Evening star., 1928-10-13
ALL j. s. TO HAIL
. JOHNSON'S RETURN
Harris Is Deemed Likely to
Play Second Base as
Detroit Pilot.
BY JOHN b. FOSTER.

N YEW YORK, october 13.-Just
N as the fans were turning from
world series arguments to
4 speculation on prospective
managerial changes and shifts
In the big leagues, along came word
today that Walter Johnson would return
to the Washington Senators in 1929 as
manager, succeeding Stanley Harris.
The Springing of Johnson's name was
surprise, for nobody had thought that
old Barney was in line to be manager
at Washington. The veteran pitcher
had been signed this year as manager
OF the Newark club Of the International
League, and 1t was only because Paul
Block, the Newark owner, released him
from his contract that he was able to
take up the Washington offer.
So much base ball sentiment attaches
10 Walter JohnSon's name and his rec
ord with the Washington club during a
score of years on the mound that his
return to the scene of his triumphs will
De welcomed by fans in every part of
the country. The big train is back
IN the harness of the big show, not as
pitcher this time, but as a strategist
on the bench.
GrihS Need Rough Boss.
Washington needs a manager with an
electric thrill and magnetic touch,
and many are the friends of johnson
who hope that he will fill every need,
Bucky Harris had these qualifications
Tor time, but they did not last A
rough-and-ready manager is apt to get
more out OF the Washington team as 1t
is now made up than any other type
of pilot.
1t is quite within reason that Harris
could go TO Detroit, succeeding George
Moriarity as manager of the Tigers. for
out there they think he has the mystic
touch that brings good results out of
players.
Harris was successful in Washington
because he had a fair batting team and
good pitching team, with Walter
johnson still able TO win many more
games than he lost. There was another
factor that helped Harris lot. 1t was
second baSeman,, none other than
himself, who, in company with Peckin-
paugh at shortstop, formed one of the
most wonderful keystone combinations
in the history of base ball.
If Harris goes to Detroit he will
almost surely play second base, as he is
far from through as q second baseman.
He needs new surroundings Gehringer,
the Detroit second baseman, might be
converted into shortstop and prob
ably would succeed in that position, as
he Is natural fielder. He can hit bet
ter than Tavener, the little chap who
has been playing short for Detroit for
so long.
Sex Need ReOrganizer.
The managership of the Chicago
White Sox has not been adjusted for
1929. Lena Blackburne was named
acting manager of the team when Ray
Schalk was dropped during the past
season. The Sox are eager to get some
one to reorganize and stir the team up.
Too much Cub success makes the SOx
morose and the "Old Roman" Charles
A. Comiskey, is grabbing over the in
ability of his counselors to put the Sox
lack on the map, where they once had
quarter section to themselves.
The chances are that Bill McKechnie
will remain as pilot of the st. Louis
Cardinals. His team was so all-around
bad in the world series that he could not
be accused of making any personal
blunders of consequence. Most people
thought he had done wonders to get
such team first over the line In the
National League race.
No less an authority than Wilbert
Robinson himself is authority for the
statement that he will not manage the
Brooklyn team next season. His plan is
to retire as manager, but continue as
president of the club, move by which
he hopes to cure the internal troubles
of the club. His choice for manager lis
Carey, but he is willing to accept any
man the directors decide upon.