Duke Chapter 12

Summary

In this chapter, Hobie joins a group of kids for a baseball game during the summer of 1944. He shares light-hearted moments with his friends, including jokes with Mrs. Lee and discussing soda flavors. Despite some challenges from Mitch, a seventh-grader who taunts them, the kids stay focused. Cookie hits a crucial ball, and Max, despite being inexperienced, makes an impressive catch to win the game, shutting down Mitch's teasing. The chapter ends with Hobie choosing to join Marty for a radio show, leaving Max to plan a visit for another day.

Takeaways

• ⚾ Hobie spends his afternoons playing baseball after working in the victory garden.
• 📜 Hobie's uncle Trig is returning soon, and Hobie's dad has asked him to help out more.
• 🧮 The kids at the schoolyard divide into teams, with Katherine always being one of the captains.
• 🥤 Hobie and Marty go to Lee's for sodas and bring one back for Katherine as a thank-you for bringing the ball every day.
• 👋 Hobie and Marty invite Max to play baseball, and he eventually joins after finishing errands for his mom.
• 🤣 Katherine and the boys engage in a playful burping contest, adding humor to the day.
• 🎯 Max makes a great catch in the outfield, helping his team win and shutting down Mitch's taunts.
• 💬 Mitch, a seventh grader, tries to distract the team with insults, but the players remain focused.
• 🩹 Max gets injured during the game but is proud of his catch and brushes off the pain.
• 🚴 Hobie leaves with Marty to catch a radio show, ‘Hop Harrigan,’ despite Max asking him to hang out.

Q & A

What is the setting of the chapter?

The chapter is set in the summer of 1944, with Hobie and his friends playing baseball at a schoolyard.

Who are the main characters involved in this chapter?

The main characters are Hobie, Katherine, Marty, Max, and Cookie, who are all kids gathered to play baseball.

Why does Hobie feel unsure about how many more ballgames he can play?

Hobie is unsure how many more games he can play because his Uncle Trig is coming home soon, and Hobie might need to help him with the boat, the 'Lilly B'.

What role does Katherine play in the baseball games?

Katherine is always one of the team captains and usually brings the baseball, so she often picks Hobie for her team.

Why does Hobie and Marty visit Lee's store during the break?

Hobie and Marty go to Lee’s store to buy sodas during their lunch break from the baseball game. Hobie picks up a root beer for Katherine because she always brings the baseball.

What motivates Max to join the baseball game?

Max seems hesitant at first but eventually agrees to join the game after Mrs. Lee encourages him, and the team convinces him they could use another player.

What is the significance of the joke Hobie tells at Lee’s store?

Hobie tells a joke about crossing a sheepdog with a rose, resulting in 'a cauliflower'. It provides a light-hearted moment and demonstrates Hobie's sense of humor, even though he admits it's not a great joke.

What event causes tension during the baseball game?

The tension rises when Mitch Mitchell, a seventh grader, arrives and starts making rude comments about the players, particularly targeting Cookie while she is at bat.

How does Max perform during the game, and what is the result?

Max makes a great catch in the ninth inning, catching a ball hit by Cookie that seemed out of reach. His catch secures the win for their team, and everyone celebrates his impressive play.

What happens after the game between Hobie and Max?

After the game, Max invites Hobie to come over, but Hobie declines because he plans to go with Marty to listen to the radio show 'Hop Harrigan'.

Outlines

00:00

⚾ A Day at the Ballpark

Hobie tucks his peanut butter sandwich inside his baseball glove as he heads to the schoolyard. The kids regularly gather to play baseball after working in the victory garden, and Hobie is unsure how many more games he'll be able to play since his Uncle Trig will be home soon. Katherine is one of the captains, and she often picks Hobie for her team. As more kids gather, they decide to play a game between the almost-sixth-graders and the almost-fifth-graders. The sixth graders win by a small margin, and Hobie and Marty head to Lee's for soda after the game, discussing the joke Hobie shares and their plans to listen to a radio show later.

