Page 4: Benny vs. the Beast
In a heroic display of speed and bravery, Benny grabs the ball and outruns the Beast, who breaks loose and chases him through town. The entire neighborhood watches in awe as Benny leaps fences, dodges traffic, and finally returns to the sandlot with the dog close behind. The chase ends when the fence collapses, trapping the Beast underneath.
Showing compassion, the boys lift the fence and save the dog. They discover he's not a monster at all, just a massive but friendly English Mastiff named Hercules. His owner, Mr. Mertle—once a great ballplayer who knew Babe Ruth—thanks them for helping his dog and, in return, gives Smalls another signed ball, this one with the entire 1927 Yankees lineup.