The Washington times., 1929-09-03
THREE SEEK
AGED BOX
STAR
BY Bob Thayer

BOSTON, Mass, Sept. s.
Sad Sam Jones, veteran
pitcher of the Washington
Griffmen, is expected to do a
fade-out in a Washington uni
form at the close of the pres
ent season. The 37-year-old
right handler, who is now serv-
ing his fifteenth term in the
American League, will be cut
loose to make room for
younger material, it is claimed.
other clubs will be interested in his
future. 1t has been learned on
good authority that the New York
land Indians will make overtures
for Jones during the impending
winter.
The Yankees, who discarded Sad
Sam several years ago, are partic-
ularly anxious to get him back and
are prepared to donate substantially
to regain his services.
As a matter of fact the Gotham
ties attempted to land Jones earlier
In the current season. One report
has it that Ben Paschal and $4,000
were offered for his delivery but
that the proposition was declined
after considerable dickering.
With Paschal, a right.hand hit.
ting outfielder, scheduled to go In
a big Yankee shake-up this winter
it would not be surprising We're he
yet to don a Washington uniform
In part payment for Sad Sam.
On the other hand Bucky
Harris has always been a firm
admirer Of the graceful veteran
and has intimated that he too
must be reckOned with II there
Is an opportunity to bid Jones In.
The Tiger ehieftain was willing
to part with Earl whitehill, much
younger slabman, in an even-up
deal for Sad Sam earlier in the
year. And the fact that this prop
csit1on was refused does not mean
that Harris has given hope-far
from it.
Jones is one of the finest pitch.
erS I've ever seen work" was
Bucky's tribute prior TO his de-
parture from Washington this past
winter. Hes got a fine knowledge
of hitters and knows how to handle
them all. My only regret Is that l
won't have him with me In De-
troit.'
Granted an opportunity to put in
a claim for Jones, Harris likely
will he we'll in the running even
though he must buck the Yankee
bank roll to register
To what extent Cleveland is in.
terested in Sad Sam is unknown
other than that the crafty Billy
Evans would welcome his acquisi-
tion. Evans, as an umpire, was
favorably impressed by the aging
campaiSner and believes that he
has several useful baseball years
left in his system.
4 Despite his advancing years
Jones shows few signs of wear
sand tear and still can take
his place among the American
Leagues best. He has a smooth
delivery requiring little eXertiOn
and also depends largely on
headwOrk while In the box.
Jones became a ,Griff a year ago
WASn ne was picked up Dy HrSSl'
dent Clark G. Griffith from the
st. Louis Browns for the waiver
price. Stepping out with a losing
combination he proceeded to enjoy
one OF his best years with record
Of II games won and seven lost.
Though shelved with injuries for
the greater portion of the present
campaign, he has flashed several
noteworthy performances and gives
promise Of returning to his 1928
form. Ty Cobb, while manager of
the Detroit Tigers several years ago,
was q great admirer of Jones pitch
ing form, although they never main-
tanned q personal friendship.
therefore Cobb instructed several
Of hts youngsters to observe Sad
Sans every motion and follow suit
accordingly. On one such occasion,
when Ty was striving desperately
to instruct his class, an umpire ap.
preached him.
Say Ty," he remarked, you've
got a fine bunch Of spitchers there.
Yeah" Cobb snarled in reply.
'"That's just it-they're too ID
young. Give me that old bozo over
there and I'll trade you the entire
lot"