The Washington times., 1929-07-17
SEE BARNEY
As NEXT
PREXY
BY Bob Thayer

CHICAGO, I'LL, July ~.
That Walter johnson is being
groomed to succeed President
Clark G. Griffith as head of
the Washington club was a
belief expressed here today
following Griffith s announce
ment that Walter will be al
lowed to handle the salary de-
tails Of his players for 1880.
Though the old Fox is expected to
remain in harness for some years
yet. it is thought that Johnson, at
the conclusion of his managerial ca
reer, probably will step into the
executive position.
The latest move is seen as one
whereby Walter can gradually ac-
gaaint himself with the duties OF
an executive and consequently may
nrepare himself for the future.
Power such as has seldom been
nossessed by a big league manager is
to be given Walter Johnson by
President Clark C.. Griffith and Of
ficials OF the Washington club.
Roundly denying the current
report that Walter Is to be re-
lieyed of his managerial duties
at the end of the present season,
Griffith yesterday followed up
with this declaration and backed
Il with proof.
Said proof was furnished when he
announced that johnson will be al
lowed to fix his veteran players
salaries for 1880 This means that
Walter will have the final say as to
whether or not his players are to be
nenalized or boosted on the payroll
a trust imposed on few leaders.
"I want the public to know that In
No way do / consider Walter john
aon a managerial failure" the Old
Fox explained while announcing this
move. "As- matter OF fact am
so thoroughly convinced that he has
managerial success in AIS makeup
that /, in company with other Of
ficials Of the Washington club, have
decided to empower him with full
and absolute authority over his men
throughout his three-year term as
pilot.
There is no doubt in my mind
hut what Walter will serve much
longer than the three years for
which he is now under contract.
Anyhow, so long as he heads this
team he will be entrusted with COM
plete control of its affairs-on anc
off the field.
Tred at what he considers un-
called for criticism which has
labeled the national idol man
agerial figurehead, the Wash
1ngtOn nrexy has used this as
method OF expressing his faith
In enc of the greatest characters
that the national pastime has
ever known.
"Because Walter is naturally easy
going and genial soul does not
mean that he cannot take the
proper measures when the secession
calls for it, Griffith insisted dur
ing the course of his conversation.
He needs only a little experience to
fit himself to his present Job, IL
the fans give him the support he
deserves, he'll get that in short
order.
johnson. as a pitcher, proved
that he was a keen student of the
game. When he lost most Of his
stuff he remained a big winner be-
cause he had acquired a knowledge
of the hitters and had learned how
to pitch. Isn't it just logical to
presume that he can and will learn
to manage his ball club" 4f
. Realizing that experience Is
Walters greatest need right
now, the Old Fox has decided
that he can pick 1t up best
when confronted with actual re-
sponsibility and therefore has
planned to give him full away
not only in actual managerial
details but other matters as well.
Fines, suspensions and all mat
ters of discipline will be handled by
the Big Train while he also will be
called upon to pass on all PLAYER
deals and purchases made by the
Washington Club. No outside inter-
ference. Griffith Insists, will inter-
fere with his handling of players
and Johnson will at all times be
the master of all he surveys In so
far as his ball club is concerned.
Under this program, il 1t is fol-
lowed out as Is expected Walter
will be empowered with authority
comparable with that of John Nc
Graw, the famous. New York Giant
team director. And, under the
circumstances, it Is thought that
his position will be much the same
as that of baseball's little Napoleon.
''The point really want to. bring
out" President Griffith explained
while resuming the interview" is
that the players will be strictly
accountable to Walter at all times.
ANY measures, disciplinary or other
wise, that he considers advisable
win be final with me.
al have been accused at times,
wrongly / think. of butting in
managerial affairs. While i have
tried TO help out in every pos
sibIe way it has never been my
intention to interfere with the
man In charge and 1t certainly
Isn't now.
''Y think this latest action on the
part of myself and the Washington
club should ss convince theI most
skeptical that Walter Johnson is
with us to stay Indefinitely and
will not, under any circumstance, be
let 20. His wholesome influence III
baseball is too valuable to permit
his being cut loose"
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