Once upon a different time, many years ago,
lived a ballplayer, who was called Mountain Joe.
Baseball was his passion and he held a special dream –
to play the game he loved, for a major-league team.
He possessed broad shoulders, stood 6-foot 4,
and could smack homeruns that would soar.
He pitched fiercely with a rocket for an arm,
and could run down rabbits, back on the farm.
Men admired him, women loved his good looks,
kids often begged him, to autograph their books.
A hero to many and the toast of the town,
treated like a cherished king, without the crown.
Playing in the city league, he stood above the rest,
and everyone agreed, “Mountain Joe was the best!”
Whether he was pitching or standing at the plate,
opposing players trembled; Joe controlled their fate.
He led the Giants to the championship game,
against cross-town rivals – the Eagles was their name.
As the game approached, word spread all about,
for sitting in the stands that day was a major-league scout!
Stores closed early, the stadium filled fast,
thousands came to watch the game, the seasons last.
The aroma of popcorn and hot dogs filled the air,
and rumor had it all the townsfolk were there.
The anthem was sung, Joe strolled to the mound,
and the ballpark thundered with a deafening sound.
Applause erupted and hearts filled with pride,
as Mountain Joe promptly struck out the side.
Bell and Gus flew out before Joe’s turn to bat;
Joe smashed a double to right and tipped his hat.
There he stayed, unable to advance.
Brown struck out, so back to the mound Joe pranced.
Both teams battled on this unforgettable day.
The Eagles hung tough; they had come to play.
Joe had 14 strikeouts and batted 4 for 4,
but in the bottom of the ninth, still no score.
Knowing only one run was all they needed,
Joe walked to the plate, as the children pleaded,
“You can do it, Mountain Joe, don’t be outdone,
show those Eagles a long homerun!”
Joe tightened his grip and spit out his chaw,
and glared at the pitcher with a stiffened jaw.
Determined not to fail or to be outclassed,
Joe swung at the ball and there was a blast.
Where the ball landed, nobody knows,
everyone agreed it was a powerful blow.
The umpire spoke up, ending the suspense,
and announced to the crowd, “Over the fence!”
With the ump’s declaration Joe circled the bases.
Except for the Eagles, elation was on all faces.
Joe was mobbed at home plate, fans cheered his name,
and that is the story, how Mountain Joe won the game.
After the game, the scout found Mountain Joe
and admitted to him, “You are the best I know!”
“It was a treat to watch you, but I won’t be back.
It’s a darn shame, kid, that you were born black.”
© David Ritter
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