HOUND DOGS
By
Ron Shelton
Second Draft
September 10, 2010
Producers:
Michele Weisler
Andrea Buchanan
Todd Delorenzo
Baseball is ninety-percent mental. The other half is
physical.
--Yogi Berra
TEN MILLION MOTHS and bugs and mosquitoes and all manner of
flying creatures swarm around a set of outdoor lights in the
night sky. Distant organ music accompanies. It's another
sticky spring night in Nashville...and we're--
THURSDAY
EXT. A BASEBALL PARK -- NIGHT
HIT THE MUSIC HARD--Cheesy organ vibes fill the air. Mostly
empty seats in a decrepit ballpark. A couple thousand fans
are standing and singing--it's the seventh inning stretch.
FANS (SINGING)
Take me out to the ballgame...
CUT TO:
INT. ORGANIST'S BOOTH -- NIGHT
MARTY CROWLEY, 35, plays an old Hammond B-3 with flair. *
Endlessly upbeat, endlessing spinning, he possesses *
quintessential American hopefulness--he sees the upside, the *
future, the dream. He's also the General Manager of the AAA *
Nashville Hound Dogs Baseball Club (for now, anyway). *
There's a restless, sexy, unknown quality to him. *
MARTY (SINGING)
...take me out to the crowd.
Standing nearby with a folder of papers to sign is his
secretary/right arm, MAYBIRD STRAWN, 27. A tad overweight
but slightly delicious--she hides her crush on her boss.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
A young pitcher smokes a cig, watching. This is FRANKIE
FOSTER, 24--supremely confident, always on the make, wired.
CROWD (SINGING)
Buy me some peanuts and
crackerjacks...
FRANKIE'S P.O.V. THE MASCOT posing for pix with a family.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
The team mascot, HARRY HOUND, dances and poses for pictures
with a family.
2.
CROWD (SINGING)
I don't care if I ever get back...
CLOSE ON THE MASCOT--Harry Hound has ONE ARM around the kids
and the OTHER ARM around Mom.
CLOSE ON MOM--A bit too much cleavage for a ballpark mom. *
HARRY HOUND'S P.O.V.--Through the mouth of the dog. Down *
the cleavage of mom. *
HARRY HOUND
Momma. Whoaa...
Harry squeezes in, ARM AROUND MOM'S WAIST, a little snug.
She doesn't object. The kids squeeze in tight.
THE DAD
Everybody smile!
HARRY HOUND (V.O.)
I'm smilin', Dad...
CROWD (SINGING)
...peanuts and crackerjacks...
His hand roams.
MOM
Hey...
HARRY HOUND
Sorry...a little too close.
MOM
Maybe not.
CROWD (SINGING)
...I don't care if I ever get back...
MOM
I saw you with Frankie Foster at
Tootsies one night. You're a good
lookin' guy--
HARRY HOUND
Meet me there after the game.
MOM
I've got kids. Can't you see?
HARRY HOUND
What's your name?
3.
DOG MOUTH P.O.V.--Harry's eyes meet with Mom's.
Mom stares back. She's desperately unhappy, pretty, lost,
and mom-like. A devastating combination.
CROWD (SINGING)
Let me root, root, root for the home
team...if they don't win-- *
MOM
Judy. Just Judy. You know there *
are three mascots in the baseball *
Hall of Fame at Cooperstown and you've *
got what it takes-- *
HARRY HOUND
I know, I know--Ya really think I *
got the stuff? Can I have your phone *
number? Judy?!
SHE TURNS to rejoin her family as the chorus ends, and-- *
Harry TURNS to the crowd without missing a beat, leading
them in song with gusto, as if nothing's happened.
HARRY HOUND (SINGING) (CONT'D)
One more time! Take me out...
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
"CASH" ADAMS, 23, combs his hair in the mirror--a face off a *
G.Q. cover. He feigns arrogance for its entertainment value--
but some of it's real. DEWITT JONES, 31, black, studies his
batting stance in a mirror, as a few PLAYERS mingle.
DEWITT
Cash, ever get tired of the view?
CASH
It's not about me--it's about respect
for the game. I'm going to the bigs,
'Witt, and my heater, my deuce, my
splitter, the way I dress--my entire *
gestalt--is already "big league." *
DEWITT
Gestalt my ass...
(sudden shift)
Cash, man, Big Money, I need your
help--can you watch?
Cash FOLLOWS Dewitt out of the locker room--
CUT TO:
4.
EXT. UNDERNEATH THE STANDS -- NIGHT
A net hangs, and BATBOY with a bag of balls sits waiting.
Dewitt takes his stance again. Cash studies him, as--
DEWITT
My mechanics are off--
(to batboy)
Okay. Go.
The boy LOBS A BALL--Dewitt SWINGS AND RIPS it into the net.
CASH
Your elbow's flying. Looks like a
chicken wing.
DEWITT
Chicken wing?
The Batboy FLIPS another ball from the side--Dewitt RIFLES a
line drive into the net.
CASH
You stepped in the bucket.
Another ball is FLIPPED. Another SWING.
CASH (CONT'D)
You're bailin' out.
DEWITT
Fuck me! Chicken wingin', bucket'
steppin, black ass bailin'--and I'm
listening to a pitcher! Whatta you
know about hitting?
CASH
You're thinking too much. Can't
think and hit. All great hitters
are stupid--except Tony Gwynn and
Ted Williams.
DEWITT
Get stupid?
CASH
Yeah. Get really stupid.
CUT TO:
EXT. ORGANIST'S BOOTH -- NIGHT
Marty's big finish--the crowd singing along...
5.
MARTY (SINGING)
...one, two, three strikes you're
out at the old, ballgame!
(beat)
Play ball!
Marty RISES quickly and is all business--the ultimate multi-
tasking plate spinner. She hands him a toilet plunger.
MAYBIRD
I need some checks signed, boss, and
the plumbing's backed up in the
ladies' room and--
They're off walking, signing checks as he walks.
MARTY
I think I've gotta pick up the tempo
on the song, ya think? Bad as this
team is--sounds like a funeral dirge.
MAYBIRD
Kick in some allegro--'at'll do it.
MARTY
Mas allegro...good call. Scoreboard
lights are still out?
MAYBIRD
Workin' on it--
They turn and are now--
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK BEHIND THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Marty's whirling dervish act heads into the ladies room.
INT. LADIES BATHROOM -- NIGHT -- CONTINUOUS
Marty plunges an overflowing toilet fearlessly.
MAYBIRD
One more thing, Mr. Crowley--Reverend
Davis from First Baptist is in your
office and he's a little steamed...
MARTY
About?
REV. DAVIS (O.S.)
Vasectomy Night?! Saturday?!
CUT TO:
6.
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
REVEREND DAVIS, 45, confronts Marty in his office overlooking
the field as the game continues. In the b.g. through a glass
we see the TEAM ACCOUNTANT talking to Maybird, finally handing
her a metal strongbox.
REV. DAVIS
What in the good Lord's name is
Vasectomy Night?!
MARTY
We draw ten tickets out of a hat and
the ten winners get a free vasectomy
courtesy of the Nashville Free Clinic--
gonna be a big crowd.
REV. DAVIS
But a highly inappropriate promotion.
MARTY
As the General Manager, if I don't
put asses in seats, I'm outta work.
REV. DAVIS
I'm trying to put asses in Heaven,
Mr. Crowley. It's a higher calling.
(turns to leave)
See you in team chapel tomorrow?
MARTY
Probably not.
The Reverend EXITS without responding--Maybird enters carrying
the box which she hands to Marty.
MAYBIRD
Attendance--little over four thousand.
Gate--fifty one thousand, eight
hundred and six.
He OPENS the box with a key, checks the accounting record
and sees the neatly bundled cash, and as he talks he OPENS A
WALL SAFE and deposits the night's receipts.
His cell rings--he answers and is caught off guard.
MARTY (ON PHONE)
Marty here...
(beat, alarm)
Jack? Big Jack Barnett? How'd you *
get this number?!
(to Maybird)
Private.
7.
Maybird scurries out the door--and looks back.
MAYBIRD'S P.O.V. THROUGH THE GLASS at Marty on the phone.
Agitated, he's screaming at Jack, whoever that is--and when
he finally hangs up, she re-enters the office, concerned.
MAYBIRD
You okay?
MARTY
Fine.
She touches his hand softly--an invitation.
MAYBIRD
I'm here for you, y'know...
MARTY
(removes her hand)
I'm your boss and whatever you're
feeling stops now.
MAYBIRD
I worry about you. I see you yelling.
You get strange calls and shush me
outta the room. Should I be worried?
MARTY
No.
MAYBIRD
You can tell me...
MARTY
Maybird, lighten up...
