Alibi Ike

by Ring Lardner

Alibi Ike is a short story by Ring Lardner, first published in 1917. It is one of Lardner’s most famous works, known for its humor, use of colloquial language, and satire of sports culture. The story follows Ike (short for Ike Thomas), a baseball player who is a master of coming up with creative excuses, or "alibis," whenever things go wrong. These excuses are so elaborate and inventive that they almost become comical in their absurdity.

Genres: Short Stories, Sports, Fiction, Classics, Humor, Comedy

Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 1915

About the author

Ringgold Wilmer Lardner was an American sports columnist and short story writer best known for his satirical takes on the sports world, marriage, and the theatre.

Father of author Ring Lardner Jr.

Reviews

[Majenta · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Pleasant.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the book “ALIBI IKE” by RING LARDNER. I read the paperback book while listening to the audible version narrated by the actor JOE E. BROWN. They was together every mornin' and evenin' for the five days we was there. In the afternoons Ike played the grandest ball you ever see, hittin' and runnin' the bases like a fool and catchin' everything that stayed in the park. I told Cap, I says: You'd ought to keep the doll with us and he'd make Cobb's figures look sick." This is based on the classic baseball movie”ALIBI IKE”. With his job on the line, Chicago Cubs manager Cap (William Frawley) needs to turn around his lackluster team fast -- especially since nothing less than the pennant will keep him employed. Fortunately for Cap, rookie pitcher Frank "Ike" Farrell (Joe E. Brown) has just the talent to pull up the fledgling team. However, Ike always has an excuse or a lie handy for every problem -- and the real trouble comes when a group of gamblers look to fix the Cubs' games, and Ike is their main target. Fun book and movie!