There was a rushing and roaring in his ears, and for a moment he could not see clearly.
"Go to it, Matson," said the manager. "I'm going to try you out."
Joe's lips trembled. He was glad his teammates could not know how he felt. Nervously he walked out to the mound, and caught the new ball which the umpire divested of its foil cover and tossed to him. Russell girded himself in protector and mask, and the batter stepped back to allow the usual practice balls.
Someone in a box applauded. Joe could not see, but he knew it was Mabel.
"Oh, Joe's going to pitch!" she exclaimed to her girl friends. "I hope he strikes them all out!"
"Not much chance," her brother said, rather grimly.
Joe sent the first ball whizzing in. It went so wild that the catcher had to jump for it. There was a murmur from the stands, and some of the Giants grinned at one another.
Russell signalled to Joe that he wanted to speak to him. Pitcher and catcher advanced toward one another.
"What's the matter?" Russell wanted to know, while some in the crowd laughed at the conference. "Got stage fright?"
"Ye—yes," stammered Joe. Poor Joe, he had a bad case of nerves.