Page 19 - Contrast1960v4n1

I stepped out of the batter's box and rubbed my hands in dust.
I wanted time to think. "Well, I got a chance to get us a run," I
said to myself. "Old Donovan knows he's in a spot and he'll probably
rely on his specialty, the fast ball. If I can time it right I might be able
to get a hit."

'Wild Man Donovan was thinking the same and the next pitch
was a fast ball right down the middle. I timed it perfect and pushed it
into centerfield for a hit. Martin scored and we were in the lead.
Donovan struck out Marion and the inning was over. We had one
run, but that was enough if I could hold them.

I snatched my glove off the bench and started what seemed too
long a walk to the mound. The Tigers jumped to the top steps of
the dugout and began encouraging their first batter. Our bench had
likewise gathered on the dugout steps and were yelling for us to hold
'em. And as I expected, Dizzy was shouting louder than anyone.

The Tiger's lead-off man, Larry Natcher, drilled my first pitch,
a changeup into center for a single. The pressure began to build up;
their bench jockeys were trying to rattle me. I cooled them off when
I got their next two batters to pop out to our shortstop, Marty Marion.
Just when I thought I might be able to hold them, the roof caved in.
Ruffing hit a double and when the dust had cleared, men were on
second and third. And Greenburg was up.

All I could see was big Hank swinging for the fences and jogging
around the bases. I was nervous. Turning to survey the situation on
the bases, I tugged at my trousers and pulled up my sleeve. I picked
up the rosin bag and started drying my hands.

I walked back to the rubber and peered in for the sign. Gabby
wanted a curve. "Well, if it's gonna come, let it come," I thought.
I tugged on my cap and began a fateful wind-up. In came the pitch
and Greenburg smacked it long and foul. "I've had enough of this,"
I said to myself. "If I'm gone to lose this ball game, I'm gone to lose
it right." I called Gabby out and said. "Listen, I'm going to throw
this one as hard as I can. I think Greenburg expects some junk."

I don't believe that Greenburg could have hit the next two
pitches if he'd have started swinging before I wound up. He went
down swinging and we won. '

My teammates poured in from their places and mobbed me. The
only distinct person I remember was Dizzy shouting, "We've won!
We've won!"

"Yes, we've won; but I won too." I thought. "I no longer fear
myself."

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