“Play ball!” called Harvey Hallock, who was umpiring.
“Not too swift now, if you please, Doctor,” stipulated Nat Pierson, who was first up.
Then the venerable president delivered the new, white horsehide sphere. He threw rather awkwardly, but with more accuracy than might have been expected from a man who had a ball in his hands but once a year. Right over the plate it went, and though usually the initial ball was never struck at, Nat could not resist the opportunity.
He “bunted,” and the ball popped up in the air and sailed back toward the pitcher’s box. To the surprise of all, Dr. Fillmore stepped forward and neatly caught it.
“Hurray!”
“That’s the stuff!”
“Put him on the team!”
“Why didn’t you say you were a ball-player, Doctor?”
“Let him play the game!”