Comprehensive Synopsis
1. INTRODUCTION
A mysterious man, wearing brown slacks and 1940’s era baseball cleats, walks his brown Great Dane on lush green grass. Only his cleats and slacks are visible as he walks his dog, creating a mystic about his identity. Aurally, children play in the background and a static transistor radio emerges with an old time baseball broadcaster announcing the line-up to 1940’s baseball team. The famous Ted Williams and DiMaggio’s names are announced backed by cheers of a large stadium crowd. The national anthem is introduced. The scene fades to Black with the title THE PITCH.
A mysterious man, wearing brown slacks and 1940’s era baseball cleats, walks his brown Great Dane on lush green grass. Only his cleats and slacks are visible as he walks his dog, creating a mystic about his identity. Aurally, children play in the background and a static transistor radio emerges with an old time baseball broadcaster announcing the line-up to 1940’s baseball team. The famous Ted Williams and DiMaggio’s names are announced backed by cheers of a large stadium crowd. The national anthem is introduced. The scene fades to Black with the title THE PITCH.
2. MADISON AS A BABY
A voice over of the protagonist MADISON HALLEY emerges. She retells a story about her past. The audience is watching Madison’s story. Madison is the crying baby in the scene, held in her mother’s arms.
Madison’s voice-over, “My name is Madison. I’ve grown up in my mother’s arms, holding my dad’s hands, and never did I imagine life without them. But one fine day, from out of left outfield, came the Comets. I saw things that scared me. I need to take you there. I want o tell you a story about my father and one of the greatest games there’s ever been.”
MOTHER attempts to calm the crying baby MADISON. They are in MADISON’s nursery.
MOTHER tries to calm her daughter without success. The sound of a car arrives outside and headlights coming through the window illuminate the mother and baby Madison. The sound of the car door and front door opens and closes. Steps hurry up the stairs. MOTHER gently places crying MADISON in her crib. COACH (father) enters the baby’s nursery. COACH is wearing grubby clothes from a softball game, holding his softball glove and softball; he apologizes to his wife for playing extra innings.
MOTHER explains to COACH her unsuccessful attempts to calm MADISON who has been crying for 30 minutes.
COACH looks at Madison within the crib. Slowly he lowers his softball to her side, as if placing a teddy bear into her arms. Madison stops crying. Mother is surprised. Coach looks to his wife and says confidently, “She’s going to be a ball player.” Mother says, “You just got lucky.”
MOTHER and COACH embrace and mutually look down to admire their child who smiles back at them. This scene establishes the idea that coach believes his daughter was born to play softball, and that mother and coach actually have a loving relationship at the outset, yet hints at their divergent views regarding their daughter.
Flash Forward Ten Years
A voice over of the protagonist MADISON HALLEY emerges. She retells a story about her past. The audience is watching Madison’s story. Madison is the crying baby in the scene, held in her mother’s arms.
Madison’s voice-over, “My name is Madison. I’ve grown up in my mother’s arms, holding my dad’s hands, and never did I imagine life without them. But one fine day, from out of left outfield, came the Comets. I saw things that scared me. I need to take you there. I want o tell you a story about my father and one of the greatest games there’s ever been.”
MOTHER attempts to calm the crying baby MADISON. They are in MADISON’s nursery.
MOTHER tries to calm her daughter without success. The sound of a car arrives outside and headlights coming through the window illuminate the mother and baby Madison. The sound of the car door and front door opens and closes. Steps hurry up the stairs. MOTHER gently places crying MADISON in her crib. COACH (father) enters the baby’s nursery. COACH is wearing grubby clothes from a softball game, holding his softball glove and softball; he apologizes to his wife for playing extra innings.
MOTHER explains to COACH her unsuccessful attempts to calm MADISON who has been crying for 30 minutes.
COACH looks at Madison within the crib. Slowly he lowers his softball to her side, as if placing a teddy bear into her arms. Madison stops crying. Mother is surprised. Coach looks to his wife and says confidently, “She’s going to be a ball player.” Mother says, “You just got lucky.”
MOTHER and COACH embrace and mutually look down to admire their child who smiles back at them. This scene establishes the idea that coach believes his daughter was born to play softball, and that mother and coach actually have a loving relationship at the outset, yet hints at their divergent views regarding their daughter.
Flash Forward Ten Years
3. THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (MADISON AGE 10)
Now at age ten, MADISON is a ‘ball player’. She is in uniform on a softball field as part of a team called The Comets coached by her father. She is the smallest girl on the team. The Comets are playing in their season’s championship game. The players are huddled around COACH at the pitching circle.
COACH establishes the theme of film with his first spoken words to his girls saying, “I'm proud of everyone of you. You've never given up, not once, all year. That's why we're in this championship. This team has heart like I've never seen it.”
The game is in the bottom of the last inning. The Comets are ahead 7-4 with only one out left for the win.
