The Fan

The event is so intense that Kapp is moved to give a physical manifestation to it, and this is why he is compelled to design the emerald ring. He says “ I watched Matthewson and he became my youth; It was my fastball burning…It was my curve. ” ( 26 ) Mattyhewson’s heroic effort in hurling the no-hitter is rewarded by the adoration of his team, the fans and most specifically by Kapp, who is smitten with the hurler. ce when he watches Matthewson craft his no-hit, no-run game on July 15, 1901. In crafting the ring for Matthewson, Kapp wishes to sanctify their shared event for all eternity. The passion that Kapp feels for the event and for Matthewson also causes him to change the ring from an emerald to a ruby, which is red with the heat of the moment Kapp is attempting to capture. By wearing the ring crafted for him by Jackie Kapp he is acknowledging the overwhelming power of the sporting event, both for him and for the adoring fans that are a witness to it. ” ( 88 ) This occurs when he is attempting to explain to his host at a dinner party the phenomenon of the sporting event. This connotes the moment of perfection that is shared between the two; a moment that is frozen in time forever in the gold and diamonds of that perfect circle.

Jackie’s desire to capture the moment forever impels him logically to the ring. Not only does Kapp connect with Matthewson during the event, he is pulled into it, heart and soul, thereby becoming one with Christy. A ring symbolizes the eternal, for it has no beginning and no end. Kapp the fan also believes that he shares a relationship based on mutual respect with Matthewson. It restored the moment, gave it an enduring character.