The age-herald., 1902-05-18

bat for Perseverance. The friends of the visiting team left their seats and swarmed into the field in q body. They arrayed them selves at the edge of the diamond and cheered lustly, though with hoarse and weary threats.
 Hit er out, Reub!' "Here's where we win!" We've got to have a run, old man." were somo of the expressions shouted at the batsman-but MT. Foster urged silence, less Reub might become nervous from the din.
 Reub showed his self-possession by sending a well-placed single over third base. There was hope, after all. Still, Terry O Brien struck out, and Wilbur Wheatley went out on an lntield fly.
 Two out and one on base, with three runs needed to tie the score! George Graham drove sharp grounder between first and second, and both runners were safe.
 Harry Hanford was burning to atone for his costly huff. and he got his chance when he sent safe hit to centerield.
 There were now three on bases and two out. Not sound was heard as Jack Hen derson came 10 the plate. The tension was so great that no one seemed able to utter word.
 Dick Ives realized that he was in a tight place. He had a whispered consultation with hls catcher, then returned to the box and prepared to deliver the ball. The first three balls went very wide, but the catcher SNthltu lb nave no ulHtuily III SloppiuS them safely. Ii was very evident to Jack that Dick was trying to give him a base on balls, for fear of letting him hit for sey- eral bases. This would force in q run: but as the next batsmnn was substitute, Dick was apparently hoping to settle him in quick order, and thereby end the game with the score to in favor of the 1nyin- cibes.
 Realizing that he must hit the next ball or Snpri6pa his oh fO in n n one run, Jack eyed the pitcher closely. Straight as an arrow the fourth ball came but far from the plate. Jack stepped for ward and swung out at it with all his strength.
 Crack! Jacks bat met the ball squarely and sent 1t sailing fair and high into the air. The center fielder ran back desperately but his effort was hopeless, for the ball flew far above his head and disappeared over the fence. It was never found
 One after another the base runners crossed the plate First Reub Sayles. then George Graham and then Harry Hanford and Jack Henderson almost together. The score was to 3. Perseverance had won the game, and with it the championship of the amateur baseball league!
 As each player reached the plate he was surrounded by eager friends, who bore him away in triumph on sturdy shoulders. The whole team was finally carried off the field, in this fashion, amid rejoicings impossible to describe. It was fitting ending to a re- markable game.
 Yet, in the midst of all this celebration, there was feeling of respect for the van quished team. The boys gave a hearty cheer for the 1nvlncibles, and the latter returned the courtesy, like true sportsmen. Poor Dick Ives broke down and subbed as If his heart would break. He had done his best to bring victory to his team, and it seemed he had given but 12 hits and struck out 30 men. Reub struck out 14 men and allowed Is hits.
 As the crowd filed through the gates the sun had sunk to rest and darkness was set. ting fast. For four hours the battle had been waged stubbornly, and naturally enough the players of both teams were al most exhausted from their efforts
 Every member of the Perseverance team was heartily cheered on the way home. The four miles to Riverview was quickly covered. At the village green large crowd had as When the first car had arrived, and the news of the victory became generally known, a mighty cheer went up. One enthusiast ran over to the City Hall and rang the old bell.