<P> In Chicago, Hobbs checks into his hotel and promptly receives a call from Bird, who is also staying there . When he goes down to her room, she shoots him in the stomach . </P> <P> The novel picks up 15 years later in the dugout of the New York Knights, a fictional National League baseball team . The team has been on an extended losing streak and manager Pop Fisher's and assistant manager Red Blow's careers appear to be winding to an ignominious end . During one losing game, Roy Hobbs emerges from the clubhouse tunnel and announces that he is the team's new right fielder, having just been signed by Knights co-owner Judge Banner . Both Pop and Red take Hobbs under their wing, and Red later tells Hobbs about Fisher's plight as manager of the Knights . The Judge wants to take over Pop's share in the team but cannot do that until the current season ends and provided the Knights fail to win the National League pennant . </P> <P> Being the newest player, Roy has a number of practical jokes played upon him, including the theft of his "Wonderboy" bat . Once Roy gets his first chance at bat, however, he proves to be a true "natural" at the game . During one game, Pop substitutes Hobbs as a pinch hitter for team star Bump Baily . Pop is disappointed with Baily, who has not been hustling and decides to teach him a lesson by pinch - hitting for him . Pop tells Roy to "knock the cover off of the ball ." Roy literally does that--hitting a triple to right field . A few days later, a newly - hustling Bump attempts to play a hard hit fly ball . He runs into the outfield wall, later dying from the impact . Roy permanently takes over Bump's position . </P> <P> Max Mercy reappears, searching for details of Hobbs' past . Hobbs remains quiet even after Mercy offers five thousand dollars, telling him that, "all the public is entitled to is my best game of baseball ." At the same time, Hobbs has been attempting to negotiate a higher salary with the judge, arguing that his success should be rewarded . Mercy introduces Hobbs to bookie Gus Sands, who is keeping company with Memo Paris, Pop's niece . Hobbs has been infatuated with Memo since he came to the Knights . Hobbs' magic tricks appear to impress her . </P>

Where did roy hobbs go for 16 years