Chapter 9
CHAPTER IX. JOE IN THE GAME There was a period of silence following Sam's unfair protest. Then could be heard a low murmur from some of his mates. Oh, what's eating him, anyhow? What's he got against Matson? Something has Sam by the air all right. Yes, guess he didn't like the way the scrub batted him around.
These were some of the comments made, not loud enough for Sam to hear, for he was a power in the nine, and none of the lads wanted to get on bad terms with him. For a moment all eyes returned on Sam, and then toward Joe, who, it can be easily imagined, was much embarrassed. I don't think a protest is a fair one, said Daryl at length.
I don't think so either, added Captain George Rankin. Just because Matson is a newcomer in town is no reason why he can't play with us. Sure, that's right, put in Seth Potter. You weren't born here yourself, Sam, and neither were lots of us. We moved here. I've lived in Riverside nearly all my life, snapped the pitcher, and I like to see a representative
team. If we need a new member, why not pick one who has been living here longer than a couple of weeks? No care, exclaimed Beryl. I don't think this is fair to me. What do you mean? asked Sam, for the manager had spoken with some warmth. Just this much. You elected me manager, and the captain and I were to select the players.
Now, when we make our choice, there comes a kick. It isn't right. Rankin and I decided to give Matson a chance, and he gets it. That goes too. And the manager looks straight at Sam. Oh, well, if you put it that way, I suppose I might as well keep still about it. And Sam, shrugging his shoulders, turned away. He had not yet shaken hands with Joe. As
for there being other players just as good and who have lived here longer, that may be true, went on Daryl. I'm not saying Matson is the only fellow I could pick for centerfield, and I'm not saying anything against any of the fellows on the scrub when I don't take them. We want the best team we can get to represent the Silver Stars, and Matson is my choice for the place. If you want to go over my head, no, no, came a course of objections.
It's all right. Then Matson plays Saturday, concluded the manager. All of you be out for practice tomorrow afternoon again. Matson, report in uniform. All right. And Joe's heart was fairly thumping under his coat. The chance he had longed for had come at last. As Sam was walking away, Joe resolved on a bold stroke, rather a grandstand
play as he confessed to himself afterward, but he could not forgo it. Striding up to the disgruntled pitcher, Joe held out his hand and asked, "'Won't you shake?' Sam turned and faced him. For several seconds he stood staring Joe straight in the eyes while the crowd of boys looked on. Then, with a sneer and ignoring the proffered hand, Sam said, "'I prefer to pick my own friends. I don't want them made for me.' He turned
on his heel and walked off. There was another period of silence, like that following his protest. Then someone said, "'Well, I'm glad I haven't got his disposition.'" "'What's that?' cried Sam angrily, and turning back he seemed about to rush at the throng he faced. "'There now, that'll do,' exclaimed Darryl, who was anxious to avoid a scene. "'Forget
it, fellas. Sam, you get your arm good and limber for Saturday. We want to beat the Red Stockings by a big score to make up for what the Resolutes did to us last Saturday. I'm going to arrange for another game with them soon, and maybe we can turn the tables.' "'Sure we can,' cried several. "'So limber up, Sam,' the manager went on, and have your arm in good shape. "'It will
be in bad shape if I get run down by any more amateur cyclists,' sneered Sam as he looked meaningly at Joe, but no one made any further reference to the recent collision. "'At practice the next day, Joe took his place with the regular Silver Star team, and he showed up well in the impromptu contest against the Scrubs. He made several good catches, and though his stick work might have been improved, still it was pretty good, for the
Scrub pitcher was not to be despised. "'I guess you'll do,' complimented Darryl at the close of the contest. "'Keep it up. You'll get rattled, and you'll be all right. I can see you've played before.' "'I guess I've got lots to learn yet,' admitted Joe cheerfully. "'Oh, we all have,' assented the manager with a laugh.
On Saturday of the game with the Red Stockings, Joe was up early. He had overhauled his old uniform and gotten Clara to put a few needed stitches in it. He had it out on a clothesline in the backyard, beating some of the dust and dirt from it to freshen it up, when Tom hailed him from over the fence. "'I say, Joe, what sort of a shirt have you got?'
"'Same one I used on the Bentville Boosters. That was the name of our nine.' "'I see. A good name all right. But it will look funny to see it in among the uniforms of the Silver Stars. Your stockings and pants will do. But the shirt—' and Tom paused suggestively. "'That's so,' admitted Joe. I didn't think about that. It's a different color from yours,
and I haven't time to get another.' "'Never mind,' called Tom. I'll tell you what you can do. Use my shirt. It's the regular star one with the name on. Won't you want it?' "'No. I don't think I'm going to get a chance to play. Daryl will probably hold down first all through the game. If I have to go in, I can borrow some other fellows. But I want
you to look right from the start.' "'Thanks,' called Joe as Tom disappeared in the house to get his shirt. It fitted Joe well, and he arranged to get his own in time for the next game.' "'Say, there's a big crowd here all right,' exclaimed Joe, as he and Tom neared the enclosed diamond that afternoon, and saw the stands well filled.
"'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. "'I keep cool,' Daryl 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 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 center. 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. "'Play ball,' called the umpire again, and Sam, winding up, let fly a swift white ball
toward the expectant batter."
