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Joe Castle's first game
Joe Castle was one of the most hyped prospects in the majors in this time period. He was raised in a small town in Arkansas called Calico Rock, giving him his nickname of "Calico Joe." Castle debuts with the Cubs on this date and hits a homerun in his first three at bats, which at that time was a rookie record. His first game foreshadows a promising career because of his immediate success. -
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Joe Castle's Baseball Career and Life After Baseball
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The Streak Ends
Joe Castle had been on fire since his debut and everyone was cheering for him. It was the second home game for Joe, and his fourth overall, and the Giants were in town. Joe entered the game with a hit in his first 13 at bats but the Giants were determined to end his streak. In his 16th at bat, he finally popped up to the centerfielder. Joe Castle was in fact, human. This is Joe's first external conflict as a major leaguer. He has met his first real challenge in the league against the Giants. -
The Beginning of Warren Tracey
Warren Tracey was a pitcher for the New York Mets at this time. He is also the father of the narrator, Paul Tracey. Warren was a known head hunter in the league as well as an alcholic and abusive man off the field. Paul and Warren's relationship had never been good, he was abusive to him as well to his sister and mother. At this point in the story we are introduced to the conflict between Warren and Paul, which only continues to get worse. -
Paul's Scrapbook
Any young boy who loved baseball at this time was rooting for Joe, especially Paul. He had a scrapbook of articles, photos, and many other types of Castle memorabilia. On the days that Warren pitched, he would go into their basement and have a pregame ritual which consisted of pool and something to drink. But on this day, as Paul would later come to find out, Warren stole his scrapbook and was disgusted when he saw Paul's love for Joe. This event foreshadows the beaning later that day. -
BEANED!
As the Cubs entered Shea Stadium for an important series, Warren took the ball against them. Joe's first at bat against Warren was a duel that ended up a homerun for Joe. Warren was irked. Joe's next at bat would change his life. Warren threw the ball at his head intentionally and he went down. The beaning caused an all out brawl. Everyone in the stands was hoping for the best for Joe but instead it was the worst. His career was over. This foreshadows many bad things to come for the Traceys. -
Tracey is released
Three weeks after the beaning, Warren is released from the Mets. His baseball career is hanging on by a thread. At this time, no team wanted to take a gamble on a thirties something pitcher who is known for his head hunting. Warren didnt bother notifying his family of the release and at this point the conflict between Warren and the rest of the family is waning. Slowly but surely, Paul's parents are drifting apart. -
Warren's 1st divorce
Warren finally leaves the family for good. They had all known that he was up to no good in the past so they were just waiting for the actual thing to happen. Getting a divorce for Warren was like changing underwear for a normal person, he did it all the time. Over the course of his life, he had over 4 different wives. Paul's mother, however, was the first. Overall, the family was glad he was gone. This symbolizes both parties moving on from each other. -
Warren Retires to Florida
After his baseball career was long over, Warren decided to move to a retirement community in Florida. He decided to try to make a golf tour since he wasnt playing baseball but that never worked out. His life consisted of meeting new women, enjoying the golf course, and meeting other retired men. He stayed in Florida with his last wife for the rest of his life. This move was good for Paul because he would never have to deal with him again. This symbolizes the removal of Warren from Paul's life. -
Warren Gets Sick
Paul gets a call from Warren's wife Agnes, who he had never even met, saying that his father has pancreatic cancer. At first, Paul didnt know how to react because he hadnt heard from him in so long. Paul notified his sister and mother when he was told, but they were not too sad when they found out. Paul begins to have an internal conflict as to whether or not he should go and see him. -
Paul's First Trip to Arkansas
Paul decides to try and track down Joe Castle in Arkansas because he believes that his father should apologize to him before he dies. At first, Paul is nervous about the reception he will get in Arkansas because of his name. He meets with Mr Rook who explains Joe's life after the beaning to Paul. He had been a shut in for most of the time, except when he is maintaining his baseball field. Mr Rook will arrange a meeting if it is ok with Joe. This foreshadows the next trip with Warren. -
The Reunion
Warren and Joe meet for the first time since the beaning in Calico Rock. At first, it is slightly awkward but they end up just talking baseball like two old men do. Paul was very proud to see his idol and his father finally get the chance to make up before his father passed. Paul was very glad that he got to be a part of the reunion as well. This reinforces the theme of Not Holding A Grudge but Rather Working it Out. -
Warren Passes Away
Warren Tracey dies of pancreatic cancer. Very few people make it to his funeral because of his past reputation. Paul decides to travel down to Florida, where Warren moved to, to pay his final respects. While he is sitting in the church he notices three men entering the chapel from the back. He realizes that it is Joe Castle and his two brothers! Since their reconciliation, Joe decided that he wanted to pay his respects as well as see Paul again. At this point, all conflicts are resolved.
