The Washington times., 1929-07-15
ASKS BACK
B|NDER()N
ALLAN
BY Bob Thaysr

BY Bob Thayer
CHICAGO, July 15.-Clark
G. Griffith, one of baseball g
shrewdest students, rolled into
Chicago early this morning.
With a busy day ahead Of him
he checked in at the Cooper
Carlton Hotel and then disap,
peared utterly from sight.
Scheduled for a hearing before
Judge X. M. Lands, baseballs ex-
alted power, regarding the case OF
Pitcher Joe Gard, Griffith also was
expected to try to regain the $6,OOU
binder paid r, j, Spiller of the At
lanta Crackers, when the Washing"
ton club was negotiating for the
franchise of the Southern ASsocla'
ton team some time ago.
Giard, who was thrown in as
mart payment for Pitcher Archie
Campbell by the st. Paul club was
ordered to report to Atlanta when
1t was presumed that the franchise
of that organization would be taken
over and operated by the Washing
ton club,
Since a Southern Association
ruling blocked the deal. however,
Griffith was instructed by the
commissioner to place Giard ON
his player list and ask waivers
before disposing Of him.
Carrying out these instructions
the Old Fox got his waivers and
ordered Giard to report to San
Antonio of the Texas League.
either Giard's hearing was bad or
he does not care for San Antonio.
In any event he has since pitched
several games for Atlanta and has
shown no attitude to sever his con-
nections there,
Sans his player and $1,000, Grit
filth may be expected to put in a
logical claim for both, and despite
the usual jolts handed him by the
commissioner, he is hopeful of re-
ceiving a favorable ruling this time.
That's only part of the story.
though. Interested in discovering
the shortcomings Of his 1929 Grift-
men he will accompany the club to
st. Louis Wednesday night while
rounding out the remainder of this
current Western jaunt.
Working hand in hand with Mar
ager Walter johnson on q rebuild
ing schedule for 1880, Griffith has
been none too pleased with the work
of several members of his organiza.
ton. and is bent on effecting what
ever shifts he and Johnson deem
necessary.
It Ii no secret that the Old
Fox will take part in tearing
apart the present combination
and also In bringing new ma
terial to the front.
Griffith, who is well versed In
baseball lore, was one of those who
predicted a first division finish for
the Washington club at Tampa this
spring. So enthusiastic was he fol-
lowing the spring exhibition record
of the Griffmen, In fact, that he
picked them as a One-two-thrce
proposition.
He has taken none too kindly at
their reversal of form since the
start Of the American League sea-
SON and has frankly admitted his
displeasure at the unexpected turn
Of affairs.
In company with the general run
Of baseball authorities he does not
blame Walter johnson for this
showing. citing that players with
established regulations have been
primarily the cause OF the DOWN
fall
Confessing that many team mem.
bers who have failed to deliver are
merely experiencing off years or
else are reaching the end of their
rope he has intimated that dis
ciplinary measures may be neseH-
Sary in other cases and that he viii
be prepared to recommend them on
the slightest provocation.
The Old Fox has been consider.
ABLY disturbed by reports received
from established sources regarding
several of his players this season
and intends leaving nothing undone
while tracing them down.
While no serious infractions OF the
rules have been discovered he is
eager to aid Manager Walter John.
SON in getting the best results at
all times and believes that in order
to do so strict adherence to base
balls unwrittsn laws must be OBJ
served.
The club on the whole, he be-
lieveB, IL much better than IL
. has proved itself to be on the
playing field but since results
pay the biggest dividends he is
!, seeking no alibf in that respect.
In short Griffith, whose years in
baseball have been many, believes
that a general shake.up will be
necessary and to the best interests
Of all concerned but until that time
he, wants, and will demand, plenty
Of hustle from the players who have
fallen so far below the preseason
standard set for them by baseball
writer's and authorities as well.
And, considering that the majority
Of the disciples are paid annually
in good round figures the general
public may we'll join In q timely
chorus entitled-why not.
Many enjoyable trips await you Is =
~caF owner and why postpone
them when 3 car 81 y0ur own caT.