MAYBIRD *
But I heard things-- *
She's not going away, so he stops and makes a speech. *
MARTY
(forcefully)
I've had some issues but they're
under control now. I barely drink,
lay off the weed, and avoid gambling
at all costs--
MAYBIRD
I care about you-- *
MARTY
--and I'm certainly not having an
office romance with a woman young
enough to be my daughter.
8.*
MAYBIRD
I'm old in certain ways...
MARTY
Maybird! This job saved my life and
I'm gonna turn around this stinking
franchise--
(points to field)
You imagine what I could do in *
marketing with a big league team and *
a budget?
MAYBIRD
You'd be great--
MARTY *
My hero isn't Mickey Mantle or Sandy *
Koufax. It's Bill Veeck--the greatest *
general manager who ever lived--back *
in the day-- *
(quickly, excited) *
He pinch hit a midget, he invented *
the exploding scoreboard, he ran the *
game like a business but turned it *
into a show--decades ahead of his *
time! He was a poet and a philosopher *
and carnival barker! *
MAYBIRD *
Like you! You're a Renaissance Man *
in a post modern world and the *
ballpark is your canvas! *
MARTY *
I see the Sistine Chapel before paint. *
He makes a sweeping gesture of the decrepit ballpark, just
as a CONCESSION WORKER enters, distraught.
CONCESSION WORKER
Hey, Boss, the wieners got mold all
over 'em and there's rats in the
buns.
Beat. Marty regathers himself, and exits smiling, in charge.
MARTY
Fuck. I gotta do everything?
CLOSE ON MAYBIRD as Marty exits--she's more smitten than
ever.
CUT TO:
9.
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
A Latin player, CHICO RAYAL, 22, tries to light a fire in
the moribund dugout--he GRABS his bat from the rack.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
Not too late, a little rally, eh,
put some hits together we go home...
(re: the silent dugout)
Why so quiet here? *
P.O.V. A BATTER POPS UP--ONE OUT.
The Manager, JOE WATTS, 40's, black, a lifer in baseball,
musters enthusiasm. Known as SKIP, short for "Skipper."
SKIP
Bing, bing, bing--never too late.
P.O.V. ANOTHER BATTER GROUNDS OUT WEAKLY--TWO OUTS.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' BULLPEN -- NIGHT
Frankie has a VANDERBILT COED in his web.
P.O.V. THE HOUNDS BATTER SINGLES UP THE MIDDLE.
FRANKIE
Base hit... *
VANDY GIRL
But it's a Hound Dog hit? It's us!
FRANKIE
I want this game over with, baby, so
you an' I can do some damage...
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
The flatline flickers to life as Chico steps to the plate.
OTHER LATIN PLAYER (IN SPANISH)
(to Chico at bat)
Take his breakin' shit the other
way!
CUT TO:
10.
EXT. WIVES' SECTION OF THE STANDS -- NIGHT
A few WIVES and SEVERAL GIRLFRIENDS watch from an assigned
area--there's a grinding routine to it all. A beautiful
black woman, 30, VICKIE JONES, and her five year old son,
ISAIAH, watch--the boy sees his father.
P.O.V. ON DECK CIRCLE--DEWITT TAKES HIS PRACTICE SWINGS.
ISAIAH
Daddy! Hit a homer! Momma why hasn't *
Daddy hit a homer for awhile? *
VICKIE
Your Daddy's having a hard time, *
sweetheart. *
ISAIAH *
Why? *
VICKIE *
Sometimes grownups have hard times *
in their jobs and this is Daddy's *
job and he's having...a...hard time. *
CUT TO: *
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
CHICO RIPS A LINE DRIVE to right center, slides into second
base as the lead runner pulls into third.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
Suddenly there's life in the morgue...
SKIP
You da man, 'Witt, your time, baby...
(to the dugout)
Little life, eh?
PLAYERS
'Witt, 'on baby, hang one out...
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK - AT THE PLATE -- NIGHT
CLOSE ON Dewitt stepping into the batter's box where the
OPPOSING CATCHER seems familiar with him.
DEWITT (TO HIMSELF)
Clear head. No thoughts. Get stupid.
11.
OPPOSING CATCHER
Dewitt. When's the last time you
got a hit?
DEWITT
Shut up. *
OPPOSING CATCHER
No. Really. Last year in Rochester?
DEWITT
I'm 0 for 23 but my head's clear...
OPPOSING CATCHER
Hey, I went 0 for 35 once. Couldn't *
hit shit. Went psycho. Bought a
gun, loaded it, went down to the
river, put the barrel right at my
head, pulled the trigger.
DEWITT
What happened?
OPPOSING CATCHER
I missed. Like I told ya--couldn't *
hit a freakin' thing that year. *
DEWITT
Joke...right?
OPPOSING CATCHER
Fastball down the gut--
THE PITCHER FIRES a fastball down the middle.
UMP
Strike one.
OPPOSING CATCHER
Man, that was teed up. Was a time
you jacked that. Here comes a
horseshit deuce--you can crush it.
DEWITT
My head's clear.
HANGING CURVEBALL--Easily hittable.
UMP
Strike two.
CUT TO:
12.
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
The players are dying for him--they know a slump is hell.
CASH
Bat off the shoulders, homes! This
guy throws shit!
CUT TO:
EXT. WIVES' SECTION OF THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Vickie can barely watch. Isaiah is full of hope.
ISAIAH
He's gonna do it--Dad's gettin' out
of his slump. Do it for me, Daddy!
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK - AT THE PLATE -- NIGHT
FASTBALL DOWN THE MIDDLE--the bat stays on Dewitt's shoulder.
UMP
Strike three.
Dewitt stands there--drained of life. Game over. And as
the PLAYERS LEAVE THE FIELD, a deeply distraught Dewitt walks
to the Hounds' dugout as Chico heads there from second base.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
Swing the damn bat, man! *
DEWITT
Go to hell, ya little Mexican faggot! *
CHICO
I Dominican!
AND THE TWO MEN ATTACK each other right on the field--a fist
fight to the death among team members.
FANS LEAVING THE PARK stop to watch--
CHICO (IN SPANISH) (CONT'D)
You swing like an old lady!
DEWITT
Talk English you midget prick!
BANG! BANG! They throw punches with a purpose. Soon they're
rolling around on the infield dirt in mortal combat.
CUT TO:
13.
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Marty whirls to see the fight.
MARTY
Christ...
Maybird ANSWERS a phone in the b.g., offers it to Marty.
MAYBIRD
Iris Hammer. She's pissed. *
MARTY (ON PHONE)
Iris Hammer, delighted, I-- *
(cut off rudely)
--I'll be right over.
(hangs up, to Maybird)
We got a problem.
MAYBIRD
You met Iris Hammer? *
MARTY
Not yet.
MAYBIRD
Good luck.
What does that mean?
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
Players shove through the dugout into the tunnel to the locker
room, driven by Skip who's just broken up the fight.
SKIP
Everybody in the clubhouse! Team
meeting!
Cash taps Chico, who's irate--speaking in gardener's Spanish.
CASH (IN SPANISH)
No problem, man. Not your fault.
Dewitt's all screwed up right *
now...hang in there...
Chico nods--seems to appreciate some gringo sympathy, and--
WE FOLLOW the Hound Dog mascot in the crowd of players through
the MAZE of ancient tunnels under the stands, until--
CUT TO:
14.
INT. MASCOT'S CUBICLE UNDER THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Harry's in the Mascot's hovel--a locker, a bench, not much
else. He OPENS the door to the clubhouse a crack, peeks in.
DOG MOUTH P.O.V.--Skip holds court for the players.
SKIP
Teamwork?! Teamwork?! I'm gonna
tell you about teamwork.
Harry TAKES OFF the Hound Dog head and LIGHTS A JOINT and
INHALES deeply.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
The players are seated quietly, uniforms half off.
SKIP
So Dewitt, my third baseman, and
Chico, my shortstop--hate each other.
(no response)
It's okay. I don't care if every
man in this room hates the guts of
every other man in this room. I
don't care if you eat or drink
together or play footsie with each
other, or if you screw each other's *
wives and girlfriends.
CLOSE ON FRANKIE, to himself.
FRANKIE
(softly)
Cool...
SKIP
All I care about is what happens
between the lines. I don't get to
the show unless I win a lotta games
in the minors and the word spreads
that I'm a helluva guy but a tough
guy. A baseball man.
(beat)
But I know all you care about is
your individual statistics--gotta
get some eye poppin' stats--live an'
die for your stats. Am I right?
PAN THE ROOM--They know he's right.
15.
SKIP (CONT'D)
Well...there is one thing we all
share in common.
(beat)
We all want to get the hell outta *
Nashville.
