Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 231, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1912 — PLAYERS FROM MINOR LEAGUES PLAY WELL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PLAYERS FROM MINOR LEAGUES PLAY WELL

That winning ball teams are made iup to a large extent from material secured direct from minor leagues, and not from players who have had experience In fast company, is proved in numerous instances, among which are the Nationals. Griffith’s entire outfield came here direct from the minors. This is also true of the Infield when Morgan is playing second, and is a fact so far as a majority of the pitchers and catchers on the team are concerned, r All of which should go to show that the club which intends to strengthen its fences must draw from the small leagues. Success, however, is not assured in a short period. It may take time, and lots of it, before the purpose is accomplished, but it is the only system after all and should be practiced. Washington’s first successful grab from the minor league grab bag was Clyde Milan, who was secured from Wichita in the summer of 1907.. That fall Walter Johnson also came into the fold, and it was soon generally conceded that Washington had two good ball players. The following

spring came Mcßride and Street, and this - quartet formed the nucleus for several years to come —In fact, until this spring, when a great haul from the minors was made. "Under former regimes it was figured that this nucleus surrounded by some cast-offs would bring about desired results. The failure of these plans need not be recalled, but it was up to Clark Griffith to realize when he took charge that if a ball teanf was to be built up it must be done along the same lines that the nucleus for a team had been secured. He started out along these lines and he made a success of it. Not that he was responsible for the securing of the players who have made this a winner, but he burned all bridges behind him wnen he let out the old players and made it possible for the youngsters - to get a chance to play. Had he retained the veterans the chances are that if the youngsters had started poorly the old fellows would have been back in harness and the result would have been another losing team.

Second Baseman Morgan of Washington.