'i Managed Good, But Boy Did They Play Bad'

"It's amazing," said Rocky. "He ran all the way in from first."

"You better take a salt pill," Larry told LaRose. "You're bound to get dehydrated dressing so quick."

When he was dressed Rocky joined some of the fans, the two umpires and the Modesto manager in the Bee Hive. The Bee Hive is a club for box-seat holders which has been set up in an old trainer's room under the stands. Free whisky and beer are served for an hour before and an hour after each game.

"Eighteen to 0!" a fan said. "What happened, Rock?"

"I don't know," said Rocky, "but I'm for it."

Someone spilled a beer on the floor and asked the bartender for a sponge.

"Give me that sponge," said Rocky. "I'm the manager here." He bent down and mopped up the floor.

An hour later, Larry was driving him back to the Holiday Inn.

"I haven't got it made yet," said Rocky. "You know when you know you got it made? When you get your name in the crossword puzzles. But I've gotten a big charge out of it. The troops don't come to you asking advice about getting married when you're coaching for the Big Club. I'm a white-knuckle artist when I fly, so I don't mind the bus. There's a good pinball machine in Modesto, too. I'm real lucky to be here. But, as Branch Rickey said, 'Luck is the residue of design.' "