PAN THE ROOM--More nods of agreement.
SKIP (CONT'D)
So. You should know that every night
all your precious stats go into the
computer and tomorrow morning the
Big League Chief of Scouting studies
every pitch, every at bat--every
time you wipe your ass, we got a
statistic for it...
(beat)
But also, every night, I file a report
on every damn one of you. Who's a *
dickhead and who's got the stuff to *
make it? And they care what I say
'cause they don't want to bring some
jagoff up there to embarrass 'em. *
(beat)
We work together? Huh? You give me
some wins, I file some good reports.
PAN THE ROOM AGAIN--Makes sense.
SKIP (CONT'D)
You know what that's called?
(beat)
Teamwork.
(smiles)
Now shower up and get the hell outta *
this dump...Cash--stick your head in
my office.
CUT TO:
INT. SKIP'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Skip's stressed in his cubicle sized "office."
SKIP
Jagoffs stressin' me out... *
Skip opens a drawer and pulls out a bag with a large ball of
yarn and knitting needles--and he begins knitting. The door
opens, Cash sticks his head in--he sees the knitting and
tries to avoid commenting, at first.
CASH
Skip?
16.
SKIP
The G.M. for the big club and the
Chief of Scouting are coming down
Saturday night to watch you pitch.
You have a good outing Saturday night,
you'll be in the major leagues Sunday.
CASH
I'll be ready.
(re: knitting)
I gotta ask.
SKIP
Doc said I gotta bring down my blood
pressure--this shit'll do it. The
whole ballclub could benefit.
CASH
Right...
Cash leaves, shaking his head--Skip continues knitting.
CUT TO:
EXT. GATED MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- NIGHT **
Marty at the intercom, from his car.
MARTY
Marty Crowley for Iris Hammer. *
VOICE
Come right up.
The GIANT IRON GATE swings open to reveal an enormous southern
mansion on a hill, overlooking half of Tennessee.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- NIGHT **
IRIS HAMMER, 45, looks less--she's quite attractive and much *
younger than her recently deceased husband. POURS two
scotches, hands one to Marty.
IRIS HAMMER *
Reverend Davis called me about
Vasectomy Night. I had no idea and
frankly I'm appalled.
MARTY
The Nashville Free Clinic--
IRIS HAMMER *
--a fine organization, but--
17.
MARTY
Respectfully, Ma'am, I think a little
progressive thought in Nashville--
IRIS HAMMER *
You're new here, aren't you? Where
did you come from?
MARTY
I was in Sports Management in Florida.
IRIS HAMMER *
Baseball?
MARTY
Racing.
IRIS HAMMER *
(warming)
Horses? I'm going to Louisville
next week for the Derby--my husband
and I never missed the Derby and I'm
going in his memory. I love the
horses.
MARTY
I ran a dog track outside of Tampa.
She looks at him with some mix of disdain and fascination.
IRIS HAMMER *
My husband hired you from a dog track?
MARTY
I'm just grateful for the opportunity.
Your husband was an amazing--
IRIS HAMMER *
--Colon cancer. Went quick. You
like this Scotch?
MARTY
I'm more of a bourbon guy--
She POURS two new drinks from a different bottle.
IRIS HAMMER *
Baby piss. So I guess I'm now owner
of the Nashville Hound Dogs--you
have any issues with me?
MARTY
No...
18.
IRIS HAMMER *
I'm a lifelong Baptist. I am also
Chairman of the Board of the
Nashville Symphony, Board member of
the Art Museum, the Music Academy,
the ballet--it's what wives of rich
guys do.
(tastes the Scotch)
I get along with everybody.
MARTY
Your reputation is far reaching--
IRIS HAMMER *
Oh don't patronize me, so when I get
a call from the President of the
Baptist Church Association of Greater
Nashville--it rocks my world.
MARTY
I can't dump Vasectomy Night--the
Clinic has worked hard for--
IRIS HAMMER *
Keep the Clinic--find another medical
problem. Something that doesn't
conjure up images of a knife in a
scrotum.
She drinks deeply. He contemplates that image.
MARTY
But we're expecting a big crowd and
the promo's in two days?
IRIS HAMMER *
Two words. Knife. Scrotum.
MARTY
I don't need another--
IRIS HAMMER *
Yes you do.
She smiles--one formidable dame. He drinks.
CUT TO:
INT. DEWITT JONES' APARTMENT -- NIGHT
Dewitt and Vickie ENTER--he carries their sleeping son, she
carries a bag of fast food. Nothing is said. He LAYS DOWN
his son on a couch, covers him with a blanket.
19.
She PUTS DOWN place settings on the table and lays out the
hamburgers and fries as if it were a fancy meal. She UNSCREWS
a half finished bottle of red wine and pours two glasses.
THEY SIT down, still silent.
DEWITT
Pitch down the middle--I couldn't
pull the trigger.
VICKIE
Let's not talk about it.
DEWITT
I need to talk--
VICKIE
Me too.
DEWITT
Okay, you first--
She takes a deep breath, and with great difficulty.
VICKIE
I need to leave. I need to go back.
To L.A. with Isaiah.
DEWITT
You what?
VICKIE
I've got a job offer--I can teach
and finish my credential on line.
DEWITT
'Cause I'm not hitting?
VICKIE
No.
DEWITT
Hey, I hang out a couple ropes, they
start falling in and before you know
it I'm stroking the ball--
VICKIE
I don't care what you're hitting.
DEWITT
You don't care?
VICKIE
I do care. Of course I care.
20.
DEWITT
I'm gonna start hitting, it's gonna
work out--I just need your support
right now! *
VICKIE
Support? Did you say support? I've
followed you for twelve years, we've
lived in twenty-one cities in eight
states not counting spring training
and winter ball and the year in the
Korean League--lousy apartment to
lousy apartment, you on the road
half the time, me either desperately
lonely or worried sick that you might
not get a hit because then you turn
into a walking landmine. And for
the last five years, trying to raise
him--
(points to Isaiah)
--like a transient.
DEWITT
They're gonna release me. I can
smell it.
VICKIE
Maybe it's time to give it up.
DEWITT
I'm a phone call away from the bigs!
VICKIE
Dewitt, that phone call ain't coming. *
DEWITT *
What can I do besides baseball?
VICKIE
(without rancor)
I don't know.
Dead silence. He doesn't know either.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHECK CASHING STOREFRONT -- NIGHT
CHICO ENTERS with two Latin players.
INT. CHECK CASHING STOREFRONT -- CONTINUOUS -- NIGHT
Chico at the window. The LARGE FEMALE CLERK stares back.
21.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
No hablo ingles...I...I...
(holds up check)
I got ripped off once and the money
never got home!
CLERK
You got to get a translator. Trans-
Lay--Tore. No hablo Spanish.
Chico scrambles through his pocket dictionary.
CHICO
Check...cash...send...home.
The three players HAND HER addresses and checks.
CLERK
You boys Hound Dogs?
CHICO
Si, si...
CLERK
You playin' like caca de vaca this
year...comprende?
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
(smiles)
Kiss my ass. *
CLERK
(uncomprehending)
Glad you didn't take it personal.
Dominican Republic. I can do this.
The transaction begins--the money's headed home.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHECK CASHING STOREFRONT -- NIGHT
As the Latin Players leave, all SNAP ON their cells, walk
and talk to their shared rental car.
CHICO (ON PHONE)
(in Spanish)
Poppa? How you doin'? I'm starting
to hit pretty good. Two hits tonight.
I'll be in the big leagues if I keep
hitting...love you too...call you
Saturday night...
LATIN PLAYER #1 (IN SPANISH)
Things good, eh, Chic'?
22.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
I need a woman.
LATIN PLAYER #1 (IN SPANISH)
Bad idea, man, no Latinas in *
Tennessee... *
LATIN PLAYER #2 (IN SPANISH)
They hang you from a tree, hombre,
by your dick.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
I need a woman...
CUT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE -- NIGHT
A booming city of the New South--high rises, bright lights,
and lots of building cranes. It's a big league city with a
minor league team and ballpark.
CRANE DOWN reveals another universe--a block of old clubs *
and bars, unchanged in fifty years. Like the ballpark, it's
a time warp in a bustling city. The shot lands on the
exterior of a raucous old joint--TOOTSIE'S CLUB.
CUT TO:
INT. TOOTSIE'S CLUB -- NIGHT
A LIVE BAND plays as a hot blonde tends bar, GINGER, 30. *
Southern and real, she flirts just enough to double her tips
without being cheap. She shoves drinks at two ballplayers--
ANDY, 37, a lifer in the minors, and "ROOK," 21, the rookie.
GINGER
On the house, Hound Dogs--chin up,
eh? Peaks and valleys. You're in a
valley...
