Evening star., 1936-03-03

~ RLANDO, rld., MdICu o.
William Clifton Bolton is the
man on the spot in this
~ Washington training camp.
Quietly, grimly. the stocky little
catcher is going about his business on
Tinker Field. inconspicuous on the
diamond that is dominated by New
som anG Travis, Estalella and Lewis.
But at the same time Bolton prob
ably is the most important single
cog on the squad.
Cliff is only one of the multiple
question marks on club full OF
question marks. but of them all he
stands to be the most difficult to re-
place. On his shoulders, more than
upon those of any other single play
er, rests high hopes for a surprising
ball team.
Cecil Travis may flop at shortstop,
unlikely as it appears today, and to
replace him will be Red Kress. Buddy
Lewis may not measure up to big
league standard when tested under
fire and in his third base post will
be inserted Ossie Bluege or Travis.
Dee Miles may not make the grade
in right field and ready and capable
to fill his shoes will be Carl Reynolds
and Johnny Stone. But what If
Bolton flops?
Due to Garry Burden.
HUSKY Sam Holbrooks stock un-
derwent a degree of imitation
during President Clark Grifith's Mid
winter plotting and planning, but the
Official impression prevalent today is
that Bolton will wear the mask and
mitt when April and the American
League race rolls around. Holbrook
looms as a threat, as does Bill Starr.
but there isn't much doubt that
Bolton is being counted upon to bear
the burden.
Bolton probably was the target of
more general criticism last year than
any single Washington player. When
Luke Sewell was sent away during
the Winter of 1895 there was much
ado, although President Clark Grif-
fi.h stoutly expressed faith in Bolton
to not only fill Sewell's shoes behind
the bat but also to add offensive
EGrGnRUu 10 Tie CluU.
There is not much doubt as to Cliffs
ability to hit. He always is dangerous
of the tee, but Bolton never could
establish himself as backstop worthy
of better than average rating. Part
of the reason for the collapse of the
Nationals pitching staff last year was
laid directly to Bolton by critics and
fans alike.
Hold Criticism Unfair.
NEITHER Griff nor Harris contends
that Bolton ever will win undying
fame as an expert receiver. but both
rate him as major league caliber.
Blaming Bolton for the deficiencies of
the 1885 slab staff, they insist, was un-
fair.
The task to which he undoubtedly
will be intrusted this year Is no set
up. He really is on the spot. The Ma
tionals' rebuilding program has left
few really experienced pitchers on the
roster. Approximately half OF the
hurting corps that will be retained will
be composed of youngsters whose
knowledge Of pitching is extremely
limited The best catcher in the busi-
ness might run into difficulty, and if
the 1886 brand of pitching is no bet
ter Bolton will find critics reluctant to
be lenient.
Harris who was offered Bolton
for-Frankie Pytlak swap last Win
ter. thinks Cliff will be an improved
catcher. so far he's taking his work
so seriously" explained Bucky, that
he cannot help but be better re-
ceiver. The fellow has been in camp
since the first day and he's working
as hard as any of the boys. He really
is set on establishing himself as more
than a good hitter"
Holbrook Is Promising.
THE possibilities of Holbrook cannot
L be overlooked but. like Bolton the
Mississippi lad is not regarded as
standout receiver. Holbrook prom
ises to develop into a valuable right
handed hitter in due time, but he
lacks the experience of Bolton.
There seems to be little question
among the veteran Washington pitch
ers as to STAIRS receiving ability. Bill
Is b yOuIlSSGcI "I1O JO1tlCo eAlC 6AA4
men late last year from Harrisburg.
He was regarded as only "fill-in"
when Bolton and Jack Redmond were
injured, but whether through CO.
incidence or otherwise the wobbly
Washington pitching staff suddenly
perked up, but Starr was no bargain
at bat, although he may well improve.
The only other catcher on the
squad who seems to have definite
chance to stick is Floyd Perryman.
After impressing with his handling
of the mitt, Perryman disappointed
In the initial batting drills, but during
the last two days he has been showing
Harris why he led the Kitty League
In batting last year. Alex Sabo is a
husky lad, but he lacks experience
and probably will be farned out.
It looks to be four-cornered scrap
between Bolton, Holbrook, Starr and
Perryman for the three available
catching berths. And it looks as
though Bolton, with an atlas weight
on his shoulders, will cali signals
when the 1886 edition of the Nationals
fS unveiled.