Some things are easier to explain than others. I learned this key to marital stability early in my Noon Ball career. That evening my wife inquired about the origin of the suspicious-looking scratches on my back. For a second I thought you might have played Noon Ball. Another tragic example of America's loss of competitiveness.
Injuries are part of the game.
In addition to building character, Noon Ball injuries can sometimes cure long-term afflictions. I was a little concerned that Roger's broken nose might provoke his wife to chastise me as a brute or, worse yet, keep Roger out of the game. At a faculty dinner a few weeks later I was stuck sitting at the same table with Roger and his wife, Barbara. As I began a clumsy apology for the incident Barbara cut me off. This is the first time in 25 years of marriage that Roger hasn't snored.