The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-09-29

ShSA0AC CVAltC dAOAiS dHu 1IG uSu'
himself. But baseball is a gras
players spare time and Rice, a
nands. On that account, if for
q topnotcher among major league
Rice was in the United States,
Navy prior to 1914. Indeed, he was
among the force of gobs sent ashore
at Vera Cruz in pre-war days. He
was a gunner's mate when his ship
put in at Norfolk. Va, and his
baseball prowess was discovered.
The Petersburg club purchased his
release from the Navy and he re-
NAMED with that Virginia League
club in 1914 and 1915.
Rice was a pitcher when dis
covered by the Washington club,
a hitting pitcher. He took part
in 81 games i'm 1915, being used
frequently as pinch hitter. He
reported to the Washington club
late that season, appearing in
four games as a pitcher.
Starting the season of 1916 as a
pitcher, Trainer Mike Martin no
ticed his speed and batting form and
N<tdth luCh
ing the team, to try him in the
outfield. Rice finished the season in
right field.
Rice was the regular right fielder
In 1917. The following year found
him in France with a field artillery
outfit, but he was back again in
1919. He has played steadily and
brilliantly ever since. ranking with
the best outfielders in the major
leagues.
Fleet of foot, Rice stole 81 bases
in 1920, his highest mark. His
best batting average was $50 in
1925. Illness and injury has cut
into his hitting this season and he
il finishing the campaign below
the 800 mark for the first time
since 1922 when he hit for .295.
As hatsman Rice is known
as a stylist. He possesses
magnificent form at the plate,
ranking in that manner with
Rogers Hornsby, Frankie Frisch
and even that great stylish,
Napoleon Liable. He has never
been q slugger, but his shorter
hits have gone off the bat with
the proper ring.
y
Until last year Rice maintained
all the speed that made him a
regular back in 1917. Then he be.
gan slowing a bit. This wear he
has not flashed with anywhere
near the speed he formerly showed.
though still much faster than the
average player. 1t is doubtful IL
any but Reeves and Stewart are
faster among his team mates on
the Washington club.
"A student Of baseball from the
beginning, Rice has studied golf
IN the same way. When attracted
to the game he began slowly but
correctly. Throughout the winters
he played continually. He has
been careful to see all the best
pros perform wherever and when.
ever possible. In this way he has
learned much about form in golf.
Most Washington golfers have
seen Rice in action and will admit
that he Is no dub. Last spring he
won a title at Hot Springs, Ark,
and in Florida a few weeks later
was runner-up to Jigger Statz, a
titilist in California for a couple of
seasons.
hlee Hkes golf. That explains
his present ambition to become
pro. He explains that,
while baseball casts a man
aside before .he is 40, golf
nurtures him till he is 80.
II know I can't play baseball
much longer" said Rice today, ''but
] ought to be able to play golf for
forty years more. So that's the
game for me-"
Rice will be SO years old Febru-
airy 20. He has always taken the
best care of himself and is in per.
feet fettle right now, though war
worn veteran of the diamond.
Those acquainted with his excel.
lent habits, the care with which he
has learned golf and his utter lack
of nervousness under fire, believe
him certain to sprout forth a hign-
class golf professional within a
brief time after he hangs up his
spiked shoes and his glove.
Uncle Tom Zachary is carded to
face the Yankees in today's first
game Of the series Yesterdays
double win in Boston gave the
Griffs Is out of % games with the
Red SoX for the season.
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