In the Giants’ clubhouse there was an air of confidence and elation as the men changed into their uniforms. They had come back from the South in the pink of condition and full of pep and ginger.
When they were ready to go out on the field Baseball Joe gathered his men together for a little talk.
“Now, boys,” the young captain said as the players clustered about him, “we’re out for another championship.”
There was a general clapping of hands at this, and Joe smiled with gratification.
“That’s the spirit!” he said approvingly. “But it’s a long, long road to Tipperary, and it’s a long, long road to the pennant. Now, I want every man to play in every game just as though the winning of that game depended upon himself alone. You know a chain is no stronger than its weakest link. A team is no stronger than its weakest player. Now I don’t think we have any weak players. Every one of you knows how to play his position to the queen’s taste. I believe this and I want you to prove it to the world.
“I want you to go after everything. Try for it, even if it seems impossible. Lots of impossible things, or things that look so, become possible when you make a stab for them. Don’t mind if they result in errors. I’ll forgive any error a man makes as long as he keeps trying.
“We’ve got a tough assignment to-day in the Brooklyns. You fellows know what those birds are. They’re dangerous every minute. You never know when they’ll stage a rally. Rance will probably pitch for them, and you’ll have your work cut out for you. I want you especially to win this game, because there’s a good deal in getting the jump on the other fellows right from the start.
“That’s about all, boys, except just this: I’ll have my eyes on you all through the game. So will McRae. So will Robbie. You’ll get full credit for every bit of good work you do. But if you let down anywhere you’ll get a call-down. Now let’s go out and show these fellows from across the bridge just where they get off.”