As luck would have it, the ball grounds were not to be used on the following Saturday, and the local authorities were only too glad to have the exhibition game take place for the hospital’s benefit. No admission fee was to be charged, but it was understood that during the game a silver collection would be taken for the benefit of the proposed institution. “And a silver collection doesn’t mean that you can’t drop a bill in the basket,” added one of the committee.
Some of the boys had their baseball uniforms with them, while others managed to either borrow or rent uniforms, so that on the day set apart for the game both sides made quite a creditable appearance. They had new balls and bats, and the Rover boys and their chums had spent all their spare time in practice.
As in years gone by, Jack was to pitch for the Colby Hall team, as it was called, while Tommy Flanders was to fill the box for Longley Academy. Fred was to be first baseman, with Randy at third and Andy in center field. Gif went to second and also captained the nine.
“You’ll have to act as a substitute, Fatty, whether you want to or not,” said Gif.
“All right,” answered the stout cadet. “But please don’t call on me. Finish the game among yourselves. I’ll be a high and mighty rooter,” and he grinned.
It was advertised around the lake that two well-known military academies would play a game of ball for the benefit of the new hospital and this brought to the grounds a large number of people, including quite a few automobile tourists. When the boys trotted out on the field they were greeted with applause.
“There are the Colby Hall boys.”
“And there are the cadets from Longley Academy.”
“Looks as if we might see a pretty good game.”