IN THE CORNER--Frankie and Harry work the Vanderbilt coed
and her GIRLFRIEND--the girls laugh--they all LEAVE together,
passing Cash as he enters and sits next to Andy and Rook.
CASH
Gents...who's the hottie?
ANDY
Untouchable--everyone's tried.
CASH
She got a name?
23.
ANDY
Ginger.
CASH
Hundred bucks says she goes home
with me.
ANDY
You're on.
CASH
Tanqueray martini, dry, extra olives.
GINGER
This is more of a Jack Daniels joint.
You a tourist?
CASH
I'm a Hound Dog.
GINGER
A dog's a dog to me...
CASH *
What time you get off work?
GINGER
You think you got what it takes?
I'm pretty demanding.
CASH
Like how?
GINGER
Insatiable.
CASH
Try me.
GINGER
Why not? *
Andy and Rook stare in disbelief, and Ginger calls out to
the other BARKEEP, punching her time card as she does.
GINGER (CONT'D)
I'm outta here. This big ol' hoss
thinks he's got the goods.
Ginger puts on a Levis jacket, grabs her guitar case from
behind the bar, and leaves Tootsie's with Cash.
Andy, stunned, holds out a C-note for Cash as he EXITS.
CUT TO:
24.
EXT. MUSIC ROW -- NIGHT
Cash hands Ginger the hundred--over a big, shared laugh--and
it's quickly obvious they know each other. Really well.
She chatters with excitement.
GINGER
Baby you can't believe it but that
big time A & R lady and music producer *
that came in the other night? They *
came in again and I worked 'em pretty
hard over J.D. and Coke and they
agreed to come to see me at the *
Marriot Hotel Showcase Saturday night. *
CASH
I'll be there right after the game,
cheering my ass off.
GINGER
These guys could sign me or just get
me a song writing gig or something--
I could stop tendin' bar an'--I'm a
nervous wreck, Cash...
CASH
(knowingly)
What can we do about that?
GINGER
Just two or three times tonight,
sweetie, just two or three...you
know how it calms me down...
They can hardly keep their hands off each other as they
disappear into the Nashville night.
DISSOLVE TO:
FRIDAY
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NEXT DAY
Rain is falling on the ballpark--a GROUNDS CREW just finishes
covering the infield with a tarp.
CUT TO:
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- DAY
Marty stares at the field--Maybird's there, and Harry Hound
has his feet on the desk. A beat up GUITAR leans nearby.
25.
MAYBIRD
So gettin' your tubes tied didn't go
down with old lady Hammer, eh? *
HARRY HOUND
Old lady? She's a fox.
MARTY
And the fox broomed Vasectomy Night.
We need something by tomorrow night.
HARRY HOUND
How about Gall Stone night? My Gramma
had 'em and they were terrible--
MARTY
What if the people with the winning
tickets don't have gall stones?
HOUND DOG
See, that's why you're the chief.
MARTY
Get your feet off my desk. A big *
league mascot respects authority. *
Harry removes his feet.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
CLOSE ON VIDEO GAME--HALO III, the violent kill or be killed
game of carnage BLASTS in our faces.
PAN THE LOCKER ROOM--A parallel universe of PLAYERS with lap
tops, GUYS texting, head sets on.
CLOSE ON CASH'S SCREEN--Financial reports flash by, market
info, stock info--and he races around the world like a broker.
ANOTHER SCREEN--A letter home is composed. "Dear Mom..."
ANOTHER SCREEN--The predictable porn search, of course.
ANOTHER SCREEN--"Human Growth Hormones" from the Caribbean,
it reads: STRAIGHT TO YOU, DISCREET SHIPPING, PROVEN PRICES.
ANGLE BACK TO THE ONGOING VIDEO GAME--Rook and Andy go head
to head--as a dozen PLAYERS, half dressed, kill time.
ANDY
Take that shit, Rook and that and
that and that...
26.
Blam! Blam! Skip glances up from a Sporting News.
SKIP
Nobody's beat Andy in two years,
Rook, you ain't got a chance...
ANDY
Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Like shootin'
ducks in a barrel, man!
ROOK
Fish in a barrel. Ducks are something
you get in a row. Y'know--ducks in
a row? Fish in a barrel. *
ANDY
Who'd shoot a fish in a barrel?! *
You could net 'em easier.
ROOK
Sorry, man, sorry...
ANDY
Rook givin' me shit here...
Rook HANDS Chico the controller and backs off.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
Bring it on, big man...
ANDY
Callin' me fat? Shit, I speak some
Espanol--let's get it on, Mexican...
ON THE VIDEO SCREEN--The carnage continues. BAM! BAM!
ANDY (CONT'D)
Boom! Boom! Boom! You messin' *
with the king, Chico!
CUT TO:
EXT/INT. STREETS OF NASHVILLE -- DAY
A CAB APPROACHES THE BALLPARK in the rain. Dewitt, Vickie,
son Isaiah in the back seat--luggage in the front and trunk.
DEWITT
Don't tell me it's over--maybe it's
over for now 'cause of this job thing--
but it ain't over for real...
VICKIE
I don't know, I'm sayin'...
27.
DEWITT
When will you know?
VICKIE
I don't know when I'll know...
The cab PULLS UP to the ballpark. Stops.
DEWITT
You take care of Momma now, alright?
ISAIAH
Why are we leaving?
DEWITT
Gonna be okay. Love you. I'll call.
Dewitt GETS OUT into the rain, HANDS some cash to the CABBIE.
DEWITT (CONT'D)
Airport.
And he WATCHES the cab drive away in the rain.
CUT TO:
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- DAY
Still pouring outside as they work their way through a list
of maladies. Maybird is online, reading them off.
HARRY HOUND
I got a buddy--Joey Two Phones--he's
a bookie with shingles. How 'bout
shingles night?
(cool response)
No?
MAYBIRD
Varicose veins?
MARTY
Same problem as gall stones...
MAYBIRD
Why did Iris Hammer's husband croak? *
MARTY
Maybird, you're a genius.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- DAY **
The rain continues to pour outside as tea is served.
28.
IRIS HAMMER *
Colonoscopy Night?! Have you lost
your mind?
MARTY
Everyone who comes to the game buys
a program--throughout the game we
draw twenty-five numbers and the
Nashville Free Clinic gives away
twenty-five free colonoscopies.
IRIS HAMMER *
This is not the sort of thing I do.
MARTY
Think of it as a public service.
IRIS HAMMER *
It still has the ick factor. You
seem to be drawn to the ick factor.
What ever happened to Egg Toss Night?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- DAY **
Umbrella-less in the rain, he walks to his car, climbs in.
CUT TO:
INT. MARTY'S CAR -- DAY
Desperate, wet, pissed off--and undaunted.
MARTY
Shit. *
He gets back out of the car.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- DAY **
He MARCHES back through the rain, KNOCKING loudly at the
front door. She appears. He stands in the rain.
MARTY
(forcefully)
This is not about you nor is it about
a baseball game. It is about the
legacy of your husband. Tomorrow
night you will stand at home plate
and announce the formation of the
Harvey Hammer Foundation whose sole
(MORE)
29.
MARTY (CONT'D)
purpose is to create awareness and
offer free colonoscopies for those
who can't afford them, a night in
your husband's memory so that another
great man does not die before his
time.
(no response)
Tomorrow night will be a demonstration
that together we can hang a lantern
in the darkness.
IRIS HAMMER *
Don't gild the lily, Mr. Crowley.
MARTY
I am a lily gilder, Ma'am, it's part
of my job. And call me Marty.
IRIS HAMMER *
Call me Iris Hammer. *
MARTY
Your late husband felt I could build
this franchise into something--
IRIS HAMMER *
He felt you needed a job--
MARTY
--but he trusted me with his ballclub.
He was a hands off kind of guy. I
work best that way.
IRIS HAMMER *
Well I'm a hands on kind of woman, I
work best that way...Marty.
He turns and walks away in the rain as she stares.
CUT TO:
INT. SMALL ROOM OFF LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Dewitt studies VIDEO FOOTAGE of his swing in a game. Harry
sits watching with him.
HARRY HOUND
Run it again. Next at bat. Next.
Dewitt FAST FORWARDS through a sequence of at bats.
HARRY HOUND (CONT'D)
You're overstriding.
30.
DEWITT
I'm not overstriding.
HARRY HOUND
Then don't ask the friggin' mascot. *
DEWITT
Okay, okay, calm down. You get any
tail last night?
HARRY HOUND
Naw. When I got her to her dorm
room I confessed that I didn't
actually play for the Hound Dogs--
but that I was the Hound Dog.
(beat)
Said she didn't do mascots.