In the huddle, COACH absentmindedly calls on DESTINY, an extremely shy player, to lead the team in yelling “1,2,3 – defense!” A teammate reminds COACH that DESTINY doesn’t talk, and has not talked since kindergarten. DESTINY is wide-eyed at Coach’s request for her to speak. COACH apologizes and asks to another player to lead the cheer. All the players yell “defense” and then run to their playing positions.
MADISON and her father remain alone at the pitching circle. MADISON is the Comet’s pitcher. COACH reminds MADISON of all the work they have done over the years practicing pitching together, which brings them to this game, this moment. He says to his daughter “make it happen.” Madison replies, “Dad, I’ve got it.” The umpire announces, “Play ball.”
The game’s announcer provides the context for the film’s setting and circumstances throughout the film. He reminds the audience of the score, bottom of the last inning, two outs, and only one more out for MADISON HALLEY to end the season undefeated, and win the championship game.
The championship game is between the Comets (Blue) and the Bat Attitudes (Black). The Bat Attitudes have the best hitting team in the league. The top of their line-up is up to bat.
MADISON'S first pitch is fouled to left field. MADISON smiles to her Dad with the first strike. COACH yells, "See it now. Be there! Two more!"
Now at age ten, MADISON is a ‘ball player’. She is in uniform on a softball field as part of a team called The Comets coached by her father. She is the smallest girl on the team. The Comets are playing in their season’s championship game. The players are huddled around COACH at the pitching circle.
COACH establishes the theme of film with his first spoken words to his girls saying, “I'm proud of everyone of you. You've never given up, not once, all year. That's why we're in this championship. This team has heart like I've never seen it.”
The game is in the bottom of the last inning. The Comets are ahead 7-4 with only one out left for the win.
In the huddle, COACH absentmindedly calls on DESTINY, an extremely shy player, to lead the team in yelling “1,2,3 – defense!” A teammate reminds COACH that DESTINY doesn’t talk, and has not talked since kindergarten. DESTINY is wide-eyed at Coach’s request for her to speak. COACH apologizes and asks to another player to lead the cheer. All the players yell “defense” and then run to their playing positions.
MADISON and her father remain alone at the pitching circle. MADISON is the Comet’s pitcher. COACH reminds MADISON of all the work they have done over the years practicing pitching together, which brings them to this game, this moment. He says to his daughter “make it happen.” Madison replies, “Dad, I’ve got it.” The umpire announces, “Play ball.”
The game’s announcer provides the context for the film’s setting and circumstances throughout the film. He reminds the audience of the score, bottom of the last inning, two outs, and only one more out for MADISON HALLEY to end the season undefeated, and win the championship game.
The championship game is between the Comets (Blue) and the Bat Attitudes (Black). The Bat Attitudes have the best hitting team in the league. The top of their line-up is up to bat.
MADISON'S first pitch is fouled to left field. MADISON smiles to her Dad with the first strike. COACH yells, "See it now. Be there! Two more!"
4. BURL, HOBBS, AND THE FOUL BALL
The foul ball bounces to the feet of the MYSTERIOUS MAN and his dog HOBBS introduced in the film’s first sequence. His hand reaches for the ball. The camera slowly pans with his hand, up his body, until his face is revealed. Coincidentally, he looks a bit like of Robert Redford, who played Roy Hobbs in the movie the Natural. He stares at MADISON from the left field foul line as if he has found what he was looking for. He rubs the foul ball intentionally on his shirt, as if rubbing something off himself (magic) and onto the ball.
Madison watches the man from her vantage point on the pitching rubber with a strange curiosity. The man throws the “enchanted’ ball back to Madison in the pitching circle.
Madison repositions herself on the rubber to pitch again. A close-up MADISON'S hand rotates the ball and reveals the ball's logo, "Hobbs Pastballs - Since 1949." There is a picture of the face of Mysterious Man underneath the logo. The ball was somehow sent by the mysterious man to MADISON. Madison is confused. She addresses the batter to pitch. Madision sees someone standing behind the home-plate backstop. She blinks multiple times as if she does not believe what she sees: Its the mysterious man, dressed in a 1949 baseball uniform. The man smiles and salutes her, before she throws the next pitch...
The foul ball bounces to the feet of the MYSTERIOUS MAN and his dog HOBBS introduced in the film’s first sequence. His hand reaches for the ball. The camera slowly pans with his hand, up his body, until his face is revealed. Coincidentally, he looks a bit like of Robert Redford, who played Roy Hobbs in the movie the Natural. He stares at MADISON from the left field foul line as if he has found what he was looking for. He rubs the foul ball intentionally on his shirt, as if rubbing something off himself (magic) and onto the ball.
Madison watches the man from her vantage point on the pitching rubber with a strange curiosity. The man throws the “enchanted’ ball back to Madison in the pitching circle.
