The Washington times., 1929-03-22

Will DC DODUSOnS ClOACS III Ah
attempt to start the 1929 Griff.
men off in the right direction.
Hadley, in temperament and
popularity, bears striking
resemblance to his manager anu
idol.
while nothing yet can be taken
for granted" johnson last night
advised, II don't think you can
go very far wrong in naming Had
ley as my opening day selection.
At least that's my present plan"
It'll be something of a hard
ship for me to see someone else
climbing the hill for this occasion"
Walter admits. During my career
with the Griffmen opening day al
ways was reserved for me exclu-
sively. I'm willing to pass up the
honor, though, If my substitute
gives his best-and 1 know he will.
For several reasons I've
asked Trainer Mike Martin to
get Bump into shape for this
game"
"Frankly I consider him our best
pitcher and the most improved
youngster in either big league. Also
he has something on the AS, !
understand, and nothing could
strengthen our morale more than
TO start the season by tumbling
Connie Mack's club. I'm expect
ing much from Hadley during
1929. He has everything a pitcher
could desire and properly handled
should experience his greatest sea-
son by far.
His curve" Johnson contends.
has few equals and certainly no stl.
perior. Then, consider his fast one,
change of pace and uniformly good
control. There you have a real
pitcher.
''All I ask is that he remains in
good physical trim and avoids the
reversals coming his way during the
past two years. Then I'll show Wash
ington a pitcher who can hold his
own with anyone, anywhere"
Trainer Martin was even more eff
fusive in his appraisal of the big
Lynn (Mass.) boy. I've never seen
kid buckle down to work as will
ingly as he has this spring." Martin
declares. 'It's a pleasure to condi-
ton an athlete with Hadley's atti
tude. He never complains and al
ways is willing to take advice.
'Tf Bump doesn't eventually
step into the shoes vacated by
johnson in 1927 I'm a greatly
fooled guy. AS matter of
fact expect some of his
promise to be substantially
realized when the coming season
arrives"
Three years ago Bump was merely
4 bright athletic prospect who had
interrupted a promising college
career by withdrawing from Brown
University.
Offered a shot at semi-pro ball by
Walter Schuster, a friend, he made
connections with the East Douglas,
tMass.) nine where he worked so
impressively that he soon was
target for big league scouts.
The New York Yankees, Phila-
delphia Athletics and Washington
Griffmen all were offering him con.
tracts when Jack Chesbro through
Schuster. succeeded in lining up
Hadley with the Griffmen.
81 reported for spring training
with the Washington club in 1926"
Hadley stated recently. Il didn't
stay there long, though. being
shipped on option to Birmingham in
June.
"At the time I wasn't credited
with a curve ball, though that al.
ways has been my stock in trade.
Anyhow, / reported and was re.
called during the closing days of
the season.
"In 1927, when Walter Johnson
broke his ankle, Horace Lisenbee and
myself managed to step in and win
some games. In my own case l fin.
shed the season with high rank
ng for effectiveness. while Lizzie
won something like Is games ana
'ost only nine during his first year
n the big time.
"a lot was expected from Lisen
bee and myself last season. but
Lizzie couldn't get started and
was sent back to Minneapolis
while an operation for appendicitis
kept me from reaching form until
midseason.
"IM atone for that this year,
though" the big boy maintains
grimly I'm not in the habit of
disappointing people"
Admitting he never felt better,
Bump refuses to make a predic.
lion on his 1929 showing. declaring
red much rather win his games
the box. His mates, though,
re has 80 much ~ lifted a hall in
n