Dewitt still studies his swing. Chico has stuck his head in
the doorway, over their shoulders.
DEWITT
What am I doing wrong?
CHICO
You got a hitch in your swing. See?
Dewitt replays the tape, studying it.
DEWITT
Damn. I'm hitching.
CHICO
I told you.
And Chico is gone.
DEWITT
(studying screen)
Harry, look't that--I got a hitch.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Reverend Davis ENTERS, and announces in the chaos--
REV. DAVIS
Weekly chapel service in half an
hour--you're all invited...
Frankie ENTERS--and is instantly the provocateur.
FRANKIE
Am I invited?
31.
REV. DAVIS
Everyone's invited. It's non-
denominational. Baptists, Methodists,
Catholics...even Jews.
Frankie wanders through the tunnel to the dugout door, which
reveals the field, covered with a tarp, and continued rain.
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- DAY -- CONTINUOUS
CLOSE ON LAP TOP SCREEN--Stock market report of the day,
scrolled to more financial info.
Cash scrolls the screen, studying his investments, when:
Frankie arrives, lights a cigarette, stares at the rain.
CASH
That shit'll kill ya...
FRANKIE
Thanks, Dad...
CASH
None of my business but you ever
sleep with the same woman twice?
FRANKIE
Try not to--it confuses me.
(beat)
Look, pal...I'm a sex addict. You
heard about that, right? It's a
disease but as diseases go it's pretty
damn good.
CASH
You're not a sex addict--you're a
horny, undisciplined adolescent in
the body of a 23 year old man.
FRANKIE
I'm fine with that.
CASH
But you're messed up all the time-- *
FRANKIE
I pitch better that way.
CASH
Just tryin' to help...
FRANKIE
Quit bullshitting around.
(MORE)
32.
FRANKIE (CONT'D)
We both know there's only two big *
league arms on this horseshit team *
and we both know that tomorrow night
you're on stage and if you throw
good, you're going up--
CASH
So?
FRANKIE
So tomorrow night I hope they turn
you into a launching pad. *
Frankie EXITS. Cash smiles. Skip sticks his head in the
dugout to announce:
SKIP
Game called. Play two Sunday.
CUT TO:
INT. WEIGHT ROOM -- NIGHT
EIGHT PLAYERS including Andy, Rook, Dewitt, gather in prayer.
REV. DAVIS
...and as we pray that God's will be
done, we also ask for continued
strength in difficult times. Amen.
VOICES
Amen...
REV. DAVIS
Are there any special prayer requests?
ANDY
My mother had an operation yesterday
an' they cut her open an' sewed her
right back up--said she's about gone.
REV. DAVIS
Thank you. Any more?
CHICO
Mi hermana...drugs. Bad problemas.
REV. DAVIS
Chico's sister. We'll remember.
Anything else?
DEWITT
You might put in a word for me. I'm
kinda strugglin' at the plate.
33.
ANDY
The mother's O for April. *
DEWITT
Go to hell... *
ANDY
Tryin' to help you, man.
DEWITT
I don't rag your ass in chapel, man!
REV. DAVIS
Relax, gentlemen. Let us pray...
(head bowed)
Dear Lord...
They all bow their heads.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- LATE AT NIGHT
The lights are on, the stadium is empty as a MAN WALKS out
of left field toward the stands.
CUT TO:
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- LATE AT NIGHT
The rain has stopped as Marty looks down at the field. There
is a stirring in Maybird's loins.
MAYBIRD
I love the smell of the earth after
it rains...
(no response)
It's so...earthy...and wet...
MARTY
It's why we have tarps...
MAYBIRD
(backing off)
Who's that coming out of left field?
P.O.V. MAN WALKING ACROSS THE FIELD TOWARD US.
MARTY
Figuratively or literally?
(recognizes him)
Oh god...Maybird, need some privacy.
MAYBIRD
Again?
34.
Slightly unnerved, she grabs her things and leaves, passing
"BIG JACK" BARNETT, 4O's. He's half charm, half steel. *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Marty.
MARTY
Big Jack Barnett. How'd ya find me? *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
My job to find folks--still collectin'
for the Florida boys.
MARTY
I owe 'em fifteen g's, I know...
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Twenty. Compound interest's a pig. *
(beat)
You still playin' music?
MARTY
Naw. When I went from playin' the B-
3 in the house band at the Kennel
Club to runnin' the whole damn track--
I saw I'd never make it in music.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Ya shouldn'ta bet on the friggin' *
dogs. Nobody bets on the dogs. *
MARTY
I don't have the money. I've been *
digging out of a hole--I pull this
gig off I got a shot to get to the
big leagues.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
--A man can be an alkie, junkie, or
wife beater an' get to the big
leagues. Only one thing he can't
have in his closet...
MARTY
I know the rules.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Two words.
MARTY
Pete. Rose.
35.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
The big boys are scared shitless *
that if one little ol' riverboat *
gambler gets into the hen house then
pretty soon the fix is in and the
whole damn national pastime collapses
like a house of--can I say cards?
MARTY
I'm clean--ain't got down a bet in
two years and got no desire. Pay
this one off, I'm a free man.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
If I go back with the money, it stays
a secret.
The phone rings. Marty answers. Big Jack Barnett idly picks *
up the guitar on the floor.
INTERCUT TO:
INT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- NIGHT **
Iris Hammer in a robe--with scotch and phone. *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
Marty? Not too late, is it?
MARTY (ON PHONE)
No, no, fine...
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
I've been praying on this whole thing
and I believe that God is giving us
an opportunity to do great things in
my late husband's name.
MARTY (ON PHONE)
Yes He is...
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
And so I will see you tomorrow night.
MARTY (ON PHONE)
"Colonoscopy Night" is a go, Iris
Hammer? *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
Yes, Marty. And do it with class. *
She does look good with that drink in that robe...
CUT TO:
36.*
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Marty hangs up, having momentarily forgotten his new dilemma.
Big Jack Barnett picks out chords on the guitar. *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
"Colonoscopy Night?"
MARTY
Oh yeah...
BIG JACK BARNETT *
You used to have bigger dreams.
MARTY *
Come back tomorrow. I need a day.
CUT TO:
INT. TOOTSIE'S CLUB -- NIGHT
Frankie and Harry and two salty vets--MARYJO, 42, and her
best friend, NORA, 45. The four of them, well lit and wildly *
amused with each other, get up and LEAVE TOGETHER. *
ANGLE TO THE BAR--Ginger's not there as Cash enters,
approaching a SECOND BARTENDER.
CASH
Where's Ginger?
SECOND BARTENDER
(points to ladies rm.)
Tell her coffee break's over.
Cash heads to the LADIES ROOM, knocks, pushes open the door.
INT. LADIES BATHROOM OF TOOTSIE'S -- NIGHT
Ginger plays her guitar and sings--as Cash enters.
GINGER (SINGING) *
Everyone said my star would shine, *
Won every competition every time, *
But the assistants in the music bus, *
Sure are hard to get by... *
(singing again) *
No one's ever in the office, They *
lose my number all the time, How can *
they expect to get their job done, *
When I'm not even signed. *
He claps. *
37.*
GINGER (CONT'D) *
It's called "Not Famous Yet." *
CASH
But we're gettin' there. Ready for *
tomorrow?
GINGER
Little nervous. I mean Renee Bell's *
comin' with Dann Huff--they're *
gigantic in this town. You get what *
that could mean? *
CASH *
No more rehearsing in ladies' rooms. *
A WOMAN ENTERS, notices the scene, heads into a stall unfazed. *
GINGER *
I'm ready, Cash, I'm ready. *
CASH
And I gotta get some z's tonight so *
I just dropped by to say good luck
tomorrow night and to remind myself
how gorgeous you are.
He discreetly blows a kiss and leaves--she returns it...
GINGER
Good luck to you, too...
Ginger plays a few final chords of her song, when the woman *
comes out of the stall-- *
WOMAN IN STALL
I'd go to G major there, then maybe
something minor-ish in the bridge.
GINGER
Everybody's a freakin' musician?
WOMAN IN STALL
Just tryin' to help--
GINGER
G major you said? *
The woman hurries into the club. Ginger tries the G major
chord, with a minor-ish thing in the bridge.
38.
GINGER (CONT'D)
(shrugs)
Better...
CUT TO: *
EXT. DEWITT JONES'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT **
A cab is stopped--Dewitt STAGGERS out the back door towards
his apartment house. He's extremely smashed.
CUT TO:
INT. DEWITT JONES'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT **
Dewitt FALLS to the floor, taking a table with him. From
the floor, head spinning, he looks up.
DEWITT'S DRUNKEN P.O.V.--Vickie and Isaiah are watching him.
DEWITT
You came back!
