But, even with that, he made some surprisingly good put-outs when runners took chances and got too long a lead. So that throughout the circuit the warning began to be whispered:
“Look out for Matson when you’re on first!”
Joe realized that a good pitcher has not only to play the game from the mound. He must field his position as well, and the failure of many an otherwise good pitcher is due to the fact that they forget this.
Much of Joe’s success, at this time, was due to the coaching and advice he received from Pop Dutton. The veteran could instruct if he could not pitch yet, and Joe profited by his experience.
No reference was made by Joe to the night Pop had gone to the lodging house, nor did the old pitcher say anything to his young friend. In fact he did not know Joe had had any hand in the matter. Pop Dutton went on his reformed way. He played the game, when he got a chance, and was increasingly good at it.
“Joe!” he cried one day, when he had played a full game, “we’re getting there! I hope I’ll soon be pitching.”
“So do I!” added Joe, earnestly. True, the game Pop had played at centre for the full nine innings was with the near-tailenders of the Central League, but it showed that the veteran had “come back” sufficiently to last through the hard work.
“How is your arm?” asked Joe.
“Not good enough to use on the mound yet, I’m sorry to say,” was Pop’s answer. “I guess I’ll have to have that operation, after all. But I don’t see how I can manage it. I’m trying to pay back some of my old debts——”
“Don’t let that part worry you,” spoke Joe, quickly. “If things turn out right I may be able to help you.”