Themes
Strategy- Strategy comes into the book when they are getting ready for the series. The team and Larussa have to have some type of strategy to be successful. An example of strategy is the index cards made by Larussa.
Heartbreak- Heartbreak comes from losing a game. Heartbreak can also come from anything that goes wrong. A pitcher has heartbreak when they watch a ball go over the fence. Heartbreak is tough to deal with but you have to try and come back.
Joy- Joy is the opposite of heartbreak. Joy comes from winning the game and the series. When you are successful that is when you feel the most joy. You feel joy watching the ball go over the fence when you are the batter.
Redemption- Redemption is another word for getting your revenge. Redemption was brought into the book when Kerry Robinson hits a homerun to help win the third game. Robinson wasn't doing so good but he came through big to get some redemption.
Thinking Ahead- Thinking ahead is always very important. In the book the Cardinals had to think ahead to their games with the Cubs. Thinking ahead is all part of prepairing for something. That is why the Cardinals always watch tape of different teams before games. It is so they are prepared for anything.
