Jack Keefe Stories · Chapter
The Busher's Kid explained
Jack Keefe writes to Al about his newborn son, little Al, and his experiences as a new father.
What happens
Jack Keefe writes to Al about his newborn son, little Al, and his experiences as a new father. He describes his joy at the baby's smile, disagreements with Florrie over the baby's care, and tensions with Allen. Jack also discusses his baseball performance, his rivalry with teammates, and his anticipation of Kid Gleason's visit to see the baby.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Domesticity
Jack's interactions with Florrie over baby care highlight domestic tensions and differing perspectives on parenting.
Friendship and Loyalty
Jack's correspondence with Al and his strained friendship with Allen reflect themes of loyalty and conflict.
Self-Aggrandizement and Naivety
Jack boasts about his pitching and interprets the baby's smile as a personal bond, showing his self-centeredness.
Characters to notice
- Jack Keefe
Proud father of little Al, reflecting on his son's smile and his own baseball achievements.
- Al Blanchard
Jack's friend and recipient of his letters, addressed as 'Al' throughout.
- Kid Gleason
Visits Jack to see the baby and jokes about Jack's parenting.
- Allen
Jack's roommate and teammate, with whom he has a tense argument about finances and the baby.
- Florrie
Jack's wife, who disagrees with him about the baby's smile and cares for little Al.
- Manager Callahan
Jack's manager, who acknowledges Jack's pitching and schedules him for games.
Key passages
“Well Al what do you think of little Al now? But I guess I better tell you first what he done.”
Jack asks Al what he thinks of his son and prepares to share the baby's latest achievement.
Jack's pride in his newborn son is evident as he introduces the topic.
“I says Hello Al and what do you suppose he done. Well Al he did not say Hello pa or nothing like that because he is not only one month old. But he smiled at me just like as if he was glad to see me and I guess maybe he was at that.”
Jack greets his one-month-old son, who smiles at him, which Jack interprets as a sign of recognition.
Jack's naivety and joy as a new father are highlighted in this moment.
“I says You better take poison yourself because maybe a rotten pitcher like you could get by in the league where you’re going when you die.”
Jack retorts to Allen's insult about the baby by suggesting Allen's poor pitching would only succeed in hell.
Jack's quick temper and rivalry with Allen surface during their argument.
“Gleason takes a look at him and says Well that is a mighty fine baby and you must of boughten him.”
Kid Gleason compliments the baby but jokes that Jack couldn't have fathered such a handsome child.
Gleason's humor and teasing reflect the camaraderie among the ballplayers.