Montrew Dunham - Abner Doubleday. Boy Baseball Pioneer

Abner Doubleday leaned against the fence post and tossed his ball in the air, then caught it without looking. He was watching his friend Charley.

Charley lived across the road from Abner in Auburn, New York, and the two boys often played ball together. Today, however, Charley was sweeping the walk.

Abners brother Tom was busy too. Everyone in town seemed to be busy on this last day of May, 1825.

Suddenly Abner jumped back as a long gray cat came running through the gate, chased by Abners dog Brownie.

Brownie! Abner shouted. Come back!

Brownie looked back at Abner but kept on chasing the cat.

Oh no! Abner exclaimed. Brownie, come back here! (Figure 1.1)

Figure 1.1: Suddenly Abner jumped back as a long gray cat came running through the gate, chased by Abners dog Brownie.

At that moment Tom came running from the barn. Im through with my chores, Abner, he called. I can play ball now.

Abner was glad to see his brother. Ill stand down here. You stand at the other end of the yard. He tossed the ball to Tom.

Tom caught the ball easily. Youre lucky youre only six and dont have any chores to do! His voice rose. Here it comes! He threw the ball back.

Abner had to leap into the air to catch it. The ball was lopsided. One seam was coming open and the insides were beginning to come through. Abner clasped the ball in his hands and tried to shape it round again, as he would a snowball. He leaned back and threw the ball as hard as he could.

Ho! Tom caught the ball easily and started to throw it back, then stopped Its hard to throw this ball straight, he said. Its coming apart.

I know, said Abner. Maybe Ma will fix it. Throw it to me and Ill go see.

It hasnt been very long since she made it. Tom pushed the stuffing back in with his finger. I dont know whether shell want to fix it or not. Shes making a dress for Amanda to wear tomorrow, he said.

Abner looked across the street at Charley, who was still sweeping the walk in front of his house. Tom, why does Charley have to sweep the walk just because General Lafayette is coming tomorrow?

I guess the whole town has to look its best, Tom answered. He looked at Charley, then shook his head and added doubtfully, I dont think a hero like General Lafayette is going to look at all the walks. He rolled the ball across the grass to Abner. Go see what Ma says. Maybe shell fix it.

It was dark and shadowy inside after the bright outdoors. Ma! Abner called. Ma, where are you?

Right here, his mother answered from the kitchen. What do you want?

Abners mother was kneeling on the floor in the kitchen. His sister Amanda was standing on a stool. Mother was pinning the hem of Amandas new dress with pins from the pincushion on the floor beside her.

Abner ran to his mother and held the ball out. Ma, would you sew this up again please?

Mother looked up at the ball but didnt take it. She went on pinning Amandas dress.

See, Ma, the stuffing is coming out, Abner poked his finger in the hole. It wont throw straight.

Ma stopped just long enough to brush up the moist curling hair at her neck. She looked at Abner without a smile. Dont make it any worse than it is.

Amanda tossed her head and smiled scornfully. Ma doesnt have time to fix your old ball. Importantly she smoothed down the crisp ruffles of her new dress. She has to get my dress finished for tomorrow!

Mother gave Amanda a stern look and said quietly, All right, Abner, put the ball on the table. Ill try to get to it.

As Abner ran out the front door he yelled, Tom! Tom! I think Ma will fix it!

Now? Tom asked eagerly.

Abner frowned. Probably not right now. She didnt say. Shes fixing Amandas dress.

Tom didnt wait for all of Abners answer. He was looking down the street. What does Mrs. Scott have?

Both boys looked to see Mrs. Scott with an armload of red, white and blue material. She was walking so fast that it looked as if she were coming along the street on wheels.

She didnt see Brownie running. Abner did, and he knew Brownie must be chasing the cat again. No, Brownie, no! he screamed, but Brownie didnt hear him. Ears laid flat and tail flying behind, Brownie ran straight in front of Mrs. Scott.

Mrs. Scott was so short and round and her bundle was so large that she never knew what made her fall, but suddenly, without warning, she sat down. The red, white, and blue material billowed in the air and settled on top of her.

Abner and Tom started to laugh. They couldnt help themselves. Then they did their best to stop laughing and rushed to help Mrs. Scott to her feet.

Brownie came running through the gate. Arent you ashamed of yourself, Brownie, Abner cried.

Is that your dog? Mrs. Scott demanded. Her face was red and her mouth was set in a straight line as she struggled to untangle herself. Oh dear! She tried to brush off her dress. Where is your Ma? Was that your dog?

Abner smiled weakly. Were sorry, maam.

I should think you would be! A beast like that should not be permitted to run loose! Mrs. Scott frowned and looked very cross. Go get your Ma!

Yes, maam. Tom was glad to run after Ma. Ill get her.

Abner, help me get all this bunting out of the dirt, Mrs. Scott commanded. Its for the decorations at the ballroom for General Lafayette, and it will all be ruined!

Abner helped pick up the material and brushed it off before handing it to Mrs. Scott, who rolled it up in a bundle again.

Ma rushed from the house and down the steps to the walk where Mrs. Scott was standing. Are you all right? she asked anxiously.

Mrs. Scott took a deep breath. Yes, I think I am, she said, her smooth round face very serious. But its lucky I didnt break a leg! She nodded toward Tom. Did your boy tell you what happened?

Yes, and Im sorry, Mrs. Scott, Ma said. Could Tom go along to help you carry your decorations? Thats a bulky load for you to handle all by yourself.