ABSTRACT
Left to occupy himself after completing farm chores, Ritchie spent considerable time alone immersed in fantasies that frequently transcended small-town values and transported him beyond their geographic confines. Ritchie fully expected (a view shared by no one other than himself) a career in professional baseball as the centerfielder for the Kansas City A’s or to become a Motown phenomenon. Perhaps the Supremes needed a fourth? Alternatively (or rather, additionally), Ritchie imagined himself as Superman’s best friend, confidant, and eventual replacement. These fantasies of accomplishment and recognition intensified once Ritchie became fully aware that farming would never be his meal ticket-he would rather befriend than eat the family’s animal stock. How to achieve his aspirations? Ritchie would have to leave Clever.