05:01

🏃 A Catch to Remember

Max joins Hobie and the others for a baseball game, filling in a spot that makes the teams even. The game is close, with the score going back and forth until the final inning. Cookie steps up to bat with two outs, while Mitch heckles from the sidelines. Despite the distractions, Cookie manages to hit the ball, and Max makes an incredible diving catch to win the game for his team. Max, still new to baseball, brushes off his bleeding elbows, proud of his catch. Catherine and the others celebrate, and as Hobie and Marty leave for their radio show, Hobie reflects on the day's events.

Keywords

💡Hobie

Hobie is the main character in the script, a young boy living in 1944. He often plays baseball with his friends and is concerned about helping his family. His actions and thoughts revolve around balancing fun with responsibility, such as playing baseball while also preparing for his uncle Trig’s return and assisting with chores.

💡Baseball

Baseball is central to the story, serving as the primary activity that brings Hobie and his friends together. It's more than just a game; it symbolizes childhood camaraderie, competition, and distraction from the hardships of wartime. The game plays out throughout the day, and the children, divided by grade level, engage in competitive but fun play.

💡Victory Garden

Victory Gardens were homegrown plots during World War II, where families would plant vegetables to support the war effort. Hobie participates in tending to his family's Victory Garden, a reflection of the way everyday Americans contributed to the wartime effort by becoming self-sufficient and resourceful.

💡Katherine

Katherine is one of Hobie's friends and a regular captain in their baseball games. She is depicted as a strong and confident character who always chooses Hobie for her team. Katherine's leadership on the baseball field challenges traditional gender roles of the time, as she is both skilled and assertive.

💡Uncle Trig

Uncle Trig is Hobie's relative who is expected to return home soon, and Hobie is anxious about how much help he will need to offer. His father’s letter instructs him to take initiative and assist Trig without being asked. Trig represents the returning soldier figure during World War II, and Hobie’s sense of duty toward him underscores the theme of familial responsibility.

💡Mitch Mitchell

Mitch Mitchell is portrayed as a bully who mocks Hobie and his friends while they play baseball. His presence in the script highlights themes of peer pressure and the challenges of standing up to taunts. Mitch's behavior contrasts with the camaraderie of Hobie’s group, providing tension and a test of character for the others.

💡Max

Max is a quieter character who joins Hobie’s team during their baseball game. Initially hesitant, Max gains confidence and becomes an unexpected hero by making a key catch during the game. His development from a reserved boy to someone who contributes to the game showcases personal growth and acceptance in the group.

💡World War II

Although not explicitly mentioned in every part of the script, World War II is the backdrop of the entire story. The children’s activities, including the Victory Garden and the way Hobie references his father’s letters, point to the ongoing war. The war influences daily life, and the children’s play and responsibilities are shaped by the larger global conflict.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is a recurring theme in the script, particularly for Hobie, who is learning to balance fun with his obligations at home. His father's letter reminds him to take charge without waiting for instructions, and his uncle’s upcoming return adds to his sense of duty. Hobie’s responsible nature is juxtaposed against his desire to enjoy his summer and play with his friends.

💡Friendship

Friendship is at the core of the script, exemplified by the group of children who come together to play baseball. The interactions between Hobie, Katherine, Max, and others highlight the bonds they share, from teasing and jokes to supporting each other during the game. Even when faced with external challenges, like Mitch's taunts, the group’s friendship remains strong and central to their activities.

Highlights

Hobie tucks a peanut butter sandwich inside his baseball glove, hanging it from the handlebars as he rides to the schoolyard.

Every day, Hobie and a group of kids gather to play ball after weeding the victory garden, sometimes waiting until there are enough players for two teams.

Hobie's Uncle Trig is due to return soon, and Hobie worries about helping him with the boat, the Lily B.

Katherine is always one of the team captains because she brings the baseball and usually picks Hobie for her team.

Hobie and Marty ride to Lee’s for a soda after a morning of baseball, where Hobie picks up a root beer for Katherine.

Max, a kid Hobie sees occasionally, is invited to join the game after finishing errands for his mother.

