Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-27
WILL Be IN GREAT
!. TRIM, BABE AYERS
Only Hunting and Golf on
Home-Run Kings Winter
Training Program.

ky the Associated Press
NEW YORK. january 27.-Babc
Ruth seems 10 have grown a bit care
less about adhering to his program oi
conditioning for the coming season
In spite of the glowing reports of the
for golf and duck hunting. it develops
that the big fellow has neglected the
gymnasium training that he credited
with putting him back on his feet after
his famous 1925 collapse. and also with
putting him in shape for his record
1897 home-run campaign.
Ruth, down close 10 normal playing
weight. may consider his activities with
the shotgun and niblick enough 70
keep in condition. but his trainer. Artie
McGovern, is a bit Skeptical.
Several weeks ago the Babe pro-
claimed to all within hearing that he
was about TO knuckle down to hard work
for several weeks. taking systematic
exercise designed TO send him South
IN top trim.
Even last year got of a little slow.
the Babe explained. Il hit only four
look any bets this season. Put II down
that I'll be in shape 10 start OF at
a faster clip"
But the Bambino hasn't knuckled
down 10 any rigorous work OF the sort
he stuck 10 last Winter. He pooh-
poohs any suggestion that he needs
much of il or that he is growing care
less but base ball alley. along Forty
second street. is beginning to shake Its
head and wonder whether 1t was
GOOD idea, after all. when the Yankees
SSned Babe 70 three-year contract.
With Ruth assured his $4,000 for
1928 and 1929. the experts see the pos
Sib.lity Of the big hitter losing some
OF his incentive and yielding TO a ce-
sire 10 take life and his base ball easier.
On the other hand those familiar
with Ruth'S impulses realize there Is
nothing dearer TO the Babes heart than
his home runs No youth seeing his flrst
big league game got any more thrill
out of il than Ruth did when he slap
ped No. 60 out Of the park last Septem-
Der.
Boy. got a kick out of that" said
the Babe.
So it is likely that no great alarm
need be stirred up now over what Rutn
viii or will not do this season. He VIII,
as he puts il himself. very likely be In
there 'smacking' EN-"
Youth may now have the call in the
Washington clubs reorganization, as
Clark Griffith proclaims, but the TACT
remains that age won two remnants Tor
the Nationals. Even with Iris Speaker
cut adrift. the Washington lineup isn't
composed exactly of the up-and-cominG
type.
Judge. Harris, Bluege, Rice, Goslin.
Ruel. Zachary. Marberry and others
all are veterans of the l924-25 cham
pionship outfit, while such additions as
George Sisler haven't brought the age
average down
Absence of Walter johnson from the
pitching staff viii make the biggest
difference IN the appearance OF the
Senator'S. After 20 years II won't seem
like the same club without old Barney
taking his regular or occasional turn
on the mound or conSeling IN the
teams strategy
Johnson's keen knowledge OF tactics,
as well as his ability 70 get along With
the players, should give him a running
start IN his first managerial venture
with the Newark Internationals.
We all look up 70 Johnson" Bucky
Harris once said Of the great pitcher.
There isn't player on the club who
hasn't real affection for Barney"
Harris was the manager but his ad-
miration for johnson was much the
same as that Of the small boy on the
Sandloss.
IL has been an oH-seaSon Of strange
events IN major league base ball. A
year OF even a few months ago Il would
have been put down as fantastic TO
suggest that within a short time such
figures as Cobb and Speaker would be
uncond.tionzIly released, Hornsby trad
ed for two virtual unknovns, Sisler sold
for $4,000 and johnson released 10
minor league job.