The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1885-10-09


ing the ball strike nearly as far from the
chaik-line as his teacher had sent it.
VERY good, indeed, for a beginner
said the baseball editor, heartily. THAT
is called the out curve. Now we'll try
the in curve. You'll find it harder to
manage. Bend your thumb at the first
joint, place the ball on your knuekle and
hold it firmly with your first two fingers.
Don't let your other fingers touch it.
Throw from near your knee, at first, and
ON the left side Of the stake.
Jack threw swiftly, and the ball struck
the mark.
Now again, and pinch tight. was the
command.
Again Jack threw. and this time he
made the ball strike two or three inches to
the right of the mark.
That is much better than / expected, :
said the baseball editor. why. you're
a natural pitcher! Now all you want is
practice. Use the stake awhile and then
pitch over a base. Practice as much as
you can without tanning your arm. There
are other curves, the up, and the down
besides what is called the shoot but
these two will be enough for you to learn
between now and Saturday"
I'm eyerlastingIy obliged, said Jack,
warmly.
''You needn't thank me-, responded the
baseball editor. But | shall be interest
ed in your work ON Saturday. VIII you let
me know the result of the game when you
come back?"
Eyes, indeed.' answered Jack heartily,
and two boys bade a grateful adieu to the
young man, and went gayly off to the base
ball grounds for further practice
II tell you. jack" said Win, as they
walked rapidly along. Science is the thing
that wins"
III. THE GAME.
Somewhat to Wins surprise, The great
day arrived ON time. And so did the
riekety old country stage, as it drew up
with a flourish at the Danville ball ground,
and was greeted with a cheer. Out clam
bered the Stafford nine. They looked very
neat in their bright new uniforms: but
the spectators could not help remarking
the physical superiority Of the Danville
players.
Were going to have a perfect walk
over. remarked one of the Danville nine,
lazily twirling a bat, as the Stafford boys
threw off their coats.
Jacks quick ears caught the remarks,
and his blue eyes flashed with indignation.
''We'l see about that" he muttered.
Jack had followed his instructions faith
fully, and he felt confident of his ability to
puzzle his opponents. Win, however, was
less certain, and he whispered to Jack;
Don't lose your head"
The baseball editor parting injunction.
that morning, had been:
keep cool and pinch tight.
Captain Sanborn of the Stafords won
the toss and chose the field. The boys
scattered quickly to their various posi-
tons, and the ball was thrown to the pitch
er. But no sooner had Jack received the
signal to play than he had an attack of
''stage-fright. His nerves tingled, and
his knees shook. 1t was really not to
be wondered at, for he had never pitched
before SO large q crowd, and he could not
help feeling that the game depended on
him. 1t was a trying position for any lad,
and especially so for Jack. who, as Win
said, was apt to close his head
Low ballr' called the umpire.
Jack threw quickly, and the bali whizzed
away over the strikers head, striking the
catcher's fence. A litter ran through the
opposing nine. This bit of d~iseourtesy
was too much for Jack in his nervous con-
dition. He threw wildly again, and be-
came first excited and then reckless. Two
men went to first base on called balls, and
FIVE made safe hits. When the wretched
inning was finally ended, the Danyilles
had scored five runs. Jack did not Try to
conceal his modification.
Abe Blanchard was the first Stafford
batsman. He was considered a good
hitter, but he retired ON three strikes, say
ing the pitching was too swift for him.
Steele sent an easy fly to the second
baseman, was caught out, and Win step
ped to the plate. He was not embarrassed
or nervous, and he hit a sharp groundel
between the short stop and the third base
man. The left fielder was oye%r-confident
and let it pass him, and Win made two
bases.
sHunt to bat.' called the scorer.
Jacks face still burned, but his teetl
were elenched. Hs struck the first bal
pitched with all his strength and sent a fly
Just over the centre fielder. Win got il
and saved a w%hitewash. The next striker
was put out, but the cheering OF the GROVE
brought Jack to his senses. lie walked
to the pitchers box, perfectly cool and col
lected.
Play called the umpire.
Jack pressed the ball firmly in his RICH.
haol pincbed it tight took n ,1eliharat,