The initial ball, of course, was only a matter of form, and the batter only pretended to strike at it.
Then came the announcement all were waiting for; the naming of the Pittston battery.
“For Clevefield,” announced the umpire, “McGuinness and Sullivan. For Pittston, Matson and Nelson.”
Joe had been picked to open the battle, and Nelson, who was the regular catcher, except when Gregory took a hand, would back him up. Joe’s ears rang as he walked to the mound.
“Play ball!” droned the umpire.
[CHAPTER X]
BITTERNESS
Joe glanced over to where Gregory sat on the bench, from which he would engineer this first game of the season. The manager caught the eye of the young pitcher, and something in Joe’s manner must have told the veteran that his latest recruit was nervous. He signalled to Joe to try a few practice balls, and our hero nodded comprehensively.
The batter stepped back from the plate, and Joe thought he detected a smile of derision at his own newness, and perhaps rawness.