Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-08


base ball club questioned the wisdom
of the move. They contended that
johnson was taking from the game one
of its most brilliant third-Sack guard
ians and giving his club shortstop OF
uncertain value.
AS these dubious followers saw the
move, it was purely a gamble. AS 1t
has turned out, there was no gamble
from the start, and had the doubling
ThomaSeS only paused to consider that
Bluege was reckoned one OF the finest
of the young Stockholders when he
came up to the Nationals from the
Peoria Club of the Three-Eye League
back in 1922 they probably would not
have been so Skeptical.
Manager johnson knew what he was
doing when he made the shift. Now the
Nationals have one of the greatest
Sl1ortStopS ever on their roster, young
fellow who more than likely will excel
afield such scintillating predecessors as
George Mcbride and Roger Peckin-
paugh and show to much greater ad-
vantage extensively than either OF these
players, who were so valuable to the
club.
With less than six weeks of drilling,
Ossie Bluege has made himself master
of his position. So cleverly does he
cover his territory. so canny is his posi-
ton play, so we'll does he get away
long throws, so adept Is he at double
play making, both as initlator and
pivot-player, and SO skillful is he at
tagging wouldbe base pilferers that one
seeing him in action for the first time
would not believe OsSie to be playing
the shortfield regularly for the first
time since the season Of 1921.
Oss Feels Right at Home.
Bluege was changed from third
baSeman-and what a remarkable
third baseman-into a shortStop viz
tually overnight. When he first re-
surned practice in the shortfield this
year he seemed right at home In the
position and performed in a way that
left no doubt as to his ability to care
for the job acceptably despite his long
absence from it. Ossie has improved
steadily, until now he probably IS even
greater as a Shortfielder than many
players of long service in the position.
Bluege was little short of marvel
at third base. He is a marvel at short.
He cares for the position with Such
ease that at first he appears nothing
more than an ordinary shorttielder. But
after watching the way other big league
Stockholders in the exhibition games
this Spring struggle to accept chances
that Bluege accepts with no russ ana
furore, his greatness may be appreciated.
He lopes about the ground to get IN
front of drives where others would
slide on an ear do nose dives or full
rolls to get at the ball. He's playing the
place as no other has played 1t Tor
Washington in recent years.
OSsie has been singing the ball In
the exhibition games, too. For years
rated a somewhat weak hitter, Bluege
began slamming the ball savagely in
the last American League campaign.
He batted for an average Of .297, the
best he ever hit through full season
in the big show, and this Spring he has
begun where he left of last Fall.
Scarcely game is played in which he
he does not smack out hit or two.
And he hits long ball. There's every
reason now to believe that the. new
shortfielder will be an important factor
in his clubs attack when the fat race
is on.
Bluege is just about at the height
of power physically now. He VIII be -
years old next october "a. OSsle Is In
fine trim and more able than ever, APP
parently, to Withstand the rigors OF hard
base ball campaigning. In addition to
physical fitness, he will carry into the
game great mechanical ability as a
Shortstop, a keen knowledge OF the
game gathered in years Of service with
the club and an indomitable spirit. He
likes his new job, he can handle 1t, so
followers of the Nationals have little to
worry about in SO far as the Shortfield
Is concerned.
Hopkins BeSts Montgomery.
The Nationals won again yesterday
at Montgomery, beating the Lions OF
the Southeastern League. to l. Paul
Hopkins did all the pitching for the
victors, allowing the Montgomery club
but five safetieS and one pass. Three
Of the hits were made in the first in
ming and they Melted the Southeast
ern Leaguers their tally All told, Hop
kins gave a mighty impressive per-
Torrance.
The Nationals collected eight hits,
three off Goat Walker in the first four
frames and the remainder off Charley
Lane, left-hander, who had trial with
the Washington club last Spring.
Walker yielded three Of the Nationals
Ossie Bluege. and Jack Hayes each
socked two singles, the only members
Of their team to get more than one
safety. Red Barnes got the only extra
base hit on his club. It was q two
Dagger.
SduIOTQ UeBdIl LIlC LAOAAo AAaSv Wv
ting turn with a single and Seremba
sacrificed. Holt made first as Sanford
was run down in a fielder'S choice, and
he scored as Kloza, a former National,
and Douglas singled successfully.
The Nationals began their run-mak-
ing after one was out in the fourth.
Goslin walked and pulled up at third
as Barnes doubled. Bluege singled the
Goose home and Barnes to third. Os-
sizes hit was q terrific drive that
Seremba, Lions shortStop, miraculously
checked with one hand. Catcher Witte
made a wild chuck trying to pick
Barnes of third and Red Tailed while
Bluege took second. Judge walked, only
to be forced out by Hayes. But when
the Lions tried to complete double
play, the ball sailed by the first sacker
and Bluege registered at the plate.
The Nationals got their last run in
the sixth, when Goslin singled, swiped
second as Barnes whitfield and counted
when Bluege singled.
The only error charged against the
Nationals was made by Cronin. but it
came after two were out and did not
endanger his club. Goslin contributed
the fielding feature. It was a one
hand shoetop catch Of line drive
after a desperate sprint to his right.
HARMON W0III II STAGE