Madison repositions herself on the rubber to pitch again. A close-up MADISON'S hand rotates the ball and reveals the ball's logo, "Hobbs Pastballs - Since 1949." There is a picture of the face of Mysterious Man underneath the logo. The ball was somehow sent by the mysterious man to MADISON. Madison is confused. She addresses the batter to pitch. Madision sees someone standing behind the home-plate backstop. She blinks multiple times as if she does not believe what she sees: Its the mysterious man, dressed in a 1949 baseball uniform. The man smiles and salutes her, before she throws the next pitch...
5. FAMILY ROOM (MADISON AGE 6)
As Madison's pitch leaves her hand, the scene FLASHBACKS to Madison at age 6. Madison lays on the couch. Her father stands over her and says, "Does she have a fever?" MOTHER is setting the dining room table, does not answer, and looks upon her husband and daughter with a worry.
COACH feels MADISON's forehead. "No fever. Get your cleats on sweets." MADISON cries, "I don't want to go to practice!"
COACH insists, "Get your cleats on." MADISON won't move. MOTHER stands up for her daughter, "She doesn't feel well for God's sake!"
COACH says, "OK I'll get your cleats. And this kid's not quitting' things she starts!"
The idea of never quitting is central to the film's theme. Throughout the film COACH speaks to his daughter and his COMET players about "never quitting." This theme sets up the ambiguous nature of COACH's own behaviors that are revealed through the series of flashbacks experienced by his daughter MADISON.
The camera dolly's toward MOTHER who sets the table. The voices of coach and Madison are hear conflicting over softball practice in the background. MOTHER slowly opens up the glass china cabinet door and the audience see's Madison's reflection in its mirror. Madison is wearing her Comets uniform, and the audience realized that somehow Madison was transported from her softball game in a way that she can see herself when she was younger, and learn about a conflict that existed between her mother and father.
MADISON says, "Mom! Stay home!" COACH slips on MADISON's cleats and ties her laces. COACH says, "Come on. Let's go pal."
MADISON won't move. COACH picks up MADISON to carry her out the front door. MADISON says, "I hate softball!"
MOTHER struggles within and looks worried as she watches Madison and Dad leave. She closes the glass china cabinet door that holds Madison reflection and ...fade to white.
As Madison's pitch leaves her hand, the scene FLASHBACKS to Madison at age 6. Madison lays on the couch. Her father stands over her and says, "Does she have a fever?" MOTHER is setting the dining room table, does not answer, and looks upon her husband and daughter with a worry.
COACH feels MADISON's forehead. "No fever. Get your cleats on sweets." MADISON cries, "I don't want to go to practice!"
COACH insists, "Get your cleats on." MADISON won't move. MOTHER stands up for her daughter, "She doesn't feel well for God's sake!"
COACH says, "OK I'll get your cleats. And this kid's not quitting' things she starts!"
The idea of never quitting is central to the film's theme. Throughout the film COACH speaks to his daughter and his COMET players about "never quitting." This theme sets up the ambiguous nature of COACH's own behaviors that are revealed through the series of flashbacks experienced by his daughter MADISON.
The camera dolly's toward MOTHER who sets the table. The voices of coach and Madison are hear conflicting over softball practice in the background. MOTHER slowly opens up the glass china cabinet door and the audience see's Madison's reflection in its mirror. Madison is wearing her Comets uniform, and the audience realized that somehow Madison was transported from her softball game in a way that she can see herself when she was younger, and learn about a conflict that existed between her mother and father.
MADISON says, "Mom! Stay home!" COACH slips on MADISON's cleats and ties her laces. COACH says, "Come on. Let's go pal."
MADISON won't move. COACH picks up MADISON to carry her out the front door. MADISON says, "I hate softball!"
MOTHER struggles within and looks worried as she watches Madison and Dad leave. She closes the glass china cabinet door that holds Madison reflection and ...fade to white.
6. PLAYING CATCH WITH DAD (MADISON AGE 8)
Fade from white... Close up of MADISON'S FACE. Cut to COACH's face. Madison's voice over begins.
Long shot of MADISON and COACH playing catch on their front lawn. Its a classic scene of father-daughter playing catch with each other. Madison is engaged and father look proud and smiles. The audeince see's Madison is older, still plays softball, is good at softball, and concludes she must like softball after all.
MADISON'S VOICE OVER: "My grandfather died when my Dad was just a boy. My Dad said that after it always felt like playing baseball in bare feet. My great grandfather played baseball with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. No one really knew him through because something happened to his family. My Dad says that success in softball is the same road to success in life. I can't say I really get it, but I've followed his advice as best I could."
Coach throws a high and Madison misses. Coach takes the opportunity to walks over to Madison's side.
COACH. "Hey Madison, You're twenty pounds lighter than most kids in your division. If you want to be good at this game, you're going to have to put 20 pounds more effort into everything you do out there on the field." This is coach teaching his daughter to "never-quit."
MADISON. "What's 20 pounds?"
