Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-12-02

~ II NI1ARhl \, AGAIN WIFI tIlt
Nationals after a five-year alb
sence, is likely to be member
IL of Manager Walter Johnson's
coaching staff next season
Charity returns to his old club from
which he was suspended when he
Jumped to an outlaw team at the END
of the 1923 campaign as player, but
indications now are that the former
star catcher will have his status
changed during the Winter and next
Spring assist johnson in tutoring the
young pitching talent to be tested for
the Nationals.
1t is no secret that Johnson regards
highly Gharrity's ability to impart to
rookie slabmen his knowledge of the
intricacieS of the pitching art. And
there is basis for JohnSons high regard.
While with the Nationals. Ed not only
was a high-claSs mechanical catcher,
but also a heady one. And these quail
ties, coupled with Eds pleasing person.
atty that makes him easy to get along
with, should make him an ideal pitch
ers' coach.
Club Needs Pitchers Tutor.
Since Jack Onsiow left at the end OF
has had no real coach for young pitch
ers. Both Nick Altrock and Al Schacht,
pitchers themselves in their playing
days, have done all they could in the
way of helping the rookie hurlers to
advance, but Nick and Al have so many
other duties to care for that their
coaching of pitchers was but intermit-
tent. 1t looks as though Charity would
fill the bill in fine style.
Charity, who will be SO years old
next March. first came to the Nationals
in 1916 He was mainly catcher, but
at times was used at first base. Ex-
cepting 1918, Charity served With the
Washington club continuously through
the 1923 campaign. He was one OF the
most popular members OF the club, both
with players and fans, during that time.
But neuritiS developed in his throw
ing arm, and he became so discouraged
when the ailment Stubbornly refused to
Weld to treatment that he left organized
base ball and swung to the outlaw game
In 1924 he was in charge Of team
representing an industrial plant in
Beloit. Wis, but left the organization
after three years of service. This Fall
he applied for reinstatement to the or
ganized game. 1t was granted and his
services automatically reverted to the
Washington club.
No Other Coach to Go.
The appointment of Charity to a
position with the coaching staff prob
ably will not mean that any of the
three coaches at present with the club
will be let out. Both Clark Griffith,
president of the Nationals, and Man
ager johnson feel that Clyde Milan is
mighty valuable man to have around,
while Griffith has frequently declared
that Altrock and Schacht are helpful to
the club in an advertising as well as
coaching capacity. In all likelihood, the
antics Of Nick and Al in the ballyards
outside of Washington do attract GER
tain patronage that probably pays for
their services.
Griffith and Johnson leave tomorrow
afternoon for Toronto, Canada, where
they will attend the annual business
meeting of the minor leagues, and both
minds" They will be ready to make
any barriers that may be expected to
aelp the Nationals, but at present
neither seems to be looking for more
than an infielder or two and seasoned
pitcher. There now are Is pitchers
and IL inflelders on the Nationals ros-
ter. Among both lots are several who
could be considered good trading ma
terial. It seems the Nationals can Of
fer quite deal for one or two hardened
campaigners.
AS to infielders, the Nationals presi-
dent and manager would like nightly
to pick up second baseman and
shortStop, tried and true. 1t is these
positions that are causing worry at the
clubs headquarters right now, even
though there already are on the roster
several young men who have played at
the positions.
In so far as the catching staff Is con-
cerned. the club is making no particular
drive for new material. 1t has two vet
Grams and three recruits to take South
next Spring. and Griffith declares there
is little use in casting ABOUT for receiv-
ers. 81 don't know of any that are
worth while that or any one else
could grab from the present owner,
says he.
Both Griffith and johnson are con-
vinced the club has about as fne out
field material as any other in the ma
jors. Goose Goslin, whose throwing
arm is quite sound once more; Sam
Rice, Sammy West and Red Barnes
look to the owner and pilot great lot,
and in reserve the club has Mel SimonS,
Spencer Harris and Elliott Bigelow,
supposedly high-grade minor products.
Griffith and johnson are standing pat
in this department, they say.
Owner and manager are not to at
lend the National League meeting to
be held in New York. They will re-
urn from Toronto for few days stay
in Washington, then on December 10
leave for Chicago, where the annual
business session of the American League
and the joint meeting Of the major cir
cults with Commissioner KenesaW Lam
dis are scheduled for December lib.
Secretary Ed. Eynon will accompany
them to Chicago.
Both returned to Washington yester-
day from Thanksgiving holiday trips.
President Griffith motored to Staunton,
Va, to visit his nephew and niece, who
are attending schools there. johnson
was a guest of Frank Ellerbe, a former
National, at hunting party at Latta
5. c. Walter was hoping he'd bag a
wild turkey during the jaunt, but all
ne did was throw leg over a horse
and follow the hounds. He had great
time, though.