> When the cryptogram on the paper tape announced a base hit, [Reagan] would whack the edge of the table with a pencil, creating a little sound effect, and desc

> When the cryptogram on the paper tape announced a base hit, [Reagan] would whack the edge of the table with a pencil, creating a little sound effect, and describe the arc of the ball as if he could actually see it. His listeners, many of whom presumably thought that Reagan was actually at the ballpark watching the game, would reconstruct the scene in their minds according to his descriptions.