COACH. Steps over to his equipment bag and picks up two ten pound free weights and places them into MADISON's hand.
MADISON, "Oh My Gosh!" COACH, "Hold on sweets."
Fade from white... Close up of MADISON'S FACE. Cut to COACH's face. Madison's voice over begins.
Long shot of MADISON and COACH playing catch on their front lawn. Its a classic scene of father-daughter playing catch with each other. Madison is engaged and father look proud and smiles. The audeince see's Madison is older, still plays softball, is good at softball, and concludes she must like softball after all.
MADISON'S VOICE OVER: "My grandfather died when my Dad was just a boy. My Dad said that after it always felt like playing baseball in bare feet. My great grandfather played baseball with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. No one really knew him through because something happened to his family. My Dad says that success in softball is the same road to success in life. I can't say I really get it, but I've followed his advice as best I could."
Coach throws a high and Madison misses. Coach takes the opportunity to walks over to Madison's side.
COACH. "Hey Madison, You're twenty pounds lighter than most kids in your division. If you want to be good at this game, you're going to have to put 20 pounds more effort into everything you do out there on the field." This is coach teaching his daughter to "never-quit."
MADISON. "What's 20 pounds?"
COACH. Steps over to his equipment bag and picks up two ten pound free weights and places them into MADISON's hand.
MADISON, "Oh My Gosh!" COACH, "Hold on sweets."
7. BACK TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (MADISON AGE 10)
MADISON'S pitch enters catcher's glove as she returned from her flashback.
UMPIRE, "Ball four!" BAT ATTITUDES batter # 1 runs to first.
COACH, "Concentrate MADISON! End this thing!"
MADISON shakes her arm and head. CATCHER throws MADISON the ball.
CATCHER
Come on MADISON. Throw it to me.
17 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
HEAT BATTER 2 enters the batter's box.
18 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 3 Reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON takes stance on the rubber. Rotates Pastball, grip,
eyes, catcher's glove. She pitches, the ball approaches...
19 INT. CAR - DAY
MOM and COACH pull SUV along side of their home.
MOM
What's MADISON's schedule next week?
COACH
Monday, Wednesday practice for
Walnut. Tuesday and Thursday for
Chino Hills. Two Games on Saturday.
MOM
And a pitching lesson on Friday
night?
COACH
Yea. And a pitching lesson on Friday
night.
MOM
You're a jerk!
COACH
What! You want her to be good don't
you?
6
MOM
You signed her up to play in two
leagues?
COACH
I can drop a league. Please.
20 EXT. CAR - DAY
COACH gets out of the SUV and walks to back. The pair of
distressed cleats are at his feet. Coach lifts back door.
COACH
We just had a nice weekend together
on our anniversary for crying out
loud!
MOM
I'm not a close second to your damn
pitching net and your bucket of
balls!
COACH
You can't leave it alone. You have
to attack something I love to do
with our daughter? And do you know
that our daughter is really really
good at what she does out there?
It's something you should be proud
of!
MOM
Hey Coach! Its me or your bucket of
balls!
COACH
Five years of MADISON is in that
bucket, so watch what you ask for!
The truck speeds off and softball equipment falls out.
MADISON, bare foot and in uniform, is revealed on opposite
side of the SUV. She stands near COACH and strewn equipment.
COACH watches MOM drive away.
COACH
I'm going to be late for practice.
21 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Pitched ball flies over the catcher's head into the backstop
and ricochets to dugout and COACH's feet.
UMPIRE
7
Ball four! Take your base young
lady.
TEAM MOM
That's eight balls in a row COACH.
Something's not right.
MADISON appears lost. SPECTATORS comment. COACH has ball.
MADISON walks over to COACH.
COACH
Breath MADISON. Relax. Slow down.
MADISON
Are you and Mom in a fight?
COACH
What does that have to do with your
pitching?
MADISON
Dad I'm scared.
DAD
Just throw your fastball!
MADISON back steps and turns to circle.
COACH
Her wheels are falling off.
22 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
HEAT BATTER 3 readies in the batter's box.
23 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 4 reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON steps onto the rubber with ball and sees the
Pastball Logo. She pitches to BATTER 3.
24 INT. DOUGHNUT SHOP - DAY
A FATHER and his DAUGHTER enter Doughnut shop and approach
display case without notice of MADISON.
Distressed cleats lay under table. MADISON, bare foot and in
uniform, sits against Doughnut display case watching father
COACH.
COACH and LAWYER sit at table. The LAWYER points to pages in
divorce document and COACH signs.
8
LAWYER
You should do it this weekend, after
MADISON's games. Get with your wife
alone and hand her the paperwork.
Stop talking yourself out of this.
FATHER and his DAUGHTER peer into doughnut case in face of
MADISON 10.
DAUGHTER
Mom stay. A blue one for me, a blue
one for you, a blue one for Dad. A
yellow one for me, a yellow one for
you, a yellow one for Dad...
