Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-03-05
MARTY BROWN,
MASCOT"
BY RALPH II. BARBOUR.

MARTY was small, snub-nosed,
lVI freckle-faced youth who had been
adopted as a mascot by the Summer
Vile Baseball club, and whose chief
duty was to care for the bats. After
many victories, there came day Of
disaster for the nine, with an injured
left fielder, and no one to put in his
place.
Boy Aver meanwhile had searched
unsuccessfully for a player TO take
the injured Webster's place, and had
just concluded TO apply to Vulcan's
captain for one Of his substitutes, when
he turned to find Marty at his side.
AAre yer lookin' fer a Teller TO play
left field?"
ayes" answered Bob, eagerly. 40
you know Of anyone2"
Marty nodded.
"Who?"
"Afe.s
Bob stared in surprise, but Marty
looked back without flinehing. 81 can
play. Bob; not like you. Of course, but
pretty well And. besides. there amt
no one else. is there? Give me a show,
win yer?"
Bob's surprise had given place TO
deep thought. "Why not?" he asked
himself. OF course Marty could play
ball: what Summerville boy couldn't
70 some extent? lie turned and strobe
10 the bench. and Marty eagerly
watched him comforting with the 9TH
ers. In moment he turned and
nodded. The last half Of the last in
ming began with the score p TO Q in IA
vor Of Vulcan.
"Play carefully. fellows" shouted
Vulcan's captain, as Hamilton went TO
bat. "We've got TO shut them out"
"If vouse can" muttered Marty,
seated on the bench between Bob and
wolcott.
II looked rs though they could Bob
groaned as Hamilton popped a short
av into second baseman's hands, and
the rest Of the fellows echoed the
mournful sound.
lift Il. viii; lift it!" implored Bob
as Pickering strobe 10 the plate. And
lift Il he did. Unfortunately, however
when II descended ii went plump into
the hands Of right field. In the stand
half the throng were on its feet. Bob
looked hopelessly at Warner as the
pitcher selected a bat.
"Cheerup, Bob" cried thelatte grin
ming. "I'm going to crack that ball or
know the reason whyi"
The Vulcan pitcher was slow and
careful. They had taken the wearied
Baker out and put in new twirler.
Warner let his first effort pass unno-
ticed. and looked surprised when the
umpire called il a strike. But he re-
ceived the next one with a hearty well
come, and sent it speeding away for a
safe hit. taking first base amid the wild
cheers OF the little group Of blue-and-
white-decked watchers. Hamilton hur-
ried across 10 coach the runner and
Bob stepped to the plate. His contribu-
ton was a swift liner that was too
hot for the pitcher. one that placed
Warner on second and himself on first.
Then. with Hamilton and Sleeper both
coaching at the top of their lungs,
the Vulcan catcher fumbled ball at
which Howe had struck, and the two
runners moved on. The FESTIVE audi
ence had overflowed on to the field now,
and excitement reigned supreme. An
other strike was called on Home. and
for moment Summerville's chances
appeared to be hopeless. But minute
later the batter was limping to first,
having been struck with the ball. and
the pitcher was angrily grinding his
heel into the ground.
"webster at batl" called the
scorer.
chats you, Marty" said Wolcott.
..If you never do another thing, my
hoy. swat that ball
Marty picked out a bat and strobe
courageously TO the plate. A roar OF
laughter greeted his appearance.
aGet on to Blue Jeansl" give us
home run, kidd" Say, now, sonny,
don't fall over your pantsi'
II needed Just that ridieule to dispel
Martv's nervousness. He was angry.
How could he help his pants" being
long? he asked himself. Indignantly
He'd show those dudes that pants
hadn't anything to do with hitting
baseballl He shut his teeth hard,
eripped the bat tightly, and faced the
pitcher. The latter smiled at his ad-
sersary, but was not willing TO take
any chances, with the bases full. And
so. needless of the requests to Toss