Run It Out

By Edmund Vance Cooke

When you once have hit the ball, Run it out.
Though your chance be great or small, Run it out.
Many a fumble comes you know,
Many a baseman muffs a throw,
But you’re lost unless you go!
Run it out.

Come the best, or come the worst, Run it out.
You are gone? All right, but first, Run it out.
Would-have-done or might-have been
Never have a chance to win;
Lively now and dig right in!
Run it out.

In the game, or out, the rule “Run it out”
Is the motto of your school; Run It out.
Here is one who thinks it wise
Just to play for exercise,
But he’ll score more, if he tries;
Run it out!

You may fall of course, but still Run it out.
If you don’t you know you will. Run it out.
How alike are the beginning
Of the losing or the winning—
Just an eyelash to an inning!
Run it out.

Courage now and keep your heart!
Nothing comes without a start, Run it out.
Other Shakespeares might be printing,
Other Titians might be tinting,
If some constant coach kept hinting,
“RUN IT OUT!”