VICKIE
The flight was canceled. We're
leaving tomorrow.
DEWITT
No, no! Wait till Sunday! I figured
it out--I had a hitch in my swing!
VICKIE
We're leaving tomorrow.
DEWITT
No! Come to the game--I want Isaiah
to see his father get a hit. Hell,
I'm gonna hang out ropes all over
the park.
She stares back at his pathetic presentation--what to say?
ISAIAH
Mamma, can we?
VICKIE
Shit...
CUT TO:
INT. SALTY VET APARTMENT HOUSE -- LATER -- NIGHT
Harry is curled up spooning his lady friend, while Nora sits
up in bed. Frankie, barely wrapped in a sheet, is in the *
kitchen.
39.
FRANKIE
You outta booze?
NORA
Some sour mash over there. *
Frankie spots and pops the top on a fresh bottle of sour
mash whiskey, returning to the bed. He takes a hit on the
joint, then POURS a glass of whiskey and keeps drinking.
NORA (CONT'D)
Honey, you gonna be okay to play
tomorrow night?
FRANKIE
Pretty boy's got the start.
(beat)
He's one of them guys when he comes
out of the shower, the towel around
his neck is perfectly folded and the
ends meet at exactly the same place...
NORA
What does that mean?
FRANKIE
Everything about him is perfect.
Plus--he's a generous and decent
human being.
NORA
Sounds like a nice guy.
FRANKIE
Another reason I hate him.
(beat)
C'mon, honey, let's roll again.
Climb on...
NORA
You're serious, aren't ya?
And the indefatigable Frankie starts to mount Nora once again-- *
HARRY HOUND *
Frankie, ya mind goin' in the other *
room? *
FRANKIE *
Yeah, sure, didn't know you was so *
uptight... *
Frankie and Nora go into the next room, and Harry and MaryJo *
sit up, alone at last. Soon enough-- *
40.*
Thumping and pounding from the next room through thin walls. *
MARYJO *
How'd you get into this line of work? *
HARRY HOUND *
I couldn't hit the curve ball but I *
loved the game so I looked around *
for a way to stay in it and finally *
found my true identity...my voice...my *
soul. *
MARYJO *
God, Harry, the way you talk...I *
could cry. *
HARRY HOUND *
I'm gettin' to the big leagues, baby, *
I'm goin' all the way. *
She cuddles him. He cuddles back. *
CUT TO: *
SATURDAY *
EXT. NASHVILLE FREEWAY -- DAY
Marty in his car--TALK RADIO fills the air.
TALK RADIO (O.S.)
Just when you think Nashville Hounds
General Manager Marty Crowley can't
sink any deeper, he comes up with--
Marty smiles and HITS a radio button.
ANOTHER TALK RADIO (O.S.)
--Colonoscopy Night? This would
never have happened if Harvey Hammer
hadn't passed away.
CALLER (O.S.)
Yeah. Of colon cancer. I think
it's a great idea to--
ANOTHER TALK RADIO (O.S.)
Who cares what you think? Next *
caller!
Marty smiles.
CUT TO:
41.
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- DAY
"NASHVILLE FREE CLINIC" BANNERS hang everywhere.
Marty moves around the ballpark like a ringmaster--
everything's hopping. To a TRUCK DRIVER--
MARTY
I ordered thirty cases of hot dogs
an' you're five cases short!
TRUCK DRIVER
Hey, I just drive--
MARTY
Maybird!
MAYBIRD
I'm all over it--
Marty hurries through the tunnel to the field, shouting--
MARTY
Guys! You got the scoreboard lights
fixed?
GUYS
Workin' on it--
MARTY
Not good enough. Maybird!
MAYBIRD
Yeah?
MARTY
Toilets?
MAYBIRD
Shit runnin' downhill, boss.
He turns--sitting in a box seat in an empty stadium, is Big
Jack Barnett. *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Damn, Marty, lotta friggin' work *
runnin' a ballclub--
MARTY
I don't have the money.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
My guys are serious as a heart attack-- *
42.
MARTY
Maybird! When the hot dogs are ready
bring a couple to Big Jack here...an' *
some beer an' popcorn an' Crackerjacks-- *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Hey I'm watchin' my carbs, Marty-- *
But Marty's off on another rant, shouting at the GROUND CREW.
MARTY
Guys! The grass looks dead!
GROUND CREW
It is dead.
MARTY
Paint it.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- DAY -- LATER
The Ground Crew SPRAY PAINTS the grass green, laying out
large SWATHS of green on the dry brown grass.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT OF THE BALLPARK -- DAY
Cash gets out of his car on his i-Phone, heading in. *
CASH (ON PHONE)
Hank, Hank, there's no opportunity
in gold anymore--served its purpose-- *
Time to get back into real estate. *
Yeah...Bend, Oregon--Golfing, fishing,
skiing--it's a destination. Gonna
turn around...
INT LOCKER ROOM -- DAY -- CONTINUOUS
Cash continues into the den of testosterone, deeply connected
to his investment broker.
CASH (ON PHONE) (CONT'D)
And run some Vegas numbers--high end *
condos only, they're givin' 'em away.
(beat)
No, no, it's going great here. I'll
be with the big club by Sunday--count
on it. Yeah...later.
He hangs up to see Andy blast Rook on the video game.
43.
ANDY
Boom! Dead man! Punch out! Boom!
ROOK
Shit...
Cash ENTERS, goes to his locker, starts to undress.
ANDY
Hey, pretty boy! Ready for the king?
CASH
Pitchin' tonight--gotta meditate.
ANDY
Meditate this.
Andy grabs his crotch--he's 37 going on 13--as Cash EXITS
with his iPod, into the:
CUT TO:
INT. TRAINING ROOM -- DAY
Cash LIES DOWN quietly on a table, another PLAYER gets a
rubdown on another table from the TEAM TRAINER.
CASH
If I fall asleep, wake me in thirty.
CLOSE ON Cash--Sibelius's Andante festivo on his iPod. He *
SHUTS HIS EYES--the calmest man in the city.
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM OF LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Frankie's on his knees at the porcelain altar, HEAVING his
guts up. Harry sits nearby, part vassal, part shrink, he
wears his costume, save the head which sits on the floor.
HARRY HOUND
...man ya can't mix that sour mash
an' wine. An' beer.
FRANKIE
That Maryjo was smokin', eh?
HARRY HOUND
You were with Nora.
More heaving, unfazed. *
CUT TO:
44.
INT. SKIP'S OFFICE -- DAY
Dewitt ENTERS with his son--Skip knits. *
DEWITT
Hey, Skip--
SKIP
Lemme finish the damn row--if I drop *
a stitch I'm hosed. *
DEWITT *
Skip--I got it. I was hitchin'--
(demonstrates)
--right here. Hangin' out nothin'
but leenyas and ropos t'night...
ISAIAH
My daddy's gonna break outta his
slump!
SKIP
Works for me--
Dewitt and his son leave--Skip resumes knitting.
CUT TO:
INT. TRAINING ROOM -- DAY
Cash rolls from his sleep with Sibelius to a sitting position,
answering his phone.
CASH (ON PHONE)
Hey, baby...
(beat)
You're where?! *
INTERCUT TO: *
EXT. PARKING LOT OF THE BALLPARK -- DAY
Ging re paces, smoking, next to her car--she's a wreck. *
GINGER (ON PHONE)
I'm havin' an anxiety attack about
tonight.
CASH (ON PHONE)
Just butterflies, hon'--
GINGER (ON PHONE)
I gotta see you.
CUT TO:
45.
INT. GINGER'S CAR -- DAY
Cash and Ginger sit--she unloads, grabbing her guitar.
GINGER
My fingers are frozen, I can't play
the chords, I can't remember the
chords!
She clanks a few chords--he gently takes the guitar from her
hand and puts it in the back seat.
CASH
I'm nervous before I pitch, too.
Something's wrong if you're not.
GINGER *
I'm a wreck...need to calm down big
time. Cash...I need you right now.
CASH
Tonight. After you knock 'em dead.
After I pitch.
GINGER
After you pitch you're going to the
big leagues--
CASH
The next day--
GINGER
And I won't see you ever again-- *
CASH
So we have tonight--and who says we
can't see each other after that?
GINGER
Make love to me...
CASH
I'd be beat before I threw a pitch. *
GINGER
I know, I know...
(beat)
So do what a gentleman would do and
take care of the lady.
Cash looks around--CONCESSION WORKERS drift into the ballpark.
She arranges her dress, pulls it up a bit. He reaches over
with his right hand, looking around a little nervously. His
hand slips under her dress...into her panties.
46.
GINGER (CONT'D)
You are a gentleman...
(breathlessly)
Oh yeah...ohyeah...ohyeah...
