points above the Fall River team, I grew
desperate, and locking my players in the dressing room I went after
them. They had lain down on me and needed a jar. I told them so
straight and flat, and being bitter, I did not pick and choose my words.

"And fellows," I concluded, "you've got to brace. A little more of
this and we can't pull out. I tell you you're a championship team. We
had that pennant cinched. A few cuts and sprains and hard luck--and
you all quit! You lay down! I've been patient. I've plugged for you.
Never a man have I fined or thrown down. But now I'm at the end of my
string. I'm out to fine you now, and I'll release the first man who
shows the least yellow. I play no more substitutes. Crippled or not,
you guys have got to get in the game."

I waited to catch my breath and expected some such outburst as managers
usually get from criticized players. But not a word! Then I addressed
some of them personally.

"Gregg, your lay-off ends today. You play Monday. Mullaney, you've
drawn your salary for two weeks with that spiked foot. If you can't
run on it--well, all right, but I put it up to your good faith. I've
played the game and I know it's hard to run on a sore foot. But you
can do it. Ashwell, your ankle is lame, I know--now, can you run?"

"Sure I can. I'm not a quitter. I'm ready to go in," replied Ashwell.

"Raddy, how about you?" I said, turning to my star twirler.

"Connelly, I've seen as fast a team in as bad a rut and yet pull out,"
returned Radbourne. "We're about due for the brace. When it
comes--look out! As for me, well, my arm isn't right, but it's acting
these warm days in a way that tells me it will be soon. It's been
worked too hard. Can't you get another pitcher? I'm not knocking Herne
or Cairns. They're good for their turn, but we need a new man to help
out. And he must be a crackerjack if we're to get back to the lead."

"Where on earth can I find such a pitcher?" I shouted, almost
distracted.

"Well, that's up to you," replied Radbourne.

Up to me it certainly was, and I cudgeled my brains for inspiration.
After I had given up in hopelessness it came in the shape of a notice I
read in one of the papers. It was a brief mention of an amateur
Worcester ball team being shut out in a game with a Rickettsville nine.
Rickettsville played Sunday ball, which gave me an opportunity to look
them over.

It took some train riding and then a journey by coach to ge