The Hickory Ridge boys seemed to acquit themselves very well in practice. Numerous dazzling pick-ups were made by the infield that brought out roars of applause from the big crowd; while those tending the outer gardens had to make rapid speed and do some air-jumping in order to drag down the flies that were sent out in their direction.
Having seen both teams at work, the crowd hardly knew which looked the better. And, as in most cases, it ended in a strictly partisan division, each town standing loyally by its athletes, with Basking Ridge about equally divided.
Finally the Hickory Ridge fellows were called in from the field. The time for practice had expired, and presently, when a few little details were gone through with, real business would begin.
The two teams lined up for the fray in this order:
| Hickory Ridge Scouts. | |
| Ted Burgoyne | Third Base |
| Toby Jones | Right |
| Lil Artha | First Base |
| Chatz Maxfield | Left |
| Red Huggins | Short Stop |
| Ty Collins | Center |
| Matty Eggleston | Second Base |
| Elmer Chenowith | Pitcher |
| Mark Cummings | Catcher |
Fairfield Scouts. | |
| Felix Wagner | Second Base |
| Adrian Cook | Left |
| John Bastian | Right |
| Henry Cobb | Third Base |
| Christy Poole | First Base |
| Angus McDowd | Center |
| John Mulligan | Short Stop |
| Tom Ballinger | Catcher |
| Matt Tubbs | Pitcher |
There was a wave of talk passing over the throng as the two captains conferred. It was understood that they were deciding finally on the ground rules that must prevail, on account of the mass of spectators pushing in on the lines. All Basking Ridge's local police force was on the spot, but half a dozen good-natured officers are next to useless when up against thousands; in contests of this sort dependence must be placed on the spirit of fair play that is generally a part of baseball crowds, especially in smaller towns, where the players are known.
"The game is called; now for it!" yelled the nearest spectators, as they saw the umpire pick up his mask and step forward to announce the batteries, while the Hickory Ridge players started for their positions.
"And we have the last look-in, as we take the field first!" howled an enthusiastic follower of the team that looked to Elmer as the keystone of their arch.