Katherine holds a burping contest during lunch, which Marty easily wins thanks to his secret of drinking Bubble Up soda.

Mitch Mitchell, a seventh grader, arrives to heckle the younger kids as they continue their baseball game.

Despite Mitch's taunts, the kids focus on the game, with Cookie, the batter, determined to hit the ball.

Max makes a remarkable catch in the field, ending the game, and the team celebrates his effort.

Max sustains a minor injury during the game but feels it was worth it to shut Mitch up.

Hobie and Max share a brief moment of camaraderie before Marty interrupts, calling Hobie to listen to Hop Harrigan together.

Catherine gives Hobie a funny look before leaving, leaving him confused.

Max invites Hobie to come over after the game, but Hobie declines, opting to join Marty instead.

The chapter closes with Hobie racing after Marty, imagining himself as 'Hobie Hansen, ace of the airways.'

Transcripts

hi I gotta take a drink where I'm not

gonna be able to read another chapter do

you guys I thought I better do to

today's caught up

alright chapter 12 builders choice June

30th 1944 Hobie tucked a peanut butter

sandwich inside his baseball glove and

hung it from the handlebars nearly every

day after weeding and wandering the Vick

victory garden he'd ridden his bike to

school and every day there was a bunch

of kids gathered ready to play ball

sometimes they hid around until there

were enough for two teams then they

played until 3:00 when the guys with the

paper routes had to leave to pick up

their papers hope he wasn't sure how

many more ballgames he could make uncle

trig was due home within the week and

who knew how much help

he'd want with the Lilly best dad's last

letter had included a list of ways hot

Hobie could pitch in don't wait for trig

to ask you to do something he'd written

if you see a job to do just do it Hobie

hoped he wouldn't let Dad down or uncle

trig writing just to the schoolyard

Hobie wondered if they'd have enough for

two teams today the team shifted around

a bit depending on who showed up but

Katherine was always one of the captains

she brought the baseball and was usually

picked and she usually picked Hobie for

her team Hobie counted heads as he

coasted across the schoolyard to the

backstop 15 already enough for two teams

cookie and her friend Nina showed up

with a bunch of other kids for their

grade we should play forth against fit

Marty suggested you mean v against six

Katherine corrected or officially sixth

graders now right Marty tapped the side

of his head in the summer I blocked

school stuff out of my brain me too said

the other captain Mike Feeney not me

said Preston crane I'm miss school you

would Marty groan let's just play ball

they divvied up the teams into the two

grades and played all morning but almost

sixth graders beat the almost fifth

graders but only by a run let's take a

lunch break

I'm already plunked down on the grass

I'm starving glad to meet you starving

said Hobie very funny Marty flopped onto

his back I'm thirsty too anyone else

want a ride over to Louise for a soda

the other kids were fine

the water home so it was just Hobie and

Marty who went to Lee's but we had a

done he picked up a grape soda for

himself do you think Katherine would

rather have grape or root beer hope he

asked Marty since Katherine brought the

ball every day he thought she deserved a

soda too root beer

Marty picked up a bubble up for himself

hey you want to come over later listen a

hot pair again with me sure hope he

thought about all the times he and

scooter had sat at all these kitchen

waiting here what hop head was going to

do that day if the story was a dud

scooter added his own sound effects and

not always polite ones but home he

laughed no matter what mrs. Lee took

their change no joke today she asked oh

he thought for a second what was the one

thing he just read okay what'd he get

when you cross a sheepdog with a rose

mrs. Lee wrinkled up her forehead

thinking Marty did too I give Murray

said popping the cap all of his soda

bottle some kind of flower mrs. Lee

guessed Hobie grinned a cauliflower she

shook her head Marty coughed on his

drink I didn't say it was a good joke oh

he said any joke is a good one mrs. Lee

declared a daily chuckle is a good as

vitamins as they headed out the door max

was coming in working hard on a piece of

gum hi hope he hadn't seen really seen

max except for when he wrote by the

school yard every now and again max blue

a black bubble black jack gum the same

kind ho we liked what are you guys doing

playing baseball over at the school

already answered I'll be remembered