FATHER
We'll just take a dozen. Make it in
three's.
LAWYER takes off blue tie and places it on table.
COACH
I rented an apartment at the beach
LAWYER
OK now! Give your wife the papers
and say, I tried, but can't do this
anymore. Tell her you want to do
what's right for the kids.
COACH
The apartment is mine on Sunday
afternoon. I can be there on Sunday.
LAWYER slides the divorce papers to COACH in a large
envelope.
LAWYER
Look. Tuck this away close by. As a
friend, not your lawyer, move to the
beach, and begin your life anew
without your wife.
Tie slowly trickles to the floor..
COACH
All kids love the ocean, right?
25 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
MADISON's pitched ball hits the umpire in the face mask.
UMPIRE
9
Ball Four!
26 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
COACH
Time Blue!
COACH strides to the pitching circle, frustrated.
COACH
MADISON! 12 straight balls, Come
back to me now.
The infielders come to the pitching circle and huddle.
MADISON
You're leaving me.
The huddled players become quiet.
COACH
What?
MADISON
I saw you. I heard you with your
lawyer friend.
MADISON is fighting emotion.
COACH
Hey kid. I am always your father, no
matter what happens between your MOM
and I. But right now, I'm your
COACH, and I'm their COACH, and we
are a team of thirteen. Neither you,
or I, shall give up a championship
to talk about business between your
mother and I. I'll tell you
everything after the game.
COACH shifts the attention to the game.
COACH
Bring it in. We're undefeated.
You're undefeated kids. We've never
lost a game because we don't quit!
We're not going to change a thing
now. Give MADISON encouragement out
there, we know she can do it.
Defense on three... 1,2,3...
COACH AND TEAM
Defense!
10
The team encourages MADISON and disperses. DESTINY is last
to leave and touches her glove to MADISON's shoulder.
COACH walks back to the dugout.
MADISON
Hey COACH! You're a Quitter!
MADISON turns away from COACH. A tear appears on face.
Insert: Spectators, Dugouts, Players, Coaches reactions
UMPIRE
You OK MADISON?
MADISON wipes tear and picks up the ball with determination.
MADISON
Where's the ball?
THE COMETS yell encouragements. The COACH squats with his
hand over his forehead.
UMPIRE
Its at your feet.
(Madison picks up the ball)
OK. Play ball!
27 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
BATTER #4 - AMAYA enters the batter's box.
28 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 5 Reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON set-up on rubber. Inserts of cleats, eyes, hand,
ball. MADISON throws THE PITCH.
29 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
AMAYA hits a grand slam.
30 EXT. THE FIELD - DAY
The grand slam ball flies magically though the air.
MADISON'S teammates watch in awe. The ball flies over the
field's scoreboard.
MADISON shows fear, pain. MADISON runs after ball becoming a
spectacle with some SPECTATORS, COMETS and COACH.
31
11
EXT. ADJACENT SOFTBALL FIELD - DAY
The ball lands on an adjacent softball field where an 18U
TRAVEL BALL team practices.
MARISSA
Timeout girls!
MADISON runs amidst the practice drills. The 18U PLAYERS
watch her with enthusiastic curiosity.
18U PLAYER 1
You go girl!
PLAYER #2 watches MADISON run back, under the scoreboard,
and onto left field. She calls her teammates to watch.
18U PLAYER 2
Check this out!
18U PLAYERS to the field's edge with unfolding reactions.
32 EXT. SOFTBALL FIELD - DAY
Insert: Level 6 Reactions Heat Spectators (Celebrate), Comet
Spectators (Somber), Dugouts (same), Players (same), Coaches
(same)
THE HEAT runners celebrate around the bases. THE COMETS walk
in with defeat. They watch celebration and MADISON.
MADISON runs past the LEFT FIELDER yelling.
MADISON
Twenty pounds! Twenty pounds!
VIVIAN - LEFT FIELD
Game's over MADISON!
THE HEAT runners round bases and welcome AMAYA at home.
The UMPIRE is engaged with MADISON's return. THE COMET and
SPECTATORS show confusion.
VIVIAN (left fielder) begins to run behind MADISON.
COACH
Bring it in MADISON!
COMETS begin to cheer MADISON on with excitement.
VIANA - SHORT STOP:
Go MADISON!
12
LEIORA
Come on, let's run!
MADISON runs in infield at THE HEAT celebration. SPECTATORS
enter field, stand on bleachers and lean into the fences.
DESTINY stands on 2nd and tries to communicate to MADISON.
COACH
MADISON. That's game! Stop. It's
over. It's over for God's sake!
He puts his hand over his eyes as MADISON enters the chaos
of the home plate celebration.
MADISON's teammates follow her into home base. The
OPPONENT'S SPECTATORS celebrate with their kids.
VIVIAN
Is this a fight?
The UMPIRE follows MADISON into the HEAT celebration.
