When the umpire calls you out,
It's no use to stamp and shout,
Wildly kicking dust about
Play the game!
And though his decision may
End your chances for the day,
Rallies often end that way
Play the game!
When the umpire shouts: "Strike two!"
And the ball seems wide to you,
There is just one thing to do:
Play the game!
Keep your temper at the plate,
Grit your teeth and calmly wait,
For the next one may be straight
Play the game!
When you think the umpire's wrong,
Tell him so, but jog along;
Nothing's gained by language strong
Play the game!
For his will must be obeyed
Wheresoever baseball's played,
Take his verdict as it's made
Play the game!
Son of mine, beyond a doubt,
Fate shall often call you "out,"
But keep on, with courage stout
Play the game!
In the battlefield of men
There'll come trying moments when
You shall lose the verdictthen
Play the game!
There's an umpire who shall say
You have missed your greatest play,
And shall dash your hopes away
Play the game!
You must bow unto his will
Though your chance it seems to kill,
And you think he erred, but still
Play the game!
For the Great Umpire above
Sees what we see nothing of,
By His wisdom and His love
Play the game!
Keep your faith in Him although
His grim verdicts hurt you so,
At His Will we come and go
Play the game!
Playing The Game
written byEdgar Albert Guest
© Edgar Albert Guest