Base-Ball Ballads/On the Coaching Line

by Grantland Rice

 

ON THE COACHING LINE.

Get in the game! Smoke up, old scout!
 We've got to win this scrap to-day.
Take any chance, for two are out;
 Get on your toes and watch the play.
Three balls—wow! wow! I guess he walks.
 Come back, come back; you ain't so lame.
Say there, you thickhead; watch them balks,
 Get in the game; get in the game!

Get in the game, there—at the bat.
 Just pick out one that suits your eye.
I guess those benders don't look fat.
 Don't let a strike like that go by!
Just watch 'em over—make 'em ride.
 A hit! A hit! It's all the same,
You'll beat it; slide, you lobster, slide!
 Get in the game, get in the game!

Get in the game, no matter which,
 Nor where, nor when, nor who you are.
The slogan rings at lofty pitch
 From inland town to harbor bar,
From lowly surf to ruling kings,
 If you would carve a laureled name,
The distaff of the epoch sings:
 "Get in the game! Get in the game!"

Get in the game, you merchants and
 You lawyers, doctors, preachers too;
You workmen who compose the band
 With countless duties yet to do;
You leaders who must head the line,
 One dumb play may bring lifelong shame;
Watch every signal, every sign.
 Get in the game! Get in the game!

Get in the game—this age is live,
 And loafers have no part to play.
If you would win, if you would thrive,
 "Keep on your toes" in every fray;
And if you rise or if you fall
 It matters not—the Road to Fame
But echoes with the world-wide call:
 "Get in the game! Get in the game!"