Jack Keefe Stories · Chapter
Call for Mr. Keefe! explained
Jack Keefe writes to Al about the start of the baseball season, his arm feeling good, and his confidence in the White Sox's chances.
What happens
Jack Keefe writes to Al about the start of the baseball season, his arm feeling good, and his confidence in the White Sox's chances. He discusses the U.S. declaration of war on Germany, his reluctance to enlist due to family and team obligations, and his registration for the draft. He also describes his wife Florrie's successful new business venture and his frustration with manager Rowland after a poor performance.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Aggrandizement and Naivety
Jack boasts about his pitching and popularity, yet shows naivety about the draft process and war.
War and Disillusionment
Jack expresses mixed feelings about the war, supporting it but reluctant to enlist due to personal obligations.
Marriage and Domesticity
Jack discusses Florrie's spending, their child, and her new business, highlighting domestic life.
Humor and Irony
Jack uses sarcasm and jokes about the draft, umpires, and his teammates, often with ironic self-awareness.
Characters to notice
- Jack Keefe
Narrator and protagonist; discusses his pitching, draft registration, and family life.
- Al Blanchard
Recipient of Jack's letters; referred to as 'Friend Al' throughout.
- Kid Gleason
Jack's teammate; exchanges banter with Jack about enlisting.
- Rowland
White Sox manager; Jack criticizes his handling of the team and their argument after a game.
- Florrie
Jack's wife; mentioned as spending money and later running a successful business.
- Charles Comiskey
White Sox owner; Jack considers his loyalty to Comiskey when thinking about enlisting.
- Ray Schalk
Teammate; Jack mentions Schalk calling for a fast one during a game.
- Bobby Roth
Opposing player; hits a ball that Jack criticizes Jackson for not catching.
Key passages
“I told Gleason I thought I would quit the club and join the army. He tried to laugh it off with some of his funny stuff. He says 'They wouldn't take you.'”
Jack jokingly tells Gleason he plans to enlist, and Gleason teases him back.
Shows Jack's bravado and the team's lighthearted attitude toward the war.
“I had to register yesterday for the draft. They was a big crowd down to the place we registered and you ought to seen them when I come in.”
Jack describes registering for the draft and the attention he received from the crowd.
Highlights Jack's self-importance and the draft's impact on daily life.
“she paid me back my $100.00 day before yesterday and she showed me their figures for the month of June and I don't know if you will beleive it or not but she and Miss Nevins cleared $400.00 for the month”
Florrie's business is thriving, earning $400 in June, which surprises and impresses Jack.
Illustrates Florrie's entrepreneurial success and Jack's evolving view of her capabilities.
