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'.