Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, 1888



(continued)

21 There was ease in Casey’s manner as he stepped into his place;

22 There was pride in Casey’s bearing and a smile lit Casey’s face.

23 And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,

24 No stranger in the crowd could doubt ‘twas Casey at the bat.



25 Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;

26 Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;

27 Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,

28 Defiance flashed in Casey’s eye, a sneer curled Casey’s lip.



29 And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,

30 And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.

31 Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped--

32 “That ain’t my style,” said Casey. “Strike one!” the umpire said.



33 From the benches, filled with people, there went up a muffled roar,

34 Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;

35 “Kill him! Kill the umpire!” shouted someone on the stand;

36 And it’s likely they’d have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.



37 With a smile of Christian charity great Casey’s visage shone;

38 He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;

39 He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;

40 But Casey still ignored it and the umpire said, “Strike two!”

Comprehension Question: Why do the fans become angry at the umpire?

a Casey missed the ball.
b The umpire made a mistake.
c Casey thought the umpire was being unfair.
d The umpire called, "Strike one!"