The first ball came sailing up to the batter “as large as a barn,” and the man tried to hit it, but struck too soon.
“There’s speed for you!” laughed Stebson.
“Oh, brace up!” cried the batter. “What do you think this is, anyhow?”
The jay grinned.
“Didn’t hit it, did ye?” he said.
Keen sent the ball back hotly with a snap throw, but the pitcher caught it with one hand, not seeming to mind it at all.
Then he went through more erratic movements, swung his right arm, thrust out his left, and jerked the ball through under his left arm, sending it over the plate.
The movement was so surprising that the batter failed to strike at all.
“Two strikes!” cried the umpire.
“Well, I’ll be kicked!” gasped the batter.