human
Come to order, young gentlemen, suggested Dr. Rudden, when the gymnasium was well filled. It seemed as if every lad in Excelsior Hall was there.
gpt
You know what we are here for----
human
To elect a new manager and captain!
gpt
Stop!
human
Who said that? cried Hiram, springing to his feet.
gpt
If I find out----
human
Silence!
gpt
This meeting will be conducted in a gentlemanly manner, or not at all, went on the professor quietly; but the boys knew what he meant.
human
We are here to discuss the baseball situation, and try to decide on some plan for bettering the team. I will hear suggestions.
gpt
I just want to say one thing, began Hiram.
human
I have managed this team for three seasons, and----
gpt
Mis-managed it,
human
Why didn't we get the Blue Banner?
gpt
Young gentlemen, you will have to keep from making side remarks, and interrupting the speakers, said Dr. Rudden.
human
Go on, Shell.
gpt
I never had any kicking on my management before, continued Hiram, glaring at those around him.
human
I can manage it all right now, and it's only some soreheads----
gpt
Rather unparliamentary language,
human
If we had a few good players we could win every game, went on the bully.
gpt
But the season is young yet, and----
human
I don't think that is a valid excuse, said the professor.
gpt
You had your choice of the whole school in picking the nine, so it is the fault of yourself and the captain if you haven't a good team. As for the earliness of the season, the boys have had plenty of practice and they ought to have struck their gait before this. I'm afraid something else is to blame.
human
We need better pitchers for one thing!
gpt
That's right!
human
We've got two good pitchers! fairly yelled Hiram.
gpt
I know what this all means--that Joe Matson and his crowd----
human
That will do,
gpt
It's true! exclaimed Frank Brown, jumping to his feet.
human
I'm not a good pitcher, and I don't mind admitting it. I can't hold the other fellows down enough. If I could, we would have won these last two games, for our boys can bat when they haven't the heart taken out of them.
gpt
That's the way to talk!
human
Nothing like being honest about it, commented Dr. Rudden.
gpt
That statement does you credit, Brown. How many of you think the same--that a different pitcher would strengthen the team?
human
I! I! I!
gpt
It's not so! Our pitchers are good enough!
human
There seems to be a division of opinion, began the chairman.
gpt
I think we had better vote on it.
human
There are a lot of fellows here who have no right to vote!
gpt
That won't do, Shell, said Dr. Rudden sternly.
human
This is a matter that concerns the entire school--to have a winning nine. Every student is entitled to vote.
gpt
Hurrah! yelled Tom.
human
This is a victory all right. The end of Hiram, Luke and Company has come.
gpt
You'll pitch on the school team, Joe!
human
I'd like to, Joe answered back,
gpt
All in favor of having a change in pitchers, since Frank Brown has been good enough, and manly enough, to say that he knows his own weakness--all in favor of a change vote 'aye,'
human
Aye!
gpt
Contrary minded----
human
No!
gpt
Whom will you have for pitcher? asked the Professor.
human
Can you decide now, or will you wait and----
gpt
Decide now! was yelled.
human
Joe Matson for pitcher! Baseball Joe. Joe Matson!
gpt
Very well, assented the chairman.
human
This may be a wise move. All in favor of Joe Matson as pitcher, since Frank Brown, the regular boxman, has practically resigned--all say 'aye.'
gpt
Joe Matson is now the regular pitcher for the school nine,
human
And I want to say that I'm glad of the change,
gpt
Hurray! Hurray!
human
I want to say, exclaimed Joe,
gpt
Good! exclaimed the chairman.
human
I think they'll take your offer. Well, we have now made one change. Are there any more that you think necessary?
gpt
Do I understand that Joe Matson is the regular pitcher on the school team?
human
That seems to be the sentiment of the students, Shell,
gpt
And without me, or the captain, having anything to say about it?
human
You were out-voted, Shell.
gpt
Well, then all I've got to say is that I don't manage this nine any more! fairly yelled Hiram.
human
There's my resignation, and it takes effect at once!
gpt
Shall this resignation be accepted?
human
Yes!