The ball was the real thing in their eyes.
Coach Luce turned away to one of the spacious cupboard lockers, returning with a ball, still in the sealed package, and a bat with well wrapped handle.
"I'll handle the bat," announced Mr.Luce, smiling.

"It's just barely possible that I, can drive a good liner straighter than some of you, and put it nearer where I want it.

Until the cage is in place, I don't like to risk smashing any of the gymnasium windows.

Now, which one of you pitchers is ambitious to do something ?" Naturally, all of them were.

Yet none liked to appear too forward or greedy, so silence followed.
"I'll try you modest young men out on my own lines, then," laughed the coach.