The Washington times., 1935-03-13

morning, Stew
art is willing to lSA
accept the sal
ary cut OF ~ >E''''"ER's'''' ~
81 600 thrust Frank "Buck" O'Neill
upon him in the contract offered
by the ball club, but refuses to
train at his own expense. 1t was
announced officially that Stewart
had been offered salary of $1,000
for 1885.
Griffith refused to permit Stew.
art to report here as a member OF
the washington club, with all the
rights and privileges Of the rest
of the squad. Griffith insists that
Stewart come here on his own re-
sponsibilty and prove to Bucky
Harris that he is in condition to
be placed on the club payroll.
A possible solution to the prob
lem loomed this morning as
Walter johnson, manager of the
Cleveland Indians, informed
Griffith by mail that he might
be willing to relieve the Griff-
men of Stewart on a cash and
carry basis. johnson said he
had no pitchers nor other base
ball chattels to offer in trade for
Stewart. Griffith was not in
terested in selling Stewart at the
price the pitcher would command
on the open market. It is en-
tirely impossible, however, that
he will change his mind on the
matter if Stewart sticks to his
guns.
Within Rights
Griffith is entirely within his
r'!hts in insisting that Stewart
report at his own expense, ana
prove himself in condition to take
his place with the rest of the
club. Article % of the National
Association of Professional Base
ball Leagues agreement sets
forth in section 4 that any player
under contract or reserve who
shall fail to report to a desig-
mated spot within three days Of
receipt of notification may be
subject to fine. It is further
stated that such player must re-
port and train at his own ex-
pense, his salary not to start
until he satisfies his manager
that he is in condition to par
ticipate in championship games.
The Stewart -Griffmen contro-
versy took on new life last night
when Stewart telephoned from
Crossville, Tenn, asking perm1s-
sion to report for training. He
was informed that under the con-
ditions he would have to conform
to baseball rules and come at his
own expense.
Griff TeIegraphs
At the end of the telephone con.
versation, Griffith telegraphed
Stewart to prevent any misunder.
standing or misinterpretation OF
the talk. Griffith'S telegram
read:
'Tf you desire, express perfect
satisfaction at the terms offered
and want to come here now, and
20 in training at your own ex-
pense, with understanding that
you are not to 60 ON the pay"
roll until Manager Harris Is sat
isfied you are in condition to
pitch, it will be all right for you
to report"
Stewart refused the conditions
and replied in a telegram which
said:
Cannot train at my own ex'
pense. Will report as member
of Washington ball club. Terms
satisfactory"
Griffith refused to alter his
stand in the slightest degree. He
replied to Stewart:
"YOu should understand status
of your case is such that 1t is
impossible for me 10 have you
report except on conditions out
lined in telegram this morning.
Hope you change your mind and
come as training expenses are
not excessive in comparison with
your salary. Please wire your
final decision"
The next move is up to Stewart.
Griffith holds all the aces IN MS
hand, and the only possible out
come for the pitcher seems to lie
in a cash deal with the CleVe-
land club.
Must Take Turn
Even there, it is probably that
Johnson will insist that Stewart
establish himself as ready to take
his turn in the box before placing
him on the payroll.
With the question Of Stewards
status thus suspended, we turn to
a weather report, and the antics
Of the gyrating Griffmen in this
town on the Gulf. The boys
crawled out Of their igloo this
morning and led by Uncle Billy
Smith, drew on their long red
undies, and muffling themselves
against the frigid norther, went
to the ball park.
The nightly downpour put the
field ankle deep in mud so that
the infield could do nothing oS