Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-12-12
Also Faces Struggle
Over Night Games
With Both Loops
BY JOHN b. KELLER,
Star Staff CorfAsnondent.


CHICAGO, Dec. 12-Clark Grit
nth and his Washington cohorts
have wasted lot of time and talk
in trying to improve the Mats while
attending major baseball's winter
sessions, but their efforts here may
prove fruitful before the American
League swings into its 1916 cham
pionship campaign next March.
The president Of the Washington
club today did not try to conceal
his disappointment over having
failed to land at least a shortstop
for the Mats, but expressed hope
OF completing a deal that would
get such player by mid-March.
Missing out on a trade was not
the only thing that annoyed Crit
nth before he went into the joint
meeting of the American and Ma
tional Leagues with Commissioner
Happy" Chandler that was to end
the 1945 sessions of the majors
His night baseball program, calling
for unlimited play under GrifIith
Stadium lights in Washington next
year. still had to be approved.
After preliminary discussions of
his program on Monday the Mats
president had hoped the two leagues
would indorse it in separate ses-
sions yesterday. However, the pro-
gram encountered opposition Of no
weak order In the American League
and the National did not look upon
1t fondly.
Chandler May Decide Issue.
There was great chance that the
discussion Of the Washington clubs
night play program would give
Chandler his first opportunity since
being chosen high commissioner of
baseball to exercise his authority to
cast vote to break a tie between
two major organizations.
How Chandler would vote in such
an eventuality could not be fore
cast. although 1t has been said in
some quarters that the commission
er. recognizing the exceptional con-
ditions backing the plea of the
Washington club and the two st.
Louis clubs to be left unrestricted
in arranging their home night
schedules, has indicated he favors
their cause.
When Griffith's trading efforts
ended late last night. he was angling
for Eddie Lake, the Boston Red Sox
shortstop who is fast, throws strong
ly and hits long ball. The Mats
had expressed willingness to ex-
change George Case, their fleet out
fielder, for Lake and an outfielder,
either Leon Culberson or Tom Nc
Bride, but the Red Sox interests be-
gan haggling for more. Neither
Grifith nor Manager Os Bluege of
the Mats viewed the proposition IA
vorably. so everything was called on
for the time being.
Inere may be resumption Of ne
gotiations between Washington and
Boston In another few weeks, but
then Case may be out of the pic
ture. Cleveland's Indians have had
another talk with the Mats prexy
and manager with Case apparently
the key man in the discussion. The
Tribe still had Jeff Heath, q hard
hitting outfielder, on the market
this morning and gladly would get
him OH their hands.
Griffith In No Hurry.
A Case-for- Heath swap as well as
an exchange of pitchers-perhaps
Dutch Leonard for Allie Reynolds
Is not out of the picture.
Grifith said this morning. how
ever, that he did not contemplate
making any deals until after the
first OF next year at the earliest. II
believe Washington will get some
more offers by that time, especially
as We seem to have some talent we
can't spare that several other clubs
want" he pointed out. Maybe we
can do business to the satisfaction
OF all concerned. I'm ready to trade
anytime If the other fellow will meet
my offer fairly.
But this time we are not giving
anybody away" he added, which
was accepted as a reference to the
outright sale OF Outflelder Bob
johnson, q redoubtable hitter, to
the Red Sox for $4,000 at the 1914
winter meetings in New York. The
Mats have had much cause since to
regret that hasty act.
After spending more than seven
hour In meetings yesterday, the
Mats president attended the dinner
given by Commissioner Chandler to
the club owners of both big leagues.
But I left early" the 76-year -old
Washington club executive said.
Stayed only long enough to present
my respects to the commissioner.
Gosh, will I be glad to get home"
Home he'll be fnYnorrnu