Casey At The Bat (Live)

It looked extremely rocky for the Mudville nine that day

The score stood two to four but with one inning left to play

So when Cooney died at second and Burroughs did the same

A pallor wreathed the features of the patrons of the game

A straggling few got up to go, leaving there the rest

With that hope that springs eternal within the human breast

For they thought if only Casey could get a whack at that

They'd put even money now with Casey at the bat

But Flynn preceded Casey and likewise so did Blake

And the former was a puddin' and the latter was a fake

So on that stricken multitude a deathlike silence sat

For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat

But Flynn let drive a single to the wonderment of all

And the much-despised Blake tore the cover off the ball

And when the dust had lifted and they saw what had occurred

There was Blake safe at second and Flynn a-huggin' third

Then from the gladdened multitude went up a joyous yell

It rumbled in the mountain tops, it rattled in the dell

It struck upon the hillside and rebounded on the flat

For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat

There was an ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place

There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face

And when responding to the cheers he lightly doffed his hat

No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat

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

Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt

Then when the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip

Defiance glanced in Casey's eye and a sneer curled Casey's lips

And now the leopard-covered sphere came hurtling through the air

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

Close by the sturdy batsman the ball on he did sped

"That ain't my style," said Casey, "Strike one," the umpire said

From the benches black with people there went up a muffled roar

Like the beating of a storm wave on the stern and distant shore

"Kill him, kill the umpire," shouted someone on the stand