the Young Pitcher (1992) Read Online Free PDF

had adopted such a rule, and Wayne must fall in line. The objections to summer ball-playing were not few, and the particular one was that it affected the amateur standing of the college player. He became open to charges of professionalism. At least, all his expenses were paid, and it was charged that usually he was paid for his services.
    Ken's first feeling when he learned this news was one of blank dismay. The great varsity team wiped off the slate! How Place and Herne would humble old Wayne this year! Then the long, hard schedule, embracing thirty games, at least one with every good team in the East how would an untried green team fare against that formidable array? Then Ken suddenly felt ashamed of a selfish glee, for he was now sure of a place on the varsity.
    For several days nothing else was talked about by the students. Whenever Dale or his players appeared at Carlton Hall they were at once surrounded by a sympathetic crowd. If it was a bitter blow to the undergraduates, what was it to the members of the varsity? Their feeling showed in pale, stern faces. It was reported about the campus that Murray and Arthurs and Dale, with the whole team, went to the directors of the athletic faculty and besought them to change or modify the decision. Both the trainer and the coach, who had brought such glory to the university, threatened to resign their places. The disgrace of a pitiably weak team of freshmen being annihilated by minor colleges was eloquently put before the directors. But the decision was final.
    One evening early in February Worry Arthurs called upon Ken. His face was long, and his mustache drooped.
    Kid, what do you think of 'em fat-heads on the faculty queerin' my team? he asked. Best team I ever developed. Say, but the way they could work the hit-and-run game! Any man on the team could hit to right field when there was a runner goin' down from first.
    Maybe things will turn out all right, suggested Ken, hopefully.
    Worry regarded his youthful sympathizer with scorn.
    It takes two years to teach most college kids the rudiments of baseball. Look at this year's schedule. Worry produced a card and waved it at Ken. The hardest schedule Wayne ever had! And I've got to play a kid team.
    Ken was afraid to utter any more of his hopes, and indeed he felt them to be visionary.
    The call for candidates goes out to-morrow, went on the coach. I'll bet there'll be a mob at the cage. Every fool kid in the university will think he's sure of a place. Now, Ward, what have you played?
    Everywhere; but infield mostly.
    Every kid has played the whole game. What position have you played most?
    Third base.
    Good! You've the arm for that. Well, I'm anxious to see you work, but don't exert yourself in the cage. This is a tip. See! I'll be busy weedin' out the bunch, and won't have time until we get out on the field. You can run around the track every day, get your wind and your legs right, hold in on your arm. The cage is cold. I've seen many a good wing go to the bad there. But your chance looks good. College baseball is different from any other kind. You might say it's played with the heart. I've seen youngsters go in through grit and spirit, love of playin' for their college, and beat out fellows who were their superiors physically. Well, good-night.... Say, there's one more thing. I forgot it. Are you up in your subjects?
    I surely am, replied Ken. I've had four months of nothing but study.
    The reason I ask is this: That faculty has made another rule, the one-year residence rule, they call it. You have to pass your exams, get your first year over, before you can represent any athletic club. So, in case I can use you on the team, you would have to go up for your exams two months or more ahead of time. That scare you?
    Not a bit. I could pass mine right now, answered Ken, confidently.
    Kid, you and me are goin' to get along.... Well, good-night, and don't forget what I said.
    Ken was too full for utterance; he could scarcely mumble