Although their team was one of the best in the Amateur League, the rumor had spread abroad that it had been largely reconstructed by Colonel Carson for this game, and the near-by towns had sent their contingents of fans, in no little expectation.
Fardale field was crowded long before the time for the game. Before two o’clock the grand stand was sold out. There was no overflow crowd, since the long bleachers were full able to handle every one, but automobiles were parked by the score at all available points, and it looked as if ground rules would have to go into effect.
There had been a big shift in the Fardale team, also. News of this had leaked out, and consequently both cadets and baseball fans were eager to see what Captain Merriwell had done in the way of a shake-up.
Man after man purchased a score card, and then gazed at it in blank amazement. If he happened to be a Fardale rooter, the amazement was tinctured with dismay. If he was a Clipper fan, he stared at his card in perplexity, and began to ask questions of the men around him.
This was the line-up that caused the crowd so much confusion:
FARDALE.
Lowe, 3d b.
O’Day, r. f.
Kess, 2d b.
Clancy, 1st b.
Merriwell, p.
Harker, ss.
McQuade, c.
Chester, l. f.
Lang, c. f.
CLIPPERS.
Ironton, ss.
Murray, 2d b.
Green, p.
Smith, 1st b.
Olcott, c.
Johnson, r. f.
Craven, 3d b.
Runge, l. f.
Merrell, c. f.
“That’s a queer proposition,” said a Clipper fan, turning to the man behind him. “Who’s this fellow Green? And Smith?”
“Search me. All we got left o’ the old Clippers is short and second.”
Over in the Fardale bleachers there was little short of a sensation, for Chip’s line-up had not been made public before the game.