MADISON tags every HEAT player within reach. COMET players
arrive to plate. COACH places his hands over his eyes.
JULIAN (OPPONENT'S MANAGER)
Hey COACH get a hold of your players
before someone get's hurt!
Suddenly a voice rings out over everything.
DESTINY
MADISON! Throw it to me!
THE COMETS, SPECTATORS and HEAT turn their attention to
DESTINY. MADISON throws the ball to DESTINY.
The UMPIRE does a dramatic "out" routine.
UMPIRE
You're out! Ball game!
The COMETS rush to DESTINY to celebrate on second base.
The HEAT MANAGER rushes to UMPIRE in protest. The UMPIRE
explains THE HEAT's first base runner missed second base.
MADISON on knees with cleats off. AMAYA confronts MADISON
with body and a mean look, and suddenly smiles.
AMAYA
That was awesome. You're team is
waiting for you.
13
MADISON
Thanks.
MADISON runs to her team at second base. The 18U Players
celebrate from outfield.
COACH, on two knees, with a thumb and forefinger over each
of his eyes, hides his tears from others.
33 EXT. OUTFIELD - DAY
The maintenance crew grooms the field. Flag lowered from
flag pole. MADISON and COACH walk together in grass outfield
away from softball field.
COACH
MADISON, that was the most
inspirational play I have ever scene
in my life. Ever.
MADISON
Dad.
COACH
What?
MADISON
I don't even really like softball.
(pause) I only play to be with you.
COACH and MADISON walk silently.
MADISON
Why do you do what you do Dad?
The COACH lifts back of shirt, slides envelop from pants
without his daughter's knowledge.
COACH
To be with you too, kid.
COACH gently places the paperwork into a trash can.
HOBBS barks. MADISON and COACH turn around. MADISON lowers
to one knee to retie her cleat and dog licks her face.
BURLS's shoes / trousers. MADISON ties her shoes and stands.
MADISON
Hey mister. I think this is your
ball.
MADISON hands the ball back to BURL.
14
MASTER
Good game kid. It was one of the
best there's ever been.
HOBBS barks twice.
MADISON
Thank you sir.
COACH
Are you..
MASTER
I'm a pitching coach. I travel the
ball fields and help kids like your
daughter. In fact, little Billy
Lancaster's on the mound tonight,
right HOBBS? He's scheduled to bear
some bad news next week and could
use a little help staying in the
strike zone.
MADISON
Say Hi to Billy for me.
COACH
Who's Billy?
MADISON
He's a pitcher, like me.
BURL
Hey Coach. This game's not over.
BURL looks to COACH's wife approaching in the distance.
MADISON
Mom!
MADISON runs to her mother leaving Coach alone holding two
buckets of balls. MOTHER hugs MADISON. He slowly places each
bucket to dirt. Straightens hat, brushes the dirt from his
shirt and walks to join family. Two kids play in the dugout
behind.
The two young players return the bucket of balls back to
COACH. MADISON and COACH take one each, the MOTHER takes
bucket from MADISON. Long Shot of the three walking awayh
from the ball field.
MADISON'S pitch enters catcher's glove as she returned from her flashback.
UMPIRE, "Ball four!" BAT ATTITUDES batter # 1 runs to first.
COACH, "Concentrate MADISON! End this thing!"
MADISON shakes her arm and head. CATCHER throws MADISON the ball.
CATCHER
Come on MADISON. Throw it to me.
17 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
HEAT BATTER 2 enters the batter's box.
18 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 3 Reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON takes stance on the rubber. Rotates Pastball, grip,
eyes, catcher's glove. She pitches, the ball approaches...
19 INT. CAR - DAY
MOM and COACH pull SUV along side of their home.
MOM
What's MADISON's schedule next week?
COACH
Monday, Wednesday practice for
Walnut. Tuesday and Thursday for
Chino Hills. Two Games on Saturday.
MOM
And a pitching lesson on Friday
night?
COACH
Yea. And a pitching lesson on Friday
night.
MOM
You're a jerk!
COACH
What! You want her to be good don't
you?
6
MOM
You signed her up to play in two
leagues?
COACH
I can drop a league. Please.
20 EXT. CAR - DAY
COACH gets out of the SUV and walks to back. The pair of
distressed cleats are at his feet. Coach lifts back door.
COACH
We just had a nice weekend together
on our anniversary for crying out
loud!
MOM
I'm not a close second to your damn
pitching net and your bucket of
balls!
COACH
You can't leave it alone. You have
to attack something I love to do
with our daughter? And do you know
that our daughter is really really
good at what she does out there?
It's something you should be proud
of!
MOM
Hey Coach! Its me or your bucket of
balls!
COACH
Five years of MADISON is in that
bucket, so watch what you ask for!
The truck speeds off and softball equipment falls out.
MADISON, bare foot and in uniform, is revealed on opposite
side of the SUV. She stands near COACH and strewn equipment.
