Yet they didn't need to be in order to beat such awkward, rural pitchers as Prescott or Darrin.
For a while Coach Luce waited for the cheering for Ripley to die down.

Then he raised his bat as a signal.

Fred sent in his favorite spit-ball.

To all who understood the game, it was clear that the ball had not been well delivered.

The crowd on the seats stopped cheering to look on in some concern.
"Brace, Ripley! You can beat that," warned the coach, in a low tone.
Fred did better the second time.