Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1911-02-25
&u1IrIrIII1rnr&
81 STERLINC'S ID
III STRATACEM III
BIZ By STACY E. BAKER Hi
toopynsbt, rg1. BY Associated Literary Pr-.,

| ICTtlk. IlCI poAt, DhO"h CJto swept
the athletic form Of the lover strid-
ing along beside her. at lie the
chance that you have been waiting
for, isn't it, dear? ] just know that
il will be only a matter Of months
before one of those National or
American league clubs will send
around for you to come and manage
them"
The youth smiled. "Not so soon,
GIRL" he protested. "Ill do well if
get into fast company in five years.
have my stepping stones to greater
things in this Baneville team. This
is all / aS;-at present.
Fred Sterling, captain-manager of
his college team the year before, had
created sensation during his several
years in amateur athletics. A pitcher
of no mean ability, he had been Of
fered chances, time and again, to
sign with professional aggregations,
but he had remained an amateur I'M
til the completion of his course. Now
he aspired to greater things, and the
management of the Baneville Iron
and Oil league team had been offered
him. Upon his ability to make good
here rested his future in baseball.
He had confidence in himself. He
had no fear.
Sterling was doubly thankful to
be able to locate in Baneville; it was
his home town it was also the home
of his sweetheart. They were to be
married in the fall.
81 am glad" continued the pert
little maid, tripping so blithely along
beside the young ball player, 81 am
glad, not only for your sake, but for
the sake of Dave. This will give
him chance to-what do you call
it?-'make good"
"Dave? Make good p" repeated
Sterling duly. ''What do you mean,
dear" He ran his fingers through
shock of dark curly hair.
go, didn't you know? | thought |
told you. Dave wants to become a
ball player. As soon as l tell him
you are to manage the home team,
he will resign his position at the
bank and prepare to help you out"
Gle had better wait until he finds
out whether he can make the team
or not" An ironic touch to the
words brought a faint flush to the
cheeks of the girl by his side, and
she turned to her escort.
Dave Hertig was her only brother.
He was younger than she and the
baby of the family, every member OF
which continually made sacrifices to
make life more bearable to the
young bank clerk.
Since when has Dave become in
oculated with the baseball fever ?"
asked Sterling, visions of trouble be-
fore him.
"Oh, within the last week." Annie
grew enthusiastic. 'He pitches a ball
just splendidly. Willie Jones can't
catch it when he throws it FAST
A mind-picture Of fourteen-year-
old Willie Jones flashed for an in
slant before Sterling. Remarkable"
(Again that subtle note of irony.)
"He may be coming wonder for all
we know"
HE does so WE'LL" continued the
! girl eagerly, "and | am sure he will
want to help you win the pennant.
OF course, you will give him the
place he likes best"
Sterling's resolute jaw would indi-
cate that he would be the sort of a
manager not to accede to the wants
Of men until they proved themselves,
but he was wise in his decision not
to mention this. an see how he
works out" he said, and the subject,
for the time being, was dropped.
Baneville had been at the bottom
OF the league list when the previous
season closed. Sterling had ambi-
tioas. He wished to see the present
season produce pennant winner for
his own town.
There was plenty Of good material
to select from at the springs tryout.
Among those who stroye TO win a