The gymnasium will be open at 2.30 this afternoon for the gathering of all male students, except freshmen, who may be interested in trying to make either the school or second baseball teams for the coming season.  Gridley will have some notable rivals in the field this next year.  Information comes that several of school baseball teams will have better material and longer training for next season.  It is earnestly desired that all members of the three upper classes who consider themselves capable of making either of the Gridley High School baseball teams be on hand this afternoon, when as full plans as possible will be made.

By order of the Athletics Committee of the Alumni Association.

(signed) Edward Luce, B.B.  Coach._

A shout of approval went up from half of those present as Purcell, of the junior class, finished reading.

Many of those who had no thought of making the school or second teams were filled with delight at thought of the training season being so soon to open.

One of the boys who was pleased was Fred Ripley.  He had handed that five-dollar bill to Tip Scammon the afternoon before, and now felt rather certain that he had closed the door on the whole Scammon episode.

Like many another haughty, disagreeable person, Ripley had, in spite of his treatment of others, a keen desire to be well thought of.  The year before, in the sophomore class, Fred had played as one of the pitchers in the second team, and had done fairly well on the few occasions when he had been given a chance.

“There’s no good reason why I can’t make the post of pitcher on the school team this year,” thought young Ripley, with a thrill of hope and expectant delight.

“Going to show up this afternoon?” asked Dave of Prescott.

“Of course I am, Darrin,” answered Prescott, as Dick & Co. met out on the sidewalk.

“Going to try to make the regular team?”

“Of course I am,” declared Dick, smiling.  “And so, I hope, are every one of you fellows.”

“I’d like to,” agreed Tom Reade.

“Then don’t say you’d like to; say you’re going to,” admonished Dick.  “The fellow who doesn’t quite know never gets much of any place.  Just say to yourself that you’re going to be one of the stars on the school team.  If you have to fall into the second team—–­don’t be cast down over it—–­but make every possible effort toward getting on the top team.  That’s the spirit that wins in athletics,” finished Dick, sagely.

“I’m going to make the school team,” announced Dave Darrin.  “Not only that, but I’ll proclaim it to anyone who’ll be kind enough to listen.  The school nine, or ‘bust,’ for me.”

“Good enough!” cheered Dick.  “Now, then, fellows, we’ll all be on hand this afternoon, won’t we, and on every other afternoon that we’re needed?”

Dick & Co. carried that proposition by a unanimous vote.