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IT’S NOT THE HEAT, IT’S THE HUMILITY

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When the temperature soared above 90 degrees with humidity to match--all before 10 a.m.--officials at Golden Park in Columbus, Ga., knew they had to do something to warn the 8,462 softball fans.

So they raised the flag.

A black flag.

The ominous looking piece of plastic--it could have been a lawn bag in a previous life--hung lifeless atop the center-field pole while an announcer intoned:

“The black flag means danger is imminent. Danger is imminent.”

Officials then warned the crowd to drink water, which cost as much as $2 a bottle. U.S. Coach Ralph Raymond, the oldest coach in the Games at 72, ignored all warnings and refused even to remove his warmup.

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“I’m from the old school, from the Gashouse Gang, where everyone was tough,” Raymond said. “I’m soaking wet under this jacket, but I’m not taking it off.”

Said shortstop Dot Richardson: “Ohhh, a macho man.”

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