In the Riverside dugout Frankie Ricco, shortstop, whispered into Phil's ear: ``There's gonna be a fight.''

``Look at those bastards!'' Charlie Haydon, a pitcher, said. ``They're looking for trouble.''

Mike was slow getting into the box this time. When he finally did he had to duck his head quickly away as the pitch came in.

``Listen!'' he shouted to the pitcher. ``One more and I'm coming out there!''

``I'll be waiting!'' the pitcher yelled back.

Mike Deegan pounded the rubber plate with the end of his bat. He stood flat-footed in the box, but not very close to the plate now. The pitcher wound up and the ball came in straight for Mike's head. Deegan dropped, got up, turned and, holding the bat with both hands up against his chest, began to walk slowly out to the mound. The pitcher tossed his glove away and came towards Mike Deegan. They were both walking towards each other, unhurried.

Riverside and Anniston players rushed out on the field. In the next moment, it seemed, the infield was crowded with spectators, ballplayers, cops, kids and a dog. There was much shouting and screaming. Fights sprang up and were quickly squelched. Mike and the Anniston pitcher were pulled away before they even came together.

Phil Rossoff and two other Riverside players did not go out on the field when the fighting started.

After the game, Phil was taking off his sweatshirt in the dressing room when Mike Deegan came in.