How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Everything that happened between [Henry and Owen] between then and now could be forgotten. Today was big, big was good. The sun shone overheard. Fans in the stands. A chance to do some winning. (46.7)
Baseball isn't all training until you puke, and winning or wishing you were dead. There is a sense of companionship that comes with this kind of sports competition. Henry and Owen are able to put their (honestly, extremely minor) differences behind them and play on the same team.
Quote #8
The other teams wanted to win, and the other teams had more talent. The Harpooners had to feel, like he did, that they would die if they lost. (63.25)
Mike's coaching tactic seems to be "win at all costs." This is motivating up to a point, but with Henry it ends up being a double-edged sword. Henry becomes amazing, but one mistake makes him feel like a loser, and he can't get that big L off his forehead.
Quote #9
If the Harpooners lost they would blame [Henry], rightly blame him forever, for dragging himself halfway across the country to jinx them. (75.20)
Why do you think Henry gets weirdly superstitious near the end of the book? Is it because he wants to put the blame for his failures on something else entirely, or is it to take some pressure off himself?