third to get the lead runner and maybe start a double play. If she bunts toward third, Iâll try and make the play there. If she bunts toward first, Iâll throw to first. If the batter gets a hit, Iâll back up home plate.â
âVery good,â Carey said. âMickey, youâre next.â
âIâm thinking, how well does this batter hit Connie?â Mickey said. âIs she a pull hitter, or does she hit to the opposite field? Is she hot or cold? Is she a low-ball hitter? Whatâs her weakness? How did we get her out last time? Whoâs on deck? Should I call for a pitchout? Is Connie getting tired? Should I call for a fastball, curve, or change up? Watch for the double steal. Be ready to pounce on a bunt, maybe try to make the play at third.â
I just sat there, my mouth open. Iâm a pretty decent ballplayer, but I never saw the game at this level. There was so much to think about, so many possible things that could happen in any situation. It was like a game of chess.
âLeft field next.â Max Carey pointed. âTiby?â
âIâm wondering, should I play this hitter straightaway or shade her to the left or right? If the batter singles, I have a good shot at throwing the runner out at the plate. If thereâs an extra-base hitââ
A knock at the door to the dugout stopped her.
âWho is it?â Carey barked.
A woman came in. She was older and all dolled up in a fancy blue dress, frilly hat, and high-heeled shoes.
âI beg your pardon,â the lady said, pronouncing every word slowly, clearly, and politely. âMy name is Judith Vanderbilt, and I represent the Helena Rubinstein School of Charm.â
âGet out,â Carey said gruffly. âWeâre not interested in your products. We have a game soon, for crying out loud.â
âYou donât understand,â the woman said. âMr. Philip Wrigley commissioned our services. He is the owner of the league, if I am not mistaken. Mr. Wrigley most specifically insisted I speak to the players at this time.â
Carey took off his cap and slapped it against his knee. âMake it snappy,â he said, sitting down on a stool.
âWhen you become a player in the All-American Girls Baseball League, you have reached the highest position that a girl can attain in this sport,â the charm school lady began. âYou have certainresponsibilities because you are in the limelight. Your actions and appearance both on and off the field reflect on the whole profession. It is your duty to do your best to uphold the standard of this profession.â
Max Carey rolled his eyes.
âIt is most desirable that each girl be at all times presentable and attractive,â the charm school lady continued. âStudy your own beauty culture possibilities, and without overdoing your beauty treatment at the risk of attaining gaudiness, practice the little measure that will reflect well on your appearance and personality as a real all-American girl.â
Max Carey shook his head and looked at his watch.
âBecause of your strenuous activity on the diamond, you are exposed to dirt, grime, dust, and perspiration,â the charm school lady said. âWhen you bathe, use cleansing cream around your neck as well as over your face. Apply a lotion to keep your hands as lovely as possible.â
A few of the girls snickered. Max Carey closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingertips.
âAlways secure your stockings so they are smooth and neat and remain in place. Arrange your hair neatly in a manner that will best retain its natural style despite vigorous play. Deodorant keeps you fresh and gives you assurance and confidence in your social contacts. You should walk with poise at all times.â
Merle raised her hand, and the charm school lady called on her.
âWhatâs a poy?â
âPoise,â Mrs. Vanderbilt repeated. âIt means
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