The Washington times., 1931-03-04
AYERS
. HE'SGONE
LIMIT
By JOE HOLMAN

BILOXI, Miss, March 4.-As
the reporting deadline draws near
Jackie Hayes, crack second sacker
and the Washington clubs only
unsigned player, maintains a
mysterious silence. Not for 10
days has President Clark Grit
fifth received any word from
the Clanton, Ala, ace. The Old
Fox stopped corresponding with
Hayes two weeks ago, and he
today declared that the next
move was up to Jackie. Griff
says:
'Hayes has q splendid chance
to grab off a regular job if he
gets into line. But I've done
my part by him. He's draw
ing substantial pay and 1 Of
fered him a nice raise this
season. If he refuses these
terms there's nothing more I
can do"
Jackie's continued quiet is caus-
ing much speculation among his
teammates. Many of them think
ne will report on schedule Sun
day and go into contract hud-
die. Others are not so sure.
It Is understood that the South
erner has demanded more money
en6 is firm in his stand. In
which event he may De expected
to blossom into a full-fledged hold
out
No Word From Harris
Prexy Clark Griffith is more
than puzzled over the uon-appear-
ance Of his slugging, utility out
fielder, Dave Harris. Late last
week Dave wired for permission
to report here Immediately,
W'hereupon Griffith acquiesced.
Imagine his surprise when the
big fellow not only failed TO put
in an appearance at the time
designated but also failed to for
ward an explanation.
Lengthy exhibition turns for
Pitchers Hadley and Fred Mar
berry are being planned by
Manager Walter johnson. Lloyd
Brown, too, has asked sOr plenty
of work.
Sir Walter not only intends
alternating them in four and
five-inning shifts earlier in the
spring, but also will send the
trio through one nine-ninnirg as
signment apiece before the Ameri-
can League seasons opening. Mar
berry and Hadley are impressing
favorably with their intensive
training lick nowadays. Medicine
ball tossing and running occupy
most of their time.
Batting practice starts today.
1t is Johnson's idea to make
Z use. Of Lefty Griffith, Ray Nc
Mahon, Art Fidler and some of
the other rockies in the early
sessions. He is particularly i'm
pressed by Griffith. Consequently
the fast shooting southpaw has
been instructed to prepare him.
self for close inspection.
A1trOck Likes FidIer
Your Uncle Nick Altrock
claims that Art F'tdler, foot 5
inch slabster, is liable to surprise
everybody in the not distant fu-
ture.
Hes big as house but han.
dies himself like q toe dancer"
Nick declared today. 1--WE had
him fielding bunts for several
days now, and you ought to see
him STEP. He's got a pretty de-
livery and good head, too.
Once he gets started, watch
him Co."
The Washington club antici-
pateS no difficulty in optioning
out its rockies this season. Chat
tanooga, Of course, gets all of
the more promising players. And
Clark Griffith's working agree
! ment with Hagerstown, of the re-
organized Middle Atlantic League,
also holds good.
Too, Skipper Johnson hopes to
send York. of the New York
Pennsylvania League, a fairly
proficient player. This as a per
sonal favor to his friend, Manager
Jack Bentley.
Because they insisted upon put
ting too much stuff on their
offerings several Washington
pitchers received stop signals yes
terday. General Alvin Crowder,
the youngest veteran in camp,
was one of the offenders.