The Grant County herald. (Big Stone City, Grant County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1883, 1881-01-01

board.
ssThat's the fix we're all ln,'t said nv
friend There's really only one fair
player-Mackpherson and we will han
dicap him, SO the difference won't be no
ticea. If you can't run, some one NAV
lun for you, and you will do as good
batting as any Of them. No use of talk.
ing, therefore. I've got you down for
the right field, where you won't have
much to do, but can put on all the STYLE
you wish.'
Unfortunately, suffered myself to be
persuaded.
The Fourth Of July turned cut to be a
splendid day-cool, breezy, and of Jus,
the right temperature, and we were a
jolly party that took the cars, early In
the morning, and went over into JERSEY
to spend the day.
haven't space to describe a fourt..
part oftthe history Of those hours dissi-
pated in the country.
There were about twenty five gentle
men, and the same number of ladies'
| each OF the latter having an escort.
It was the expectation OF US all that
our party including the old farmer who
owned the grove would be the only wit
nesses of this memorable contest: but
one of his urchins employed himself for
two days previous to the game in spread
ing the news, 50 that by the time three
o'clock came, there were several hundred
ranged along under the shadows Of the
trees to watch our performances.
The little rascal also pointed me out
as a former professional, who had refused
tremendous offers from all the clubs IN
the country, so that great expectations
were formed concerning me.
I grieve to say, however, that over
heard several disrespectful remaks con-
cerning my ponderosity, as l moved
about among my friends, picked up the
bats, and tried them with the of-handea-
ness OF professional.
I was not without misgivings, tor there
was nothing but my former skill to count
upon, and that was an exceedingly sien-
er thread.
In throwing the ball, before the game,
I tried my best to hold it, bst muffed
every one, with single exception, and
that held by accident, But it made
my hands tingle and smart, though /
didn't let any one see it.
Ny great re'ief. ssaveves, was. il q,
serving that all the others were about as
deep in the muffin business as / was !;
and there's nothing like company when
you're scared or miserable.
! tried little with the bat, and did
little better, forgetting that in this case
the balls were pitched precisely as |
wished them, while in the game it would
be exactly the opposite that is, If the
pitcher knew anything about his busi-
ness.
| was the last striker of the nine, and
as our players were put out in one two
three order, it was not until the close of
the third inning that ] stepped up to
the home-plate, and took up the ash in
my old-time style.
A good many remarks from the G. owd
were audible: "Knock the stuffing out Of
it," He's George Wright IN disguised
Hes Dickey Pearce grown stouterr'
"Try Anti-Fat!' and similar express
sions reached my ears.
Ball players must be accustomed to
such annoYances, for they are often utter
ed for the very purpose Of influencing the
game. But / was angered, and seeing
the ball coming fairly over the home
plate. / banged away at it with all my
might.
came within about fourteen inches
Of it, the momentum of my own blow
carrying me completely around on my
feet, causing my hat to fall of and my
self almost to stagger over on my head
with sudden dizziness.
A general laugh followed this failure,
and my cheeks burned with chagrin, for
was sure that the hasty glance which I
cast down toward the grove, showed my
particular friend Of the gentle sex smil-
ing at the figure cut.
Before / could get in storm" as they
say, the second ball was pitched. The
umpire yelled .Strike' Just as the cube
struck me In front and nearly took my
breath away.
There was another laugh, and the
pitcher called out, "Beg paahrdon = ut
tered Just as you will hear il about
hundred times when couple OF. college
clubs arc playing for the r,Sh. sh.nAi;f'P rt 4 !.
J tod t.a4s Aaas. YOU would be his last last Der :
4Bimallce, and ! scowled terribly, and
griped my bat in asuggcstive way.
l drove away at the third bali, and
caught it fairly on the end of nv bs..
There was sharp crack Ike a pistol
shot, and roar Of applause went up
from the crowd, as / started like a buf- /
MO for the first base
2pt see the ball, and when our
honsa shouted, aCome home. come
Hc.M = made adcsperate .Sa4s fase.m-
the circuit soE. thrs Eases.
ocH HtAau - ...y NAT went an. Rn+ -.
~ ILL 40 professional w0,,|d "ii'.t