Honus and Me

Honus Wagner is a central figure in Honus & Me. Through Honus, the novel underscores the importance of positive role models. The legendary baseball player acts as a mentor to Joe, helping him grow and evolve. 

Honus, like Joe, did not have an easy childhood. Born into poverty as one of nine children, Wagner had to work in the coal mines alongside his father by the age of 12. He explains to Joe, “My ma died when I was young. There were nine of us—five boys and four girls. There was no money to fight over. We were poor as dirt. By the time I was your age I was workin’ in the coal mines along with my dad” (40). His brother, Albert “Butts” Wagner, introduced him to baseball, which would ultimately change his life. In this way, both he and Joe are transformed by the sport.

Wagner embodies The Value of History and Tradition. As one of the most famous players in baseball history, he represents the legacy of the sport. Known for his skills as a shortstop, Wagner hit over .300 for 17 consecutive years, won the National League batting championship eight times, and dominated the league in 1908. Joe marvels: “Every baseball book said that Wagner was undisputably the greatest shortstop ever” (26). Wagner’s physical appearance resembles Joe’s: both are stocky, with bowed legs, and ears that stick out. Joe reflects: “He reminded me of me a little bit. I wondered if kids made fun of him when he was growing up” (26). When Joe travels back to 1909, he witnesses firsthand how people tease Wagner for his looks. Wagner’s success shows Joe that appearances are unimportant, and help Joe to let go of his self-consciousness.

Throughout the novel, Wagner offers Joe practical advice and emotional support. His philosophy on success encourages Joe to believe in himself: “The secret to bein’ a great ballplayer […] is to trick yourself into thinkin’ you already are one” (34). Wagner even gives Joe the chance to play in his stead during the 1909 World Series finale, a gesture that allows Joe to experience his dream of playing professional baseball.

Wagner’s selflessness and humility leave an impression on Joe and mold him. By witnessing Wagner’s humanity and generosity, Joe learns The Importance of Honesty and Integrity. Honus’s goodness ultimately help Joe when he is faced with the decision of whether to sell or return the Honus Wagner card.

Amanda Young, or Miss Young, is Joe’s next-door neighbor. She plays a small but crucial role in the novel. Miss Young is described as an elderly woman, “way over one hundred,” who lives in a dilapidated house: “She’s been living by herself in that dilapidated old house for as long as anybody can remember. She never comes outside. Her groceries are brought” (14). Her solitary life and the mysterious nature of her home create an air of intrigue. Her house is described as “one of those historical houses some famous guy lived in and has been preserved just the way he left it” (16). In Chapter 15, Miss Young dramatically steps out of her house holding a gun, revealing another side of her character. She assertively orders Birdie to drop the card and rips it in half. Through Miss Young, the novel challenges the stereotype that older people are frail and meek.

As Honus Wagner’s former love, Miss Young is a living link to the past. When Joe sends her back to the past to reconnect with Honus, it shows how history can be revisited or even altered in the novel’s world. It also implies that—even in the real world—second chances are possible.

The baseball card becomes a symbol of connection, between both Joe and the past and Miss Young and her lost love.

Terry, Joe’s mother, is portrayed as a strong, hardworking woman. She is a nurse who works long hours at Hazelwood Hospital in Louisville. In Chapter 2, Joe observes: “I could tell she was exhausted. Mom is on her feet most of the day. She works as a nurse in Hazelwood Hospital here in Louisville” (13). She does her best to raise Joe on her own after the divorce.

Terry also serves as a moral compass in the story. When Joe faces the dilemma regarding the Honus Wagner card, she insists that they must do the right thing and return the card to Miss Young. Through her, the narrative underscores The Importance of Honesty and Integrity.

Terry is a dynamic character in that she shifts throughout the novel. As the story goes on, Terry gives Joe more freedom to make his own choices. She realizes he’s growing up: “I thought it over and decided it was wrong to tell you to return your baseball card to Miss Young. I think you’re old enough to make that decision yourself” (78). This shows her faith in Joe’s maturity, an important step in his journey toward independence.

Bill, Joe’s dad, makes a brief appearance in the novel. He lives nearby in Louisville and visits occasionally. Throughout Joe’s childhood, he struggled financially and had difficulty finding a job. Bill has played an important role in Joe’s love for baseball cards: “Dad gave me his baseball-card collection and got me started collecting cards when I was seven” (13).

In Chapter 9, Bill visits to discuss the issue of the Honus Wagner card with his ex-wife. His approach is materialistic, focused on the potential financial gain from selling the card. When Terry insists that selling the card is wrong, Bill responds: “Lots of things are wrong, Terry. […] Usually it’s wrong and we’re the losers. This time we can come out the winners” (47). This response reveals a somewhat cynical view of the world, and creates a contrast between him and Terry.