The Washington times., 1928-03-10
GRIF T MEN
ENCOUNTER
BRAVES
BY Louis Al. Dougher

BY Louis A. Dougher
TAMPA, Fla, March 10.-Three
more Washington pitchers get their
seasons initial test today, Bobby
Burke. Lizzie Lisenbee and Tom
Zachary being chosen to oppose the
fast,flying Boston Braves, led by
Rogers Hornsby, in Tampa's first
big league contest of the year. All
three have been progressing to the
satisfaction of the manager and the
trainer. Now all they need do is
prove they have the stuff against
the National League hitters.
Burke has been showing himself
4 holy terror against the southpaW
batsnen in the batting drills on
Plant Field, this being particularly
true OF Sam Rice. The veteran
Outfielder might as well have tossed
aside his bat as try to land on
Burke's stuff. Goslin. West and
SisleI, too, have had their diff
xicuIties when opposing the long
lefthander.
Zachary, knowing he is facing
what should be one of his good
years, Is working with the conf
dellce and craft Of experience
and the Braves win be lucky to
do much with him today. When
or Tom feels In the mood, he IS
one Of the hardest hurlers IN
Che bic show 20 hit cOnsceutlvely.
He q 1t his best with runners
on the bases.
Ligenbee's class is well known to
washington fans who watched him
al last season. The youngster has
started in about where he left off last
September, and great things are ex-
pected OF him this season.
Sam Rice hopes to start today in
right field, but he will hardly play
more than five innings. If he stays
IA that long. Emile Barnes, the
chunky lad from Birmingham, win
relieve him. before the game goes far.
Rice's batting eye is clear. All he
needs is a return of his old speed TO
cfnch his job for the opening OF the
campaign. How long he win con-
finue in the lineup depends upon
those same legs. "A year ago he in
ftfred a leg at Avon Park and not
I'm August was it strong again. This
spring finds him ready for the bell
and today he viii make his initial
plunge.
Jack Hayes performance over at
Avon Park continues the subject or
most conversation among the Griffs
here. This young man. who hoped
night into a big league lineup in
midseason without any preliminary
training last summer, is already the
apple Of Bucky Harris eye.
'sFOr kid new to this game
n1 played in the big leagues,
said the Washington manager,
Hayes is the c0Oky. liked the
way he went to third on judges
hit at Avon Park and his own
single to right field was no lucky
drive. He. landed on the ball.
When the Griffmen arrive In
Washington, it is a safe bet that
Jack Hayes will be in the gang. He
may not play regularly this year.
but he is certain TO be carried, prob
ably for utility work at second, short
and third. He plays all three posi-
items gkillfully and none of the regu-
lars can afford to stay in a slump
too long with him on the bench
Hayes has the old pep that makes
for stardom in fast company.
The fight between Bobby Reeves
and Grant ellis hasn't really begun
vet. Reeves right now has sore
finger but he doesn't let that worry
him much. He takes his turn in the
daily practice sessions and is slash
ing the ball harder than he did a
year ago. It may do him q lot OF
good TO have such sturdy opposition
rs ellis Is giving him. The team
benefits by having two such clever
youngsters In the ranks.
Tommy Taylor, last years
third sacker with Houston In
the Texas League, has finally
reported, but neither he nor
Midget Smith, the short fielder
from Kansas City, is expected
10 hang on. This Hayes person
ls quite too much for both Of
them. Furthermore. Smith Just
now has q weak arm that Ii
e holding him back.
If Ralph Cooper continues TO
gliaten in the field. he may be
placed somewhere by President
griffith and given another trial
next spring. The kid. though quiet
a. q mouse around the hotel, is
Philadelphia pepper pot on the
field. He is a fine fielder right
now and needs only to improve his
hitting to become a fine prospect.
Added weight viii help him in his
hitting and it would not be sur
:priaing were he back here next
spring. The kid has talent.
Bump Hadley, convalescing from
his operation for appendicitis.
hoped to escape from the hospital
today in time to see his mates
battle the Boston Braves. The
JoIIng pitcher looks even better
than before they trotted him over
to the hospital on Davis Island and
shot the hop into him. His color
il better. his eyes clearer. and his
confidence WAS never greater than
Il IL now. Sir Mique Martin insists
that he will have Hadley in condi.
ton 70 open the season next month.
~ wv RR~As1~ IT,