The Busher Beats it Hence
The narrative unfolds through a series of letters written by a baseball player, Jack, to his friend Al. Jack initially plans to travel to Bedford with his family but decides to stay in Chicago to pitch for the White Sox in an exhibition game against the New York Giants. He expresses his commitment to his family, particularly his wife Florrie and their baby, little Al, while grappling with the allure of a world tour with the team. As the story progresses, Jack's reluctance to leave his family is challenged by the team's need for pitchers. After some deliberation, he agrees to travel partway with the team to help out, but he remains focused on returning home. Jack's letters reveal his thoughts on pitching, his interactions with teammates, and his observations about the game and the fans. Despite his initial hesitations, Jack is eventually persuaded to join the entire world tour after a telegram from Florrie indicates her support, provided she can secure a flat to live in Chicago with the Allens. Jack's decision to go is fraught with anxiety about leaving his family, and he expresses fears about the dangers of the trip, including potential shipwrecks and the unknowns of international travel. Throughout the letters, Jack's character is revealed as both humorous and earnest, showcasing his loyalty to his family and his passion for baseball. He reflects on the absurdities of life as a player, the pressures of performance, and the camaraderie among teammates. His correspondence captures the tension between personal responsibility and professional ambition. As the journey progresses, Jack's feelings of guilt and concern for his family intensify. He contemplates the implications of his decision, fearing for his safety and the well-being of his loved ones. Ultimately, he resolves to go on the trip, driven by a sense of duty to his teammates and the excitement of the adventure, despite his lingering worries. The narrative culminates in Jack's final letters, where he expresses his affection for his family and his hopes for the future. He requests Al to look after Florrie and little Al should anything happen to him during the trip. The story concludes with Jack's departure, leaving readers with a sense of uncertainty about his fate and the challenges that lie ahead. The letters serve as a poignant exploration of the complexities of family, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams in the world of professional sports.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1921 · Genre: Sports Fiction, Epistolary Novel, Comedy · 11,021 words
First lines
Chicago, Ill., Oct. 18.
What this Textopian page supports
The Busher Beats it Hence is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ring Lardner, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Sports Fiction, Epistolary Novel, Comedy, Realism, Drama
- Length: 11,021 words
- Structure: 1 section, 53 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Busher Beats it Hence by Ring Lardner
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Busher Beats it Hence?
- How does this short story by Ring Lardner fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Sports Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Busher Pulls A Mays by Ring Lardner
- Along Came Ruth by Ring Lardner
- A New Busher Breaks In by Ring Lardner
- And Many A Stormy Wind Shall Blow by Ring Lardner
- The Busher Comes Back by Ring Lardner
- Call For Mr Keefe by Ring Lardner
Genres
- Sports Fiction — The plot revolves around a baseball player's experiences, decisions, and relationships within the context of a baseball tour, highlighting the sport's culture.
- Epistolary Novel — The narrative is presented through a series of letters, providing an intimate glimpse into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings.
- Comedy — The writing style incorporates humor and wit, often through the protagonist's observations and interactions, creating comedic situations.
- Realism — The story reflects realistic themes of family, duty, and personal sacrifice, portraying the everyday life of a baseball player.
Tags
baseball · humor · satire · American literature · short stories · early 20th century · sports fiction · dialogue-driven · character study · working class · social commentary · regionalism