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BASE-BALL BALLADS.
But Casey never drew a chance to shine in any way;
They handed him a base on balls without the least delay;
The pitcher didn't seem to care to put one over straight
While the man who'd played with Anson was a-standin' at the plate.
He only had one fly in left, which bounded off his head
(It seems the sun was shinin' in his countenance, he said);
And so the people waited in much anger and suspense
For Casey's opportunity to drive one through the fence;
And it came—O yes—it landed with a nauseating rap
For the man who'd played with Anson, and referred to him as "Cap."
They handed him a base on balls without the least delay;
The pitcher didn't seem to care to put one over straight
While the man who'd played with Anson was a-standin' at the plate.
He only had one fly in left, which bounded off his head
(It seems the sun was shinin' in his countenance, he said);
And so the people waited in much anger and suspense
For Casey's opportunity to drive one through the fence;
And it came—O yes—it landed with a nauseating rap
For the man who'd played with Anson, and referred to him as "Cap."
Old Mudville was a run behind when that last inning came;
The bases full and two wuz out—a hit would win the game.
"He's got to put it over now," each rooter waved his hat,
And shouted in delirium as Casey stepped to bat.
The first two inshoots jumped across the center of the plate,
As Mr. Anson's college chum found out a bit too late;
The next looked good and Casey swung—there came a mighty crack—
But the noise originated from the spine in Casey's back.
The bases full and two wuz out—a hit would win the game.
"He's got to put it over now," each rooter waved his hat,
And shouted in delirium as Casey stepped to bat.
The first two inshoots jumped across the center of the plate,
As Mr. Anson's college chum found out a bit too late;
The next looked good and Casey swung—there came a mighty crack—
But the noise originated from the spine in Casey's back.
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