How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Men were such odd creatures. They didn't duel anymore, even fistfights had come to seem barbaric, the old casual violence all channeled through institutions now, but they still loved to uphold their ancient codes. (80.2)
Maybe there is something to the "baseball = macho" dynamic portrayed in the book. Baseball is like a legal, civilized duel—the evolution of gladiator matches to the death. Losers are bested by their more masculine opponents, but they at least live to fight again another day, and maybe redeem their manliness.