How Casey plays

The Mayor of Mudville says that joy will soon return to his city because in an interview with Casey after the ballgame, Casey stated that Mudville had truly WON the game 5 to 4. While Casey did admit that he purposely ignored the first two pitches, putting him two strikes down with Flynn and Blake on base, Casey said that he had then powdered the next pitcher’s lollypop offering far beyond the centerfield wall — thus making Mudville the WINNER. Surprisingly, the crooked Umpire cried STRIKE THREE, because he pretended not to spy the baseball as it disappeared into the dark night sky.

Casey trotted lazily round the bases while the other Team and the Umpires ran quickly from the field claiming they had WON! Casey with amazement shouted ROBBERS; the fans sat in dismay as the game was STOLEN on that dark and gloomy day.

Casey is contesting the outcome with league officials who certainly will award the game to Mudville. Joy and sunshine will return because we all know that Casey never lies; so there is never any doubt; the baseball officials will believe him, reversing the rigged game score. Yes the sun will soon shine; bands will play; hearts will be light; men and women will be laughing and children will shout again in Mudville — because that’s the way CASEY PLAYS THE GAME!

Apology to poet Ernest Lawrence Thayer.

Ken Seiler

Spokane