Pulp Fiction, 1943 · page 41 of 100
12 Sports Aces, May 1943 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Analysis: "Pop-Off Rookie" This page contains story prose from what appears to be a baseball fiction narrative titled "Pop-Off Rookie" (page 39). The text describes the climactic final inning of a baseball game where protagonist Jig Clayton, playing shortstop despite an injured thumb, makes a crucial play to win the game. The narrative details a double play attempt, with Jig diving to reach home plate early in the passage, then later making a bare-handed catch at shortstop in the final inning. The page ends with Jig and teammate Eddie Duncan—who also played injured—walking off the field together in good spirits after their victory.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
POP-OFF ROOKIE © 39 ond, and as he came in toward the bag, he was waved on to third. Without siack- ening speed, he raced ahead and then Biand by third base held up his hands to stop. Jig twisted his head for a look at the ball. With two gone he knew the Eagles would pass the seventh hitter and get at eatcher Rayburn. He was a good back- stop, but he couldn’t hit this pitcher with right field. Out of the corner of his eye Jig saw the second baseman take it, whirl, and fire in to the plate. The catcher set himself. And at the same moment Jig saw the ball coming in. He dove head- long at the catcher. They went down to- gether and Jig found the plate with one hand. The dust cleared and he saw the ball rolling away from the catcher. As Jig had expected, the catcher struck out. But the Bears had a precious one run lead. Pete Bland said, “You disobeyed orders. I oughtta fine you fifty.” He grinned a little. “But I ain’t gonna do it. I never knew you could run that fast, Clayton.” “Maybe I never knew it myself,” Jig said. He went out for the first of the ninth and the thumb was sore, getting worse all the time. The Bear pitcher was tired, his contro] shaky. He got one man, then loaded up the sacks, Pete Bland called time and came out to the mound for a conference. The mem- bers of the infield huddled around the hurier. “{ got to go with you, Lefty,” Pete said. “We'll gamble on the double play. Come in three steps.” He looked anxious- ly at Eddie Duncan. “I want this game. How's the leg, Eddie?” “The jeg will hold up,” Eddie said. “What I'm worried about is Jig’s thumb. Have a iook.” Pete Biand’s eyes turned glassy when he saw it. Jig grinned at him. “With both ef us crippled, ” he said, “it’s still the best double play combine in the league. Let’s take ’cin.” They ran back to position. Lefty Roper threw two bad ones. then evened the count. He sent the aext one in, a fast curve at the knees; and the batter rifled it between short and third. Eddie Duncan drifted over in front of it. He was off balance, he twisted and the throw was off the bag to the right. Jig Clayton, tramping on the sack, threw out his bare hand, The ball stuck there. He gritied his teeth, turned and snapped the throw to first into Slattery’s glove for the out and the end of the game. Jig and Eddie Duncan waiked off the field together. “I gave you a terrific ride this year,” Eddie said. “2 don’t blame you if you want to pop me one.” “With = hand,” Jig said, “I couldn’t do it. Besides, I don’t fight guys on my team.” They grinned at each other and went up the clubhouse steps. ‘comicbook GOl