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Eddie stood up abruptly, then sat down just as abruptly.

`` What difference does your batting average make??

Or your fielding average.

Or even the way you run bases.

I tell you when it's necessary to hurt in order to win -- you won't do it.

That's what I mean by no heart for the game.

Baseball's no cinch.

Deegan had no business ramming into that kid out there.

He did it because he knows for each guy he puts out of commission that's one less who might take his job away later on.

What the hell do you think baseball is??

A sport??

It's a way of life, goddamit!!

And you've got to be ready to cut to ribbons anybody who wants to take your way of life away from you ''!!