Poetry & Song

Pitching to Hack

The Sporting News, September 4, 1930

“How do you pitch to Wilson?”

Asked the rookie up from the sticks.

“I’m up to learn the hitters,

And know their little tricks.”

“I’ll tell ya”, said the veteran,

Who had pitched for many years,

“When ya dish up Hank yer fast one

You’d better watch your ears.

“He’ll drive that agate at ya’

Like ya’ never seen before.

He’ll learn ya’ in a jiffy

Not to show him speed no more.

“’N’ then y’ll try t’curve him,

‘N’ he’ll crash one off yer shins;

If ya’ keep on throwin’ hookers

He’ll tear off both yer pins.

“’N’ then ya’ use yer change of pace,

He might strike out on that;

‘N’ perhaps he’ll ride the ball so far

You don’t know where it’s at.

“I’ll tell ya’ son,” the veteran said.

“When ya’ see that sawed-off squirt;

Jes’ flip one towards th’ platter

‘N’ take care ya’ don’t get hurt.”

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