New Britain herald., 1927-09-27
GY BILLY EN ANS)

A second Walter Johnson. Those are strong words, mate, but Owner Clark Griffith of the Washington club and Manager stanley Harris, have such hopes for Pitcher Irving Hadlcy.
 If Hadley were about two inches taller, he could pass as d brother Of the great Walter. There is strik- ing facial resemblance and, except for being shorter, Hawlcy is built along the same physical proportions as Johnson, broad shoulders, small Waistlinc. shapcly as well as strong legs and long arms.
 Walter Johnson didn't cost the Washington club cent. Neither did Hadley. So financially as well as physically there is much in com mon between the two. l am told that Papa Hadlcy. knowing Clark Griffith. asked that his son be given q big league trial after finishing his college career.
 When Hadlcy reported 10 Wash ington, it didn't take him long 10 make it apparent that h" was an "X- ccllent prospect. Manager Harris al once turned him over 10 Walter Johnson for schooling in the art of pitching. Walter changed his de- livery which was rather icrky 10 smooth and easy style. So as you watch Hadlcy in action. he at one" reminds you Of Johnson.
 Sent 10 the Southern league Tor experience Hadley made rapid prog rrSe. Last season with the BiTmng- ham club he won IA games while losing only seven, for a third plac" club. Washington scouts who looked the former collegian over pronounced him ready.
 When struck Tampa. training quarters of the Nationals this spring. looking over the half hundred play CTS in action for the familiar face of Walter Johnson I saw him off to one side Of the field working with q youngStcr. That chap proved to be none other than Irving Hadlcy. In q sense he's q protcge of Johnson.
 Among his teammates. Hadl"y Is known as "Bumps," but the opposi- tion never subjects him 10 such treatment. The nickname came about in peculiar manner. In the spring, Hadley suffered an attack O. humps, disease common 10 chil- dren, but he had beer immune as q kid. He had many marks to show for it, bumps, so 10 speak. Nick Al'rock gave him the so- briqu"t ot "Iumps' and if wUl prob
 ably stick 10 him through his en- , tire career Nick, who enjoys a loE". even if it is at his expense. dropped into Hadlny's room one day , while he vas confined to bed and
 after having q good laugh, said: You lool, funnior than mo, you're
 'ull of bumps, just as if you had been stepping into Johnson's fast
 one"
 Four or five other players in the room joined in the laugh and that iAc tl'- II'tllllH' Di i1IlIl lIS NdS coined for Hadley.
 Whil" Hallcy's fast ball doesn't rate with tho one that Walter John l son turned loose when he broke into | the big show. he has plenty of speed l To this, add good curve of two species. one q slow breaking slant , th" other fast and deceptive. At present he is working on a change Of nac" and doing nicely.
 | IIadlcy should win l5 games for { Wnshington this year. possibly lS.
 The first figure Is 2 hi"h r,ark far
 8 first year performer. but Nadlny is l almost sure 10 reach if. with 10 al roadv 10 his credit. Not only can [ Ha1lov pitch but he can also bat. T'n takes 2 mean cut a' the ball and l is alwavs dangerous. He believes in i swinging. on tho old theory you 1 can't make baschits with the bat on l your shoulder.
 , Keep your eye on Irving "Pumps' i IIadl"y for he is destined 10 have a
 long and successful career in base
 ball even if he doesn't reach the
 mark Walter Johnson has already i set 20 years Of continuous service ] with the same club.