Valuable

Like a chauffeur that can hang curtains, or a cook that can crochet, a baseball pitcher that can bat is a rare and 'desirable possession. Last week, a committee of sport writers voted one such "most valuable to his team" of all players in the American League this season.

Pitcher Walter Johnson, of the Washington "Senators," was the man. His reward was the American . League Trophy, awarded in 1922 to George Sis- ler, now the St. Louis Manager, and in 1923 to George Herman Ruth, famed New York fielder.

When Johnson came out of the gulches of Idaho to start service for Washington in 1907, a dilemma arose. So fast did he throw a ball that no average catcher could "hold him." Finally "Gabby" Street was found. "Gabby" talked a lot but could catch and hold anything, even a ball thrown from the top of the Washington Monument. After Street, Edward Ainsmith was discovered. At present one "Muddy" Ruel risks his palms and finger tips stopping Johnson's 'bulletlike "in visibles." Tall, blonde, 37 a native of Humboldt, Kan., father to three sons, John son has been called "greatest pitcher of all time," a possible equal being "Christy" Matthewson of the New York Giants. 1913 was his biggest year, when he won 29 of 36 games pitched.