The Washington times., 1929-04-16
IIN-CULD OAlNOEL ONIF o-NIAOho- ~
Turn GEORGETOWN TRACKDlEN ARE SHOWING PROMISE
WEA | HER
PUTS HAL I
T0GAllE
BY Bob Thaysr

BY Bob Thayer
Awaiting a break from the
weather man, Manager Wal
ter Johnson's fast stepping
Washington Griffmen tomor-
row are planning to send their
best against Connie Mack $
colorful Philadelphia Athletics
in their opening engagement
of the 1929 American League
season at the Clark Griffith
Stadium, 3 80 o o'clock.
Last nights steady downpour'
coupled with the cold and rain which
persisted this morning, caused Presi-
dent Clark Griffith to cancel the IN
augural which was to have been
played today.
While Sad Sam Jones is sched-
uled to pitch for the Griffmen,
Rube Walberg, the hong left.hander
with the fireba'l and fast breaking
hook, is Connie Mack's selection.
" WaIberg shows his usual
effectiveness against the wash:
ingtOn Club, "Sad Sam" VIII
have his hands full since the
Rube has been 3 '1ntlnuai
source of annoyance to the
Grisfs since his advent In the
big show.
The nomination of Walberg
illustrates clearly that Mack, in
line with six other American
League managers. intends using
his southpaws against the Grlffmen
whenever possible since five mem
bers of the regular lineup swing
from an unorthodox posture.
Generally conceded to have as
much as any pitcher in either big
league the giant sidewinder has
rounded into top stride and will
have ali of his stuff ready for
the hustling, voung combination
that has functioned so impressiveiy
during spring exhibitions.
Manager Walter johnson, how
ever, is confident that his boys can
0IGp OuI dSf14HSI w anu luub
the latter's southpaw siants will in
no way unbalance his left-handed
batting arrangement.
"Of course it's possible that
Rube may get away with q good
game" johnson admitted over
the phone. "but don't let any.
body tel You that this gang iA /,
: weak against sOuthpaws.
Remember what the boys did
against Carl Hubbell, the National
Leagues best forkhander, In the
Giant series? Well, let me tell you
right now they can come pretty near
treating Walberg the same way II
they get going good.'
Johnson, whose manageriaf bow
In a homecoming fole will furnish
the big punch of the game, is equally
sure that Sad Sam" Jones will de-
liver against the Elephants and by
doing so will give his club the jump
In this series.
"There's no doubt about It, Jones
ls ready" he declares. There's no
team in the world that could have
beaten him bis last few times out
and he's just as sure he can stop the
Athletics Just let him take their
measure today and I'll lay odds that
either Braxtou or HadleY will make
1t two out of three before we close, /"
Johnson is bringing pressure to
bear in an effort to- outstep the AS
In this series and believes that by
using Jones. Brasston and Hadley in
rotation he can turn the trick.
"Sad Sam" tomorrow Is ex.
pected TO draw Muddy RueI as
his battery mate, though
switch In plans may cause Man.
ager johnson to change this de.
cision when play starts In favor
OF Catcher Benny Tate.
Jone in conjunction with Garland
Braxton, yesterday loosened In 3
warming.up session with Catcher
Benny Tate just outside the club.
house, and reported himself feeling
exceptionally fit when filing into
the locker room for q shower.
Whereas the Athletics are entering
tomorrow's game in anything but the
best of shape. Sad Sam" will he. sup
ported by a perfectly condltioQed
cast which. without exception. will
be qualified to travel at top speed.
In abrupt contrast oslast year s
crippled delegation that opened ur
against the Boston Red Sox, tomor.
rows snappy lineup will be full Of
punch and power and also Il f1anked
by capable reserve talent that can be
called into. play on an instaLt's
notice.
With Myer, Bluege. Hayes and
Judge revealing an unlimited
supply OF Deppcr in the infield.
Barnes, West and GOslin arc
the gardeners who will be in
there hustling for an They're
worth.
The fans may watch closely the
throwing arm Of Leftfielder Goose
Goslin to convince themselves for
once and all that the Salem boy is
completely cured.
Having wisely refrained from cut
ting loose during the spring exhlbi.
tions, save when necessary. Goslin
several times startled the crowds
by getting away distance throws
with surprising accuracy.
The return of Buddy Myer to
Washington uniform this time al
third base, Is certain to interest
many; while the transfer OF Ossie
Bluege to shortstop also seems des-
tined to meet with popular ap-
pruval.