The outlook wasn't brilliant for...
"The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day" are familiar first words to the classic Casey At The Bat. In the poem the fans are desperate, it is the ninth inning and the home team is still two runs down and unfortunately the team is at the wrong part of the lineup. The fans sigh the deep sigh of all fans and who wistfully hope for the impossible. They think that if only Casey, mighty Casey, could come to the plate then all would be well. But it is only wishful thinking. But then the impossible happens, for with two out two runners get on and Casey will now get to bat.