In order not to tire his players by a long jump home, especially as they were not to open at once on Robison Field, Manager Watson planned several exhibition games to be played in various cities and towns on the way.
Thus the journey would occupy a couple of weeks.
The players were on edge now, a little rest from the Nipper game having put them in fine trim.
"They're ready for Giants!" energetically declared Boswell, who took great pride in his training work.
"Hardly that," replied the manager, "but I think we can take care of the Cincinnati Reds when we stack up against them on opening day."
The journey North was enjoyed by all, and some good games took place. One or two were a little close for comfort, but the Cardinals managed to pull out in time. Joe did some pitching, though he was not worked as often as he would have liked. But he realized that he was a raw recruit, in the company of many veterans, and he was willing to bide his time.
Joe had learned more about baseball since getting into the big league than he ever imagined possible. He realized, as never before, what a really big business it was, involving, as it did, millions of dollars, and furnishing employment to thousands of players, besides giving enjoyment to millions of spectators.
The home-coming of the Cardinals, from their trip up from the South, was an event of interest.
St. Louis always did make much of her ball teams, and though the American Brown nine had arrived a day or so before our friends, and had been noisily welcomed, there was a no less enthusiastic reception for the Cardinals. There was a band, a cheering throng at the station, and any number of reporters, moving picture men and newspaper photographers.
"Say, it's great; isn't it?" cried Joe to Rad.