Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop

# Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop

This New York Five Cent Library installment features a baseball story by "Billy Boxer, the Referee." The narrative follows Yale (nicknamed "Midge") Murphy, a small but talented seventeen-year-old short-stop on the village team of Southland, Massachusetts. Midge is exceedingly popular with the community and respected despite his diminutive stature.

The story centers on a match between Southland and the visiting Bridgewater nine. Local tradespeople have offered a handsome gold watch to the best-performing player. Midge carries a rose given to him by Rose Short, sister of his teammate Harry, which he views as a lucky mascot. The narrative includes pre-game preparations, fielding practice under Captain Billy Bunce, and the ceremonial arrival of the Bridgewater team, whom the hosts welcome with gunfire salutes. Neither team has previously suffered defeat.