What trick was played on Grayson on his first day on the minors maniac magee?

On his first day in the minors in "Maniac Magee," Grayson is tricked by a group of kids who pretend to be interested in his Baseball skills. They convince him to pitch for them, but when Grayson throws the ball, they all run away, leaving him feeling embarrassed and confused. This prank highlights the playful yet harsh dynamics among kids, as well as Grayson's naivety regarding their intentions. Ultimately, it sets the stage for Grayson’s character development and his bond with Maniac.