I think perhaps you misunderstand the point of the exercise.

You remember back in grade school, they had fire drills. Was the purpose of the drill to prove you could get out in case of a fire or emergency? No. It wasn't a test that you would pass or fail. It was a practice. Softball practice is still something the people involved can learn from.

And consider exactly how much love they'd get from the people of the city if they tried to practice hardball.