Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: With Bob Cain on the mound - laughing at the absurdity that he actually had to pitch to Gaedel - and catcher Bob Swift catching on his knees , Gaedel took his stance .
Simplified: With Bob Cain on the mound - laughing at the absurdity that he actually had to pitch to Gaedel - and Swift catching on his knees , Gaedel crouched with bat in hand .