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM IN LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Frankie sits on the can, a thermometer in his mouth.
TEAM TRAINER
One-O-Two. You ain't just hungover.
You sick.
FRANKIE
I got the runs, too...
TEAM TRAINER
You ever think about changing your *
lifestyle a little?
FRANKIE
No. *
CUT TO: *
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- DAY
Looking down on the field being prepared, as ballplayers
come out and begin warming up. The BIG CLUB G.M. and the
CHIEF OF SCOUTING are with Marty.
MARTY
Cash Adams is all you hoped he'd be *
when you drafted him first--
BIG CLUB G.M. *
And the character issues?
MARTY
He's got the maturity of a veteran.
CUT TO:
INT. GINGER'S CAR -- DAY
Cash works hard--sweating--and Ginger gasps, on her way.
GINGER
Damn... *
CASH
Better?
47.
GINGER
You've got great hands...
CASH
Thanks...
GINGER
I'm startin' to relax...I'm a little *
slow but the payoff's big...
Cash is a bit strained, but works it like an All-American.
CASH
Gettin' there, sweetie?
GINGER
Circlin' the runway, baby...
(defensively)
I know, I know, I'm slow...
CASH
You don't have to talk...
GINGER
Sorry...
CASH
Or apologize...
Suddenly, finally, the dam breaks.
GINGER
Oh yeah...oh yeah...ohhhhhh!
CUT TO:
INT. CLUBHOUSE -- LATER -- DAY
SLAM! CRASH! BANG! Cash throws anything he can find in *
any direction--all with his left hand--a human hurricane of *
rage. *
CASH *
Goddammnit! You stupid freakin' *
idiot! *
Other players back away, afraid to ask questions, until the *
trainer enters hearing the racket. *
TRAINER *
What is it?! *
Cash holds up his swollen right hand--the trainer holds it *
gently, studying it, feeling it. *
48.
TRAINER (CONT'D)
Dorsal side of the canal...tender?
(Cash nods)
And the volar side? Transverse carpal
ligament...flexor tendons to each of
the digits and median nerves...
(Cash winces)
Repetitive stress injury...
(beat)
Carpal tunnel syndrome. *
Skip charges in. *
SKIP *
What did you say you were doing? *
Cash grunts a nothing response.
SKIP (CONT'D) *
Can you hold a baseball?
He can't. *
SKIP (CONT'D)
You ain't pitchin' tonight.
Cash's face collapses--at last completely transparent as *
Skip whirls and leaves--there's no sentiment in baseball.
SKIP (CONT'D)
Frankie! Where's Frankie?!
Cash lowers his right hand into a bucket of ice, mutters. *
CASH *
Fool... *
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM IN LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Frankie's on his knees again. Harry stands above him when--
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
SKIP (O.S.)
Frankie! You in there?!
INTERCUT TO:
INT. OUTSIDE BATHROOM IN LOCKER ROOM -- DAY
Skip POUNDS on the door.
SKIP
You okay?
49.
FRANKIE
(mumbling)
I'm great.
HARRY HOUND
He's great.
SKIP
Cash got hurt. You're starting
tonight.
FRANKIE
I'm ready...
Frankie DRY HEAVES violently. Harry steps out of the crapper,
confronting Skip.
HARRY HOUND
He's ready.
Frankie ROLLS OVER onto his side, grimacing next to the
toilet. As he retches, we hear:
VOICES (SINGING) *
Oh say can you see...
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE on their feet--a sellout. And Harry
Hound leads them in our National Anthem. At homeplate--his *
right paw across his heart. *
HARRY HOUND (SINGING)
...by the dawn's early light...
DOG MOUTH P.O.V.--We're back looking through the mascot's
costume--at the crowd singing with great conviction.
CUT TO:
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
The Big Club G.M. and Chief of Scouting are with Marty--they
stand at attention National Anthem continues, talking.
BIG CLUB G.M.
Cash got hurt?
CHIEF OF SCOUTING *
Book us a flight--we're outta here...
BIG CLUB G.M.
I need a drink--
50.
MARTY
Maybird, take 'em up to the Hound
Dog Club.
BIG CLUB G.M.
Hound Dog Club?
MAYBIRD
We shouldn't be talking during the
National Anthem.
THE MEN
Sorry...
The song ends and as they EXIT, Marty stays and watches--
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK - AT THE PLATE -- NIGHT
Iris Hammer, elegantly attired, at a mike in front of a *
sellout crowd-- *
IRIS HAMMER *
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we
launch the Harvey Hammer Foundation
to promote early screening. So check
the number printed in your program--
and we'll give away three free
colonoscopies at the top of every
inning...
Harry Hound Dog HOLDS UP box containing program numbers.
IRIS HAMMER (CONT'D) *
The first winner of the evening holds
program number...Two-three-six...
ANGLE TO THE CROWD--People check their programs with
enthusiasm--free hot dogs or a camera up your ass.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS BULLPEN -- NIGHT **
FRANKIE'S P.O.V. TO HIS CATCHER--As he warms up. What he
sees is fuzzy and shaking and, well, hungover. Andy, the
catcher, APPROACHES.
ANDY
You okay?
FRANKIE
Gimme the ball-- *
51.
ANDY
How you gonna read the signs when I
give 'em, eh? How many fingers?
Andy HOLDS UP TWO FINGERS.
FRANKIE
One.
ANDY *
Close enough...
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
Cash sits alone, his right hand still in a bucket of ice. *
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
As the players RUN OUT on the field to start the game, Frankie
grabs his glove and staggers to the mound. Skip grabs Andy.
SKIP
Is he sick or just screwed up? *
ANDY
And the difference would be?
Andy PULLS ON his mask and trots out to the plate.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
ANGLE--Dewitt's wife and son settle into their seats.
ANGLE--Big Jack Barnett with a beer. *
ANGLE to Iris Hammer watching the game from Marty's office. *
A drink is served. She motions that it's a bit "light."
ANGLE to the Big G.M. and Scout, drinks in hand, watching.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
Cash in street clothes, hand wrapped in an ice pack and
bandages, settles in to watch in silence, as--
Cash'S P.O.V.--Frankie's first pitch--a blistering fastball.
52.
UMP
Strike one...
CUT TO:
INT. HOUND DOG CLUB -- NIGHT
The Big Club G.M. turns to his Chief Scout.
BIG CLUB G.M.
Had some hop to it. Get the gun.
The scout pulls a radar gun from his bag.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
FRANKIE STRIKES OUT a hitter, followed by...
A WEAK GROUND BALL for the second out, and...
ANOTHER STRIKE OUT--inning over. On his way to the dugout.
CUT TO: *
EXT. WIVES' SECTION OF THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Isaiah's on his feet.
ISAIAH
Daddy's hittin' leenyas and ropos, *
Mamma...just watch...no hitch.
VICKIE
(flatly)
No hitch...
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
AT THE PLATE--Dewitt in the batter's box with confidence.
DEWITT
(to catcher)
Hey, bro', that rainout get you a
little action last night?
OPPOSING CATCHER
Watched Discovery Channel about frogs. *
Some frogs are, like, homos? You *
know that? *
53.
DEWITT
Frogs take it up the ass?
OPPOSING CATCHER
Didn't go into details. So...what'd *
you do in the rainout? Go another O
for five?
DEWITT
Figured it out. Had a hitch my swing.
OPPOSING CATCHER
You ain't hitchin'--you're
overstridin'.
DEWITT
That's what the mascot said. *
OPPOSING CATCHER
You listenin' to the dog?
DEWITT
The dog ain't stupid...
OPPOSING CATCHER
Hey, 'Witt, I'm tryin' to help you *
here. Fastball--down the chute. My
guy ain't got shit.
(beat)
C'mon, pods, leenya...
The pitch--Dewitt's overstriding, hitching, stepping in the
bucket--he's lost it all. STRIKE THREE--Inning over. *
CUT TO:
EXT. WIVES' SECTION OF THE STANDS -- NIGHT **
Isaiah dies a thousand deaths. *
ISAIAH *
Mom? What's wrong? *
CUT TO: *
INT. HOUND DOG CLUB -- NIGHT **
The Big Club G.M. shakes his head.
CHIEF OF SCOUTING *
We gotta trade trade Dewitt? *
BIG CLUB G.M.
Just cut him. It's easier.
54.
CHIEF OF SCOUTING
And our first round pick out of U
Miami--looks like he's gonna sign.
BIG CLUB G.M.
See if he's ready for Triple A.
CHIEF OF SCOUTING
What about Chico?
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK -- NIGHT **
MONTAGE THE GAME as:
FRANKIE FIRES nothing but heat.
IRIS HAMMER REFILLS her drink, alongside Marty--they toast. *
DEWITT STRIKES OUT, pops up, does nothing.
