The Art of Fielding

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, illness, and disordered eating.

After Guert leaves Henry’s dorm, he eats some of the soup that Pella left. His chest pain worsens, and he considers calling a doctor. He orders a car to pick up Henry the next morning.

He writes Pella an email, debating how much to tell her. He also debates what to tell Owen; he doesn’t want Owen to blame himself. He lies down on the love seat to nap. He dreams of playing football in college and of his childhood.

The Harpooners line up for the national anthem, and they watch their parents in the stands. Schwartz wishes that his mother were still alive. When they return to the dugout, Schwartz finds that he has several missed calls from Pella.

Coach Cox reads the lineup and asks Schwartz to pump up the team. Schwartz originally planned to bring an A-game speech full of fire and brimstone but realizes that this isn’t what his teammates need right now. They all stare at each other intensely and head out to the field.