"I don't think I'll start the game," said Merry.
"I vill pitch mineselluf," announced Hans. "I vos der createst paseball pitcher dot efer seen you."
Sparkfair flipped a coin, and the choice of innings fell to Merry.
"We'll take the field," said Frank. "Go behind the bat, Hodge. Dunnerwurst will pitch. You'll play your old position at first, Browning. Diamond will cover second, and we'll have Mulloy on third. I'll play short."
"The middle lawn for me," announced Ephraim Gallup.
"That's all right," nodded Frank. "Badger will take left field and Carson right field."
When the players had taken these positions Dunnerwurst held up his hand and asked permission to pitch a few over the plate.
"Chust gif me the privilege of letting my arm limber me up, vill you?"
"Go ahead," laughed Sparkfair.
Hodge adjusted the body protector and pulled on the big catching mitt.