Evening star., 1947-02-19
Return 10 Old Form
Would Solve Club S
Sd Base Problem
By Burton Hawkins
Stor Stoff correspondenf

ORLANDO, Fla, Feb. 19.-When
Cecil Travis legs collapsed last sea-
son the Mats sagged with him. The
drawing Georgia infielder was the
key to Washington's hopes and when
his legs refused to support him in
the style to which he was accus-
toned, the Mats staggered to a
fourth place finish. -t.
This year, says Travis. 1t may be
different. His legs are feeling better
than at any time since two of his
toes were frozen in the Battle of the
Bulge. Physicians tell him circula-
ton in his feet has been restored,
but have cautioned him against ex-
treme heat or cold.
my legs feel strong" says Cecil,
land I may be able to help the club
some this year. Last year I knew I
was sort of pitiful at shortstop when
my legs gave out on me and I wasn't
any better when I was shifted to
third base. I just couldn't make my
legs do what I wanted them to do"
On the recommendation of Trainer
George Lentz, the Mats have in
vested $500 in a whirlpool machine
and Travis is likely to spend many
hours with his legs in the contrap-
ton. Lentz is enthusiastic about re-
storing life to Travis legs and Wis
ions the whirlpool bath as a method
of preventing Cecil from slipping.
Would Solve Big Problem.
Travis was going along superbly
last season until June, then hit the
skids. Lentz feels the vigorous ac-
ton of the whirlpool bath will aid
Travis circulation and calculates
continued treatment will stymie an
other relapse. George is excited at
the prospect of doing'a job on Cecil
and it's just as we'll. Approaching "a.
with 16 years of organized baseball
behind him, the Mats prospective
third baseman will welcome the de-
voted attention of a tireless trainer
A rejuvenated Travis would be a
small slice Of heaven for the Mats.
They can't visualize a complete
comeback to Travis prewar form,
but even a modest approach to his
1941 performance would be wonder
full. Cecil batted .359 that year. This
season, a Travis at third base who
could hit 800 and handle his posi-
ton would solve one of Washing
tons more pressing problems.
Travis has done a little hunting
over the winter, but chiefly concen-
trated on finishing 10-room house
at Atlanta. He also has a sizable
farm II miles outside Atlanta and
has inaugurated a career as cattle
raiser with the purchase Of 10 Here
fords. His wife and two sons-Tony,
31a and Michael 112-are here with
him at hotel while Cecil attempts
what amounts to be impossible. He
wants to rent house and there
aren't any to be had.
Newsom First Casualty.
Mats notes-Bobo Newsom is the
first casualty of Orlando. -. Wash
ington's gigantic, garrulous pitcher
has blistered feet, the result of too
much golf. :. Cal Griffith, AL Evans,
Walter Masterson and Newsom have
been playing golf daily, but Francis
Stann, the Stars sports columnist,
now on vacation, has replaced the
limping Newsom in that foursome.
Max Wilson, stuffy pitcher who
stuck with the Mats for several weeks
last season, is here attempting to
talk Clark Griffith out of few play
ers. Max is managing the Will
son, N. c.. club this year and wants
some of Griffith's castoffs. =. Rene
Canizares, Havana newspaperman
who is visiting here with Joe Cam
bria, Washington scout, reports Mike
Guerra won't report to the Phila-
delphia Athletics, where the Mats
waived him. and that Gil Torres
won't play baseball in the United
States. .. The Mats have had the
temperamental Torres on the waiver
list for some time, but Canizares
says Gil isn't interested in returning
to any club in the United States.
Vernon and Evans Sign.
Mickey Vernon and AL Evans have
signed with the Mats, leaving only
Jerry Priddy and Buddy Lewis as
vital figures still unsigned. Mickey
succumbed after. 80 minutes with
Griffith yesterday and will receive
$4,000 straight salary, with a bonus
clause which could lift his income
to $23 900. Vernons straight SAL
airy represents a $4,000 increase over
last season, when he batted 1853 to
lead the American League.
Orlando is jammed :. so crowded,
in fact, that several Washington
rockies will be forced to stay at a
boarding house instead of the Mats
hotel headquarters. There are
queues for meals and movies, so
the Mats exhibition games should
rock 'ay,o in