Challenge 354 Response

“Andy’s Innings”

by Stefan Brenner

In “Andy’s Innings,” what is the connection between the game and Andy’s fatal heart attack?

On reflection, I interpret the “Innings” as a metaphorical life. Tragically, we may be cut off at any time, but that we exist as unique beings is, I think, something of a miracle...

Stefan Brenner

Thank you for the observation, Stefan!

In one of his satires — I’ll have to look up which it is — Stanislaw Lem illustrates your point, but in a comic mode. “Miracle” is a term Lem would not use, but to conclude that the existence of anything — let alone anybody — is vanishingly improbable amounts to saying it’s miraculous.

Anyway, sports can be looked upon as metaphor in action, and “Andy’s Innings” will replay close reading.

Don