<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> <P> Max Mercy writes a column about the judge's refusal to grant Hobbs a raise, and a fan uprising ensues . Hobbs, however, is more occupied with Memo and attempts to further their relationship . Pop warns Hobbs about Memo's tendency to impart bad luck on the people she associates with . Hobbs dismisses the warning, but soon after, he falls into a hitting slump . Numerous attempts to reverse it fail until he finally hits a home run during a game where a mysterious woman rises from her seat . Before Hobbs can see who she is, she has left . Roy eventually meets her, Iris Lemon, and proceeds to court her . Upon learning she is a grandmother, however, he loses interest and returns his attention to Memo Paris . </P> <P> Memo rebuffs Roy's advances; Hobbs continues to play brilliantly and leads the Knights to a 17 - game winning streak . With the Knights one game away from winning the National League pennant, Roy attends a party hosted by Memo where he collapses and awakens in the hospital . The doctor says he can play in the final game of the season, but must retire after that if he wants to live . Hobbs wants to start a family with Memo and realizes he will need money . </P>

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