Birth of a hero
In the first chapter, Roy emerges as the hero of the story. In order to become a hero on his own, he has to cut himself from his father figure, the person guiding him and offering him the assurance he needs. Sam is Roy’s father figure and Roy breaks from his influence when he accidentally kills Sam. This is symbolic because it transmits the idea that Roy became free from Sam’s influence.
Lured by beautiful women
Despite his age, Roy continues to be influenced by beautiful women. In the first chapter, Roy was seduced by Birdy who shot him. In the second chapter, another woman is introduced and Roy once again is seduced. The idea that Roy is easily influence by beautiful women is a motif in the novel that will be maintained until the end.
Bad decisions
Another motif in the novel is the idea that Roy constantly makes bad decisions. Pop Fisher notices this from the first day Roy plays for the team when Roy constantly hits bad balls that any other player would have avoided. Roy makes bad decisions in his personal life as well when he chooses to get involved with women that end up causing him pain. Two examples are Harriet Bird and Memo who both end up hurting him, both physically and emotionally.
Wonderboy
While Roy is known for hitting bad balls, he has his bat, Wonderboy, to help him. Wonderboy is a symbol and it represents the magic item the hero uses in his quest. In traditional myths and legends, the hero is helped by either other characters that possess magical abilities or properties or by items gifted to them. In Roy’s case, Wonderboy is closely linked with the idea of fertility and affirmation as a man. When Roy hits the ball, the rain starts and thus a new, fertile season begins.
Sick breast
Roy tries to seduce Memo, but he is rejected when he tries to fondle her. Her response is that she has a sick breast that he can’t touch. Her sick breast serves as a symbol here because a great emphasis is pun on the idea of virility and the power to rejuvenate. Because Memo has a sick breast, she is not a symbol for fertility and life because breasts in women are often associated with the idea of nurturing. What this means is that Memo will not be able to help Roy grow and become a hero because she is not a nurturer but rather a symbol for destruction.
