“Yes, so much the better. The Red Stockings always draw well. I hope we beat. Do your prettiest.”
“Sure I will. There’s Sam warming up.”
“Yes, I hope he doesn’t go up in the air. Better hurry up and get in practice.”
Joe ran out on the diamond, which was thronged with the home team and visiting players. Balls were being caught and batted about, and the new player was soon doing his share.
“Now keep cool,” Darrell advised him, “and above all don’t have a row with Sam. I can’t understand why he has such a grudge against you, but he has and there’s no use letting it be known any more than it is.”
“I won’t do or say anything if he doesn’t,” promised Joe. “But I’m not going to let him knock me down and then wipe his feet on me.”
“Of course not. I’ll see that he’s decent, anyhow. Well, I guess it’s time we started. I see they have some new players. Maybe we won’t beat them as easily as I hoped.”
The practice balls were called in, players were selecting their sticks, the batting order had been decided on, and the final arrangements made.
“Play ball!” called the umpire, and the Silver Stars took the field. Joe walked out to centre. His heart was beating high. It was his first chance to show what he could do in a match game with his new team and he wanted to make good. But oh! how he longed to be in the pitching box occupied by Sam Morton!