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 son, I'd stick to the curves and drops. That out-drop of yours isn't so bad right now, and I guess you can make it even better. If you have five things to offer the batter, say, an in, an out, a drop, a drop-curve, and a slow ball, you've got plenty. If you've got control and can change your pace without giving yourself away you've got as much as the most successful pitcher ever did have. It's control, son, that counts. All the fancy stunts ever known aren't worth a cent unless you can put the ball where you want it to go. And that's that."

There was a moment of silence. Then Kewpie said: "Mr. Mulford, if I work hard and pitch to the net and all that couldn't I get into a game some time? I mean some game this spring?"

"Why, I don't know," said the coach slowly. "What's the idea? Want to get your letter?"

"No, sir, but I'd—why, I'd just like to, sir, awfully."

"There are only four games left before the Farview game," was the answer, "and I don't want to promise anything like that, Proudtree. But I will agree to put you in if the chance comes. Look here, you chaps, why don't you work together