The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1898-06-02
THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
By Frank H. Sweet.


Club, when it became known that Char
lie Blake would not be able to pitch
for them on the momentous 4th OF Au-
gust.
~ He's got to-" crieG Tom Andrews,
excitedly; why, fellows, it will break
us all up if he DON'T
Cant be helped" said Jack Rodg-
ers, dismally, his folks are going to
move long way off, and, of course,
he's got to go with thin. He's just as
much cut-up about it as we are"
They looked at each other with
blank, lengthening faces. They had
been working hard for three years to
win the county championship, and had
always been scored out of the contest
before the season was half over. But
this year the fortunes of the Hillv1eWs
seemed to be on the rise. They had
played better and one by one had beat
en- all the clubs except the WATERSHEDS;
and with this crack, champion club OF
the county their score was even. NO
wonder that every Hillview heart
thrilled at tie thought of the 4th OF
August, and Of possible victory; and
no wonder that there was consterna-
ton and dismay on every face when
1t was learned that their only good
pitcher was going to leave.
might as we'll give up" grunted
Bill Grove, as he spitefully kicked
stone from his path; eve can't do any
thing without crack pitcher to put
up against Hopkins, of the Water
sides;" and most of the members
agreed with him.
Who is the best pitcher among us?'
asked Rodgers, feeling that his posi-
ton as captain demanded an extra eff
fort to rally the club. 1--WE want
hard-handed. quick-eyed fellow, who
can send in ball like thunderbolt."
Bill grunted derisively.
IF you'll drop the hard-handed and
thunderbolt," he said, Il guess maybe
the club can furnish few quick eyes.
But what's the matter with Snag-
giles? I've seen him split an inch board
with his fist
Most of them laughed and glanced
at queer figure sitting on the fence,
few yards away. Snaggles had come
down from a remote part of the noun
tains month or two before, and as yet
had apparently been unable to assim-
llate all the wonders around him, for
his mouth was continually open, as
though trying to grasp the flood Of new
ideas that was surging toward him.
lie was very tall and ungainly, and
very prone to make himself the laugh
ing-stock of whoever he came in con-
tact with; but he was gentle, oblig-
ing, and invariably good-natured. None
of the boys associated with him, except
occasionally as joke, and to make
him the butt of their ridicule. The
idea that he should be admitted to the
select membership of the Hillview
Baseball Club was something that none
OF them had ever entertained.
Nov, 1 wouldn't wonder if he was
just the man you want, Rodgers," Bill
went on, sarcastically. "He can throw
stone straighter than some of US can
shoot. I've seen him knock a squirrel
Off the top of tree a hundred feet
high; and as for running-gee whiz!
once he gets them legs to going, moth
ing short of rifle ball can catch him.
And he would be prime ad. We
could have a baseball club and circus
all in one"
AS he expected, most of the boys
laughed again; only Jack Rogers SEEM
ed to take the banter seriously, for a
sudden CLEAN came into his eyes and
ne glanced across to where Snaggles
was intently watching them.
Il believe you've struck the nail on
the head this time, Bill, if you never
did BEFORE" he exclaimed, emphatical-
ly. IF I'm not mistaken, Snaggles is
just the man we want"
"Oh, pshaw!" Come, nowv Get
out!' You're jokingw "Why, he's a
regular scarecrow!" rose an INDIGNANT
chorus on all Sides
cant help it, fellows" Rodgers
said, sturdily, we're in a tight place,
We've worked for that championship
three years, and now that it's in sight
1t would be bad policy to let it slip
away. I don't know a fellow who can
take Blakes place, unless it's Srag-
gles."
But he don't know how" protested
the disconnected Bill.
I'm not so sure. He's been on that
fence watching us every practice day
for the last six weeks. If he has never
played, he must have pretty good idea
how it is done. Hello, Snaggles!'
The caricature on the fence sprang
lightly down, and came toward them.
with peculiar, Looping gait that car
ried him rapidly over the ground. But
he paused six or eight yards away, as
though suspicious Of their intentions.
ooh, come on" called Rodgers. i'm
patiently "nobody's up to any game.
Ever play ball?"
Snaggles grinned and shook his head.
Think you could learn?"
The red head bobbed vigorously, and
a quick, wondering glow spread over
the cadaverous, good-natured face. Ev-
identity to play ball was just now the
height Of Snaggles' ambition.
I'VE want somebody who can pitch
just where he aims for, and who can
run fast, and who amt afraid of red
hot balls"