The Washington times., 1931-03-05
RAPS SPHERE.
HARD IN
/. DRILL
BY JOE HOLMAN

BILOXI, Miss, March 5.-Out-
fielder Sam West today is a
highly elated young man. And
for good and sufficient reason.
When the Washington club
launched its initial 1881 batting
practice yesterday the fleet Texan
convinced himself beyond the
shadow Of a doubt that his in
jured left arm, which caused him
so much bother year ago, is
healed.
It was while batting that his
salary whip worried him most
last season. Yesterday however,
he put the wood behind a man.
sized cut, and with telling results.
"That'S all need to make up
my mind" he announced Smh'
ingIy after his first turn at the
tee. 81 was afraid that swinging
might hurt me. 1 know better
now"
President Clark Griffith and
Trainer Mike Martin, who were
awaiting eagerly this test, were
, even more optimistic.
"NOw that Sam has that fear
off his mind watch him step,
the Old Fox enthused. Hes
In better shape and more con-
fident than ever. look Tor
him to push Joe CrOnin as
valuable player this coming
year"
Even though West combed the
combined offerings of George
Grayson, Carl Fischer, AL Schacht,
Lefty Griffith and Art Fidler for
surprising distance he was not
the days outstanding hero.
Catcher Cliff Bolton, the Chatta-
nooga recruit, opened the eyes Of
old timers with a display OF hit
ting.
Times Ball Accurately
Though fed nothing but
straight balls Bolton nevertheless
made an impression. His &C
curate timing, healthy cut and
apparent ability to connect to
all fields attracted much atten-
tion.
AS the training period advances
Il. is becoming more and more OBJ
vious that Cliff, on his batting
ability alone, may be carried as
Washington third string catcher.
His value as pinch hitter it is
thought will justify his retention.
"The boy certainly can hit"
Manager Walter Johnson con-
feSSeS when sounded ont on the
subject. "He has his weaknesses
behind the bat. But remember,
he's only r.
When is a curve ball not a
curve ball? A foolish question,
you may contend. But veteran
Griffmen are not so sure. In yes
terday's batting practice George
GraySon, the Warrenton (Va0
youngster, shot in offerings with
q decided break.
"HOId up a minute, kid"
Coach Al Schacht objected.
"'There's plenty of time for
hooks yet"
"T'm not hooking the ball,
AL" George replied. And an in
spectiOn Of his delivery proved
rs much.
Shortly afterward Sammy Rice |
voiced a similar protest and
Manager Walter johnson, arriv-
Ing on the scene, backed him up.
Whereupon Grayson once more
Vindicated himself.
at must be the wind" Coach
Ed Charity insisted. anyhow
the boys throwing 'em in
straight and they're bending"
~ Some of the more advanced
pitchers will start cutting loose
any day now. In fact Lloyd
Brown will be permitted to try a
few curves whenever he deems it
advisable.
Hargrave DonS Uniform
Catcher Pinkie Hargrave, fresh
4IOLu d ScSSlOu dG f1OG springs,
Ark, will turn out in uniform for
the. first time today. He sue
ceeded in losing much excess
weight during the winter season.
Consequently he likely will crash
plenty Of 1881 ball games.
Pitcher Sam Jones suffered
slightly strained back during yes
terday's workout and called it
day. Ad Liska, indiSposed the
day before, was back on the job
Irving Hadley. Sam West and
Fred Marberry are going through
particularly vigorous weight re-
.ducing exercises at present. Har-
grave joins the parade of rubber
shirts this morning.
RR