Honus Wagner steps up to the plate, looking confident but not cocky. Joe studies his stance and technique, impressed. The Pirates take the lead as the game progresses, and the crowd roars for Ty Cobb to mount a comeback. Joe notes Cobb’s intensity: “He had the weight of all Detroit on his shoulders. But like any great hitter, he was able to channel his aggression into the task at hand” (63). Cobb taunts Honus, warning him to watch out. Honus responds that he’ll be waiting. 

Joe notices Honus pat his right shoulder with his left hand—the signal. Joe heads to the tunnel behind the Pittsburgh bench, where Honus reveals a deep gash on his hand from catching one of Cobb’s spikes. He is unable to hold a bat, and needs Joe to step in as his designated hitter. Joe is stunned. Honus, however, reassures him: “It’s a simple game […] You catch the ball and throw it where it’s supposed to go. You hit the ball and run like hell. There ain’t much to bein’ a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer. And you’re a ballplayer. Now it’s time for you to prove it to yourself” (66).

Putting on Honus’s uniform, Joe steps out from the Pittsburgh bench, pulling the cap low over his eyes.