COACH watches MOM drive away.
COACH
I'm going to be late for practice.
21 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Pitched ball flies over the catcher's head into the backstop
and ricochets to dugout and COACH's feet.
UMPIRE
7
Ball four! Take your base young
lady.
TEAM MOM
That's eight balls in a row COACH.
Something's not right.
MADISON appears lost. SPECTATORS comment. COACH has ball.
MADISON walks over to COACH.
COACH
Breath MADISON. Relax. Slow down.
MADISON
Are you and Mom in a fight?
COACH
What does that have to do with your
pitching?
MADISON
Dad I'm scared.
DAD
Just throw your fastball!
MADISON back steps and turns to circle.
COACH
Her wheels are falling off.
22 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
HEAT BATTER 3 readies in the batter's box.
23 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 4 reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON steps onto the rubber with ball and sees the
Pastball Logo. She pitches to BATTER 3.
24 INT. DOUGHNUT SHOP - DAY
A FATHER and his DAUGHTER enter Doughnut shop and approach
display case without notice of MADISON.
Distressed cleats lay under table. MADISON, bare foot and in
uniform, sits against Doughnut display case watching father
COACH.
COACH and LAWYER sit at table. The LAWYER points to pages in
divorce document and COACH signs.
8
LAWYER
You should do it this weekend, after
MADISON's games. Get with your wife
alone and hand her the paperwork.
Stop talking yourself out of this.
FATHER and his DAUGHTER peer into doughnut case in face of
MADISON 10.
DAUGHTER
Mom stay. A blue one for me, a blue
one for you, a blue one for Dad. A
yellow one for me, a yellow one for
you, a yellow one for Dad...
FATHER
We'll just take a dozen. Make it in
three's.
LAWYER takes off blue tie and places it on table.
COACH
I rented an apartment at the beach
LAWYER
OK now! Give your wife the papers
and say, I tried, but can't do this
anymore. Tell her you want to do
what's right for the kids.
COACH
The apartment is mine on Sunday
afternoon. I can be there on Sunday.
LAWYER slides the divorce papers to COACH in a large
envelope.
LAWYER
Look. Tuck this away close by. As a
friend, not your lawyer, move to the
beach, and begin your life anew
without your wife.
Tie slowly trickles to the floor..
COACH
All kids love the ocean, right?
25 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
MADISON's pitched ball hits the umpire in the face mask.
UMPIRE
9
Ball Four!
26 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
COACH
Time Blue!
COACH strides to the pitching circle, frustrated.
COACH
MADISON! 12 straight balls, Come
back to me now.
The infielders come to the pitching circle and huddle.
MADISON
You're leaving me.
The huddled players become quiet.
COACH
What?
MADISON
I saw you. I heard you with your
lawyer friend.
MADISON is fighting emotion.
COACH
Hey kid. I am always your father, no
matter what happens between your MOM
and I. But right now, I'm your
COACH, and I'm their COACH, and we
are a team of thirteen. Neither you,
or I, shall give up a championship
to talk about business between your
mother and I. I'll tell you
everything after the game.
COACH shifts the attention to the game.
COACH
Bring it in. We're undefeated.
You're undefeated kids. We've never
lost a game because we don't quit!
We're not going to change a thing
now. Give MADISON encouragement out
there, we know she can do it.
Defense on three... 1,2,3...
COACH AND TEAM
Defense!
10
The team encourages MADISON and disperses. DESTINY is last
to leave and touches her glove to MADISON's shoulder.
COACH walks back to the dugout.
MADISON
Hey COACH! You're a Quitter!
MADISON turns away from COACH. A tear appears on face.
Insert: Spectators, Dugouts, Players, Coaches reactions
UMPIRE
You OK MADISON?
MADISON wipes tear and picks up the ball with determination.
MADISON
Where's the ball?
THE COMETS yell encouragements. The COACH squats with his
hand over his forehead.
UMPIRE
Its at your feet.
(Madison picks up the ball)
OK. Play ball!
27 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
BATTER #4 - AMAYA enters the batter's box.
28 EXT. PITCHING CIRCLE - DAY
Insert: Level 5 Reactions Spectators, Dugouts, Players,
Coaches
MADISON set-up on rubber. Inserts of cleats, eyes, hand,
ball. MADISON throws THE PITCH.
29 EXT. BATTER'S BOX - DAY
AMAYA hits a grand slam.
30 EXT. THE FIELD - DAY
The grand slam ball flies magically though the air.
MADISON'S teammates watch in awe. The ball flies over the
field's scoreboard.
MADISON shows fear, pain. MADISON runs after ball becoming a
spectacle with some SPECTATORS, COMETS and COACH.
31
11
EXT. ADJACENT SOFTBALL FIELD - DAY
The ball lands on an adjacent softball field where an 18U
TRAVEL BALL team practices.
MARISSA
Timeout girls!
