Former Big Leaguer Doesn't Ban Golf From Players
By N. E. A. Service
ASHEVILLE, N. C.—Larry Gardner, former major league star, is one baseball manager who holds no objection to golf for his ball players.
Gardner is managing Asheville, of the Sally League. Upon arrival to take charge of training, Gardner announced no ban would prevail against golf for his players.
"A round once or twice a week gives them a rest from baseball worries," he explains. "If they're in a slump, players sit about hotel lobbies all morning worrying. They are grouchy, crabby and harbor a bad disposition that is detrimental not only to themselves but to the club as a whole.
Gardner says the main objection of baseball managers to golf is that players play the pasture game too long at a stretch.
"Nine holes in the morning is enough, he opines. "Eighteen holes or more leaves them fatigued when they reach the park. They're tired and baseball is a drudgery in the afternoon. That's when the halt must be called."
The former big league idol relates that golf swings are free and easy. Nothing jerky and harmful in swinging at a stationary object. Baseball players will keep loose, limber and in good shape by a couple of rounds on the links a week, claims Gardner, who gives par a battle now and then.
