The Nationals of Washington
CF Lord Denard of Span
3B Antonio, a merchant
LF King Bryce, the Harper
RF Count von Werthenstern
2B Espinosio, a merchant
SS Desdemona, maiden prone to error
1B Monsieur de La Roche
C Don Lobaton, a gallant Spaniard
RHP Gio Gonzalez
When my lineups swear they are made of truth
I do believe them, though I know they lie
Of verity, the lineups shall appear later in the day
Then shall all be known, of victory, I pray!
Nationals Park
(A Baseball Stadium Near Stratford)[Enter Two Umpires]
Umpire 2: Hail Granato!
Umpire 1: I give you greeting, Antonio.
Thou hast the starting lineups?
Umpire 2: Ay. The batting orders duly signed
by managers both.
Umpire 1: ‘Tis well. What o’clock ist?
Umpire 2: ‘Tis at the stroke of seven.
[Trumpets sound]
Umpire 1: Hark! The players come. To our
appointed places shall we go, you at first
and I behind the plate. This game
depends on how you make your call.
Farewell! until you hear me cry “Play ball!”
[Enter The Players]Manager: My excellent good friends, may fortune
smile upon our enterprise this day. As
manager of this most valiant club,
I swear by all that’s holy in our game
I shall not rest until the pennant over
Stratford flies!
Players Hooray!
Dan, the Sideline reporter: Most noble manager.
Manager: Who calls?
Dan: ‘Tis I, Dan.
Manager: Speak, o faithful Dan.
Dan: I pray you, tell us,
how does the starting lineup go?
Manager: ‘Tis as it was before with Lord Denard of Span, King Bryce, the Harper, and Count von Werthenstern out in the field. Desdemona.
Desdemona Sire!
Manager: Thou at the shortstop’s spot shall play.
And you three guarding your accustomed bags:
Monsieur de La Roche the first, Espinosio the second,
and Antonio the third.
Umpire 1: Play ball!
Manager: The game begins!
Don Lobaton: Pitchers, catchers, shortstops, lend me your ears;
the game begins and we must win.
Manager: And win we shall. All hail Stratford!
Players: All hail Stratford!
