# Women explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

On the bench during a game, Young Jake complains about not playing. Mike Healy, a veteran third baseman, blames women for ruining his career, claiming a woman prevented him from meeting with John McGraw and that another woman's interference cost him a chance to play for the Yankees. He tells a long story about a woman from Ligonier, Indiana, who he got engaged to, and how she and other women have derailed his life. The conversation is a mix of ballplayer banter and Healy's bitter, misogynistic lament, culminating in him receiving a mash note from a woman in the stands and agreeing to meet her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Masculinity and Sports

The bench talk is steeped in masculine bravado and competition, with players discussing their careers, women, and their place in the sport.

### Disillusionment and Failure

Mike Healy's story is a tale of a career derailed by women, reflecting his deep disillusionment with his life and his failure to achieve his potential.

## Character check-ins

### Young Burke

A young player, referred to as Young Jake, who is frustrated with sitting on the bench and wants to play regularly.

### Mike Healy

A veteran third baseman who blames women for ruining his baseball career and is bitter about his situation on the bench.

### Lefty Crosby

A player on the bench who engages in banter with Healy and Young Jake, often providing sarcastic commentary.

## Key lines

> Only broke me. That's all!

Women have ruined my life.

_Healy's central complaint about the impact of women on his career._

> I don't go around payin' ten smackers a quart for liquid catnip.

I don't waste my money on expensive alcohol.

_Healy distinguishes himself from other players who spend money on drink._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/women
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters