
Johnson's arm is in excellent con-
dition. He has been working it
carefully. regularly and wisely. But
he has acquired false pitching
motion that will never win for him.
Until he once more begins sweeping
through after delivering the ball,
he will not be pitching as he should.
He will need all his great power,
too, to win games.
1t Is hoped that Barney will
be able to pitch winning ball
because. as most baseball men
claim. he is . necessity to the
Washington Club. Right now
Lizzie Lisenbee and Hollis
ThprstOn appear to be the only
huflers capable OF pitching nine
innings with much class. Two
pitchers is not enough to make
q team a winner. Three might
do it. It is easy for four, hav.
ing q good team behind them.
That the Washington clubs
pitchers are to be rudely shaken UP
in the near future may be guessed
from the fact that Scout Joe Engel
hao oil aA,y ee,-a lNhod kx1r0 ry0gluo Sn1