The pitcher got the ball on the line from home to third, whirled and threw it to the waiting catcher. The runner saw the catcher was slightly ahead of the base-line. In order to deceive the fellow he ran straight at him.
The catcher received the ball and swung to put it onto the runner. Like a flash the fellow dodged, ducked, and went under the catcher’s arm, flinging himself across the plate.
The umpire’s gesture told the man was safe, but his voice was not heard in the uproar that followed.
No wonder the St. Paul players went almost mad with joy! No wonder they hugged the jay and lifted him aloft as Old Joe again flaunted his red blanket in the air and uttered that ear-piercing, heart-thrilling yell!
The wonderful stranger was lifted a second time on the shoulders of the admiring players, while men on the bleachers stood up and waved hats, hands, and canes in a tumultuous upheaval. In the grand stand ladies fluttered their handkerchiefs and men shouted.
Not only was the St. Paul crowd thundering, but others had joined in, having been won over by the remarkable work of the unknown.
It was some moments before the cheering subsided and the game could continue. Then, as the crowd quieted down, the youthful friends of the wonderful pitcher were heard singing. And this is the song they sang:
“Here’s to good old Merry—drink it down!
Here’s to good old Merry—drink it down!
Here’s to good old Merry,