seeing a baseball mitt hanging off of

Max's bike once do you want to come max

shrugged I don't know but he sounded

like he did no go along mrs. Li said

it'd be good for you we could use

another guy said Marty okay max pulled a

shopping list from his pocket as soon as

I take these things home to mom I'll be

over there

see you soon he'll be said back at the

schoolyard he opened the soda bottles on

his belt buckle then handed Catherine

the root beer well thanks she took a big

swallow my favorite Marty Elwood ho we

told you he said we ran into Mexico he

said he might be coming over

dibbs Catherine said besides that'll

even up the team's the other captains

spit in the dirt at her feet we're still

going to be

guys says who Katherine let out of a

belt for emphasis

Katherine cookie Kido giggled that is

not very ladylike

Katherine answered with another belch

that led up to a burping contest that

Marty easily won bubble up

he told Katherine letting her in on his

trade secret works every time

ready to go asked another captain max

isn't here yet Katherine said we should

probably start without him said Marty in

case he can't come let's wait a few more

minutes suggested hoping he threw the

wax paper wrapper from a sandwich into

the garbage there he is

max cycled towards them cheeks red I got

here as fast as I could

he gasped let's go Katherine held a bat

out to the other captain he gripped it

with one hand and she snubbed her next

hand next to his he went back and forth

like that until they ran out of bet

Katherine's hand was on top we choose

last UPS

she said max joined Hobie in the field

the score went back and forth back and

forth but in the top of the ninth their

team was ahead by one run with two outs

cookie stepped up to bet batter can't

hit mari hollered Hobie looked over at

max yes she can he said heads up

max pounded his fist into the glove

crouching down to the ready position

what's that out in the field a familiar

voice hollered not a paradise but a pair

of dunces mitch mitchell strolled up

behind the backstop flanked by a couple

of seventh graders hope he had seen

around that's so funny I forgot to laugh

Catherine said don't listen to him Marty

called over his shoulder to max and

Hobie max eased up out of out of his

crouch Marty's right Hobie called let's

keep our heads in the game

Mitch kept at it with his snide comments

go ahead he said to cookie hit it a good

one they can't catch it anyway

Catherine wound up and delivered her

pitch strike out called the catcher

cookie stamped her foot darn it she said

she lifted the bat to her shoulder it's

not a fielder's choice but builders

chumps Mitch held at his own bad joke

Hobie punched his fist into the glove

Catherine released the ball strike two

you can do it cookie her teammates

called cookie held up her hand to

indicate time then she turned to face

Mitch oh we had no idea what she said

but whatever it was it just shut

up cookie step back up to the

plate she swung she connected easy score

shouted mine max yelled running in

on the ball then it seemed to shift

courses looking to fall right behind him

max pivoted and dived he got it homie

shouted he got it max left up holding

the glove high above his head oh sorry

holding the gloved ball high

yippie-ki-yay screamed Catherine Marty

put his fingers in his mouth and

whistled

that was beautiful homie said how did

you do it max toss the ball back to

Catherine beginner's luck he said the

first ball I ever caught well keep it up

said Hobie max brushed the knees of his

dungarees

you're bleeding he'll be said and it

stings like heck to max looked at his

elbows then back at home like the cat

that caught my canary it was worth it

though just to shut mich up they jog to

congratulate Catherine I wish I had a

camera she said yeah that was some catch

hope he said no for that she covered a

smile with her hand for the look on

Rich's face she blew her asbury at

Mitch's departing back max turned to

holy do you want to come over today

he asked Marty ran up and punched Toby

on the arm ready to listen to hop

Harrigan sorry max another time he'll be

followed Marty to grab their bikes good

game everybody Catherine gave Hobie a

funny look what he asked she kept

glaring girls max hooked his glove over

his handlebar by Catherine he said cmx

will be called but max must not have

heard him because he didn't answer

come on Marty called the show might be

starting he raced away from the

schoolyard wait up I'll be peddled after

Marty so fast he was nearly flying Hobie

Hansen ace of the Airways all right you

guys Chapter 13 tomorrow