MADISON runs amidst the practice drills. The 18U PLAYERS
watch her with enthusiastic curiosity.
18U PLAYER 1
You go girl!
PLAYER #2 watches MADISON run back, under the scoreboard,
and onto left field. She calls her teammates to watch.
18U PLAYER 2
Check this out!
18U PLAYERS to the field's edge with unfolding reactions.
32 EXT. SOFTBALL FIELD - DAY
Insert: Level 6 Reactions Heat Spectators (Celebrate), Comet
Spectators (Somber), Dugouts (same), Players (same), Coaches
(same)
THE HEAT runners celebrate around the bases. THE COMETS walk
in with defeat. They watch celebration and MADISON.
MADISON runs past the LEFT FIELDER yelling.
MADISON
Twenty pounds! Twenty pounds!
VIVIAN - LEFT FIELD
Game's over MADISON!
THE HEAT runners round bases and welcome AMAYA at home.
The UMPIRE is engaged with MADISON's return. THE COMET and
SPECTATORS show confusion.
VIVIAN (left fielder) begins to run behind MADISON.
COACH
Bring it in MADISON!
COMETS begin to cheer MADISON on with excitement.
VIANA - SHORT STOP:
Go MADISON!
12
LEIORA
Come on, let's run!
MADISON runs in infield at THE HEAT celebration. SPECTATORS
enter field, stand on bleachers and lean into the fences.
DESTINY stands on 2nd and tries to communicate to MADISON.
COACH
MADISON. That's game! Stop. It's
over. It's over for God's sake!
He puts his hand over his eyes as MADISON enters the chaos
of the home plate celebration.
MADISON's teammates follow her into home base. The
OPPONENT'S SPECTATORS celebrate with their kids.
VIVIAN
Is this a fight?
The UMPIRE follows MADISON into the HEAT celebration.
MADISON tags every HEAT player within reach. COMET players
arrive to plate. COACH places his hands over his eyes.
JULIAN (OPPONENT'S MANAGER)
Hey COACH get a hold of your players
before someone get's hurt!
Suddenly a voice rings out over everything.
DESTINY
MADISON! Throw it to me!
THE COMETS, SPECTATORS and HEAT turn their attention to
DESTINY. MADISON throws the ball to DESTINY.
The UMPIRE does a dramatic "out" routine.
UMPIRE
You're out! Ball game!
The COMETS rush to DESTINY to celebrate on second base.
The HEAT MANAGER rushes to UMPIRE in protest. The UMPIRE
explains THE HEAT's first base runner missed second base.
MADISON on knees with cleats off. AMAYA confronts MADISON
with body and a mean look, and suddenly smiles.
AMAYA
That was awesome. You're team is
waiting for you.
13
MADISON
Thanks.
MADISON runs to her team at second base. The 18U Players
celebrate from outfield.
COACH, on two knees, with a thumb and forefinger over each
of his eyes, hides his tears from others.
33 EXT. OUTFIELD - DAY
The maintenance crew grooms the field. Flag lowered from
flag pole. MADISON and COACH walk together in grass outfield
away from softball field.
COACH
MADISON, that was the most
inspirational play I have ever scene
in my life. Ever.
MADISON
Dad.
COACH
What?
MADISON
I don't even really like softball.
(pause) I only play to be with you.
COACH and MADISON walk silently.
MADISON
Why do you do what you do Dad?
The COACH lifts back of shirt, slides envelop from pants
without his daughter's knowledge.
COACH
To be with you too, kid.
COACH gently places the paperwork into a trash can.
HOBBS barks. MADISON and COACH turn around. MADISON lowers
to one knee to retie her cleat and dog licks her face.
BURLS's shoes / trousers. MADISON ties her shoes and stands.
MADISON
Hey mister. I think this is your
ball.
MADISON hands the ball back to BURL.
14
MASTER
Good game kid. It was one of the
best there's ever been.
HOBBS barks twice.
MADISON
Thank you sir.
COACH
Are you..
MASTER
I'm a pitching coach. I travel the
ball fields and help kids like your
daughter. In fact, little Billy
Lancaster's on the mound tonight,
right HOBBS? He's scheduled to bear
some bad news next week and could
use a little help staying in the
strike zone.
MADISON
Say Hi to Billy for me.
COACH
Who's Billy?
MADISON
He's a pitcher, like me.
BURL
Hey Coach. This game's not over.
BURL looks to COACH's wife approaching in the distance.
MADISON
Mom!
MADISON runs to her mother leaving Coach alone holding two
buckets of balls. MOTHER hugs MADISON. He slowly places each
bucket to dirt. Straightens hat, brushes the dirt from his
shirt and walks to join family. Two kids play in the dugout
behind.
The two young players return the bucket of balls back to
COACH. MADISON and COACH take one each, the MOTHER takes
bucket from MADISON. Long Shot of the three walking awayh
from the ball field.