HARRY'S DOG MOUTH P.O.V.--Looking for hot college girls.
FRANKIE PUKES in the bathroom between innings.
CASH WATCHES IT ALL, hand in ice.
FRANKIE STRIKES OUT the final batter--Nashville wins, and we--
CUT TO:
INT. SKIP'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Game's just over--Frankie sticks his head in Skip's room.
FRANKIE
You wanted to see me?
SKIP
Helluva job. Here ya go--
Skip hands him an envelope.
FRANKIE
What's this?
SKIP
E-ticket stuff. You're on a nine
A.M. to Chicago to meet the big club.
FRANKIE
Damn straights...
55.
SKIP
Frankie, listen to me. Up there,
you gotta stay under control. Big
money up there--don't blow it.
FRANKIE
I know what I'm doin'.
And Frankie's out the door, holding up the envelope in--
THE LOCKER ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
Frankie's ebullient, still in pain.
FRANKIE (CONT'D)
Goin' up, boys! Joinin' the big
club in Chicago tomorrow...
PLAYERS
Give 'em hell...way to go...etc...
ANDY
An' gimme a call to tell me what big
league pussy's like--
Cash SITS in the corner, his injured hand wrapped. Watching.
CUT TO:
INT. SKIP'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
Chico opens the door.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
You wanted to see me?
Skip speaks Spanish badly--but the message is clear.
SKIP (IN SPANISH)
The Big Club wants their first round
pick to start in Triple A...and
so...we're releasing you.
Jaw dropping stunning news to the Dominican player.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
But I'm playing good! *
SKIP (IN SPANISH)
You can catch on in Triple A, Chic'--
I think Portland needs a shortstop.
CHICO (IN SPANISH)
This is bullshit!
56.
SKIP (IN SPANISH)
Well, yeah...it is. I'll put in a
word for ya...
Chico whirls and leaves and we stay on Skip's face--he hates
this, but he's done it before and he'll do it again. And so
he knits.
CUT TO:
EXT. UNDERNEATH THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Harry takes off his head--it's been a big night. The Clubby
comes over.
CLUBBY
Harry, there's woman askin' for ya--
name's Judy.
HARRY HOUND
Don't know no Judy's--
And the woman appears from a walkway around the corner--it's *
the woman with husband and children from the opening.
MOM
I'm Judy. Remember--two nights ago?
HARRY HOUND
Husband and three kids?
MOM
Yeah. They'll be out of town next
week. Here's my number.
She hands him a folded paper and she's gone.
CLUBBY
(to Harry)
I'm gonna be a mascot when I grow
up.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
Frankie has showered and dressed--the place is pretty empty
now. But Cash is still there--he approaches Frankie, reaches
out with his left hand.
CASH
Congratulations. You threw great.
FRANKIE
Caught a break when you got hurt...
57.
CASH
I'll be back. Good luck up there.
FRANKIE
Appreciate it...
Cash goes one direction. Frankie the other. We stay with
Cash, as he turns into a tunnel leading out of the maze.
CASH
You throw shit. They'll kill you up *
there. *
CUT TO:
EXT. UNDERNEATH THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Harry's almost dressed now, as Frankie arrives, hands him
the envelope with pride.
FRANKIE
Gettin' called up.
HARRY HOUND
You shittin' me?!
(big embrace)
Who'm I gonna hang with?
FRANKIE
Not my problem, Dawg.
Harry reads the itinerary.
HARRY HOUND
Says there'll be a team rep to meet
you at the V.I.P. Lounge.
FRANKIE
V.I.P. Lounge--y'believe that?! *
HARRY HOUND
(concerned, parental)
Okay. Throw strikes, you'll be fine.
Trust me. I've sent a lot of guys
to the show.
FRANKIE
You're the greatest, Harry, I mean *
it. *
And Frankie's gone, a manchild heading to Broadway.
CUT TO:
58.
EXT. PARKING LOT OF THE BALLPARK -- NIGHT
Dewitt and his family get into the car. Stunning silence.
He's now 0 for 29.
CUT TO:
EXT. NASHVILLE BALLPARK BEHIND THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Cash moves quietly as fans disperse, and suddenly hears:
VOICE (O.S.)
Mike.
He FREEZES--he knows the voice. He turns.
CASH
Lisa.
LISA
I'm sorry to surprise you. I flew
back to see you 'cause I didn't want
to tell you over the phone.
CASH
Tell me what?
LISA
I'm pregnant.
The bomb that has landed on her life, now lands on his.
CASH
We haven't been together for three
months.
LISA
I'm three months pregnant.
Silence--FANS pass.
FAN
Hey, Cash! Hang in there! You'll
get 'em!
CLOSE ON CASH--Blindsided.
CUT TO:
INT. MARRIOTT HOTEL CLUB LOUNGE -- NIGHT
Cash and Lisa at the bar. He motions for a second martini.
59.*
LISA
I'm keeping the baby. And I'm not
asking for money...
CASH
I'll take care of that part...
LISA
I just want to know if this child
will know its father or if--
They hear an announcement and look toward the stage. *
ANGLE BACKSTAGE as Ginger approaches, cut off by EMCEE. *
GINGER *
Where's the A & R lady and honcho? *
EMCEE *
Renee Bell and Dann Huff. Back row *
left. Good luck. *
Ginger CLIMBS ONSTAGE with a guitar, grabbing a mike.
GINGER *
Thank you...my name's Ginger Ledoux
and I love that you're here... *
ANGLE TO LISA AND CASH at the bar. Women know.
LISA
And she would be the reason we're
here? No problem. Kinda cute...
ANGLE TO THE STAGE--Ginger launches in: *
GINGER (SINGING) *
I spent a bit of time in Nashville, *
Where no one knew my name, Thought *
it would take just a couple of months, *
To land in country music's Hall of *
Fame... *
ANGLE TO MUSIC HONCHOS as they whisper, comparing notes re: *
Ginger. She's promising. *
GINGER (SINGING) (CONT'D) *
Everyone said my star would shine, *
Won every competition every time, *
But he assistants in the music bus, *
Sure are hard to get by... *
GINGER'S P.O.V. of the music honchos whispering. *
Ginger panics, performance anxiety suddenly grips her. *
60.*
GINGER (SINGING) (CONT'D) *
So I'm not famous yet... *
Ginger hesitates, begins to hyper-ventilate a little. *
GINGER (CONT'D) *
Oh dear... *
(beat) *
I, uh... *
(beat) *
So I'm not famous yet... *
Ginger is overwhelmed with fear and nausea. And she runs *
from the stage. *
EMCEE *
You okay? *
GINGER *
I'm sick! *
EMCEE *
Over here-- *
He directs her to a ladies room and we hear her retching. *
ANGLE TO RENEE BELL AND DANN HUFF--Talking. They shake their *
heads and rise to leave, and as they do-- *
Ginger charges back on stage and sees them leaving. *
GINGER *
Hey! Bigshots! Where you going *
after sixteen bars?! So I had a *
moment? You tellin' me Tami Wynette *
never had a moment?! *
Cash steps out in front of the two music biggies. *
CASH *
She's great! What the hell you doin'? *
RENEE BELL *
She's not ready. *
CASH *
She's ready! *
But the music honchos EXIT and Ginger just laughs, until the *
EMCEE HURRIES out to lead her off stage.
EMCEE
Pull yourself together--you'll have *
another chance. *
61.
Ginger leaves the stage, and PLOPS DOWN next to Cash and his *
pregnant ex-girlfriend at the bar. *
GINGER
Screwdriver. Make it a double.
(to Cash)
I'm so sorry...it was going good *
till I panicked, right? *
CASH AND LISA *
--was going great. Till then. *
GINGER
Those were the biggies I just scared *
off. They didn't even wait for the *
bridge--
LISA
You don't need them anymore, y'know? *
Music companies are history. *
GINGER
I been thinking about that but I'm
not sure how to--
(extends hand)
I'm Ginger.
LISA
Lisa. Old friend of Cash's. I'm co-
founder of a big social networking
company in California--we have a
great team of website designers and
we're expanding in the arts.
Lisa hands Ginger her business card. Cash's head is spinning--
suddenly caught between these women on one very bad day.
GINGER
I'm down with that. I just gotta
lose this self-destructive streak
that's killin' me...
(to Cash)
I gotta be more like you. Tough as
nails and always prepared.
CASH
How?
LISA
Yeah, how? Some people think Cash
has a lot of Diva in him.
CASH
Says who?
62.
LISA
Some people think you're not a "big
game" pitcher--they think you're
great when nothing's on the line but
in the "big game"--
CASH
Name one big game I gagged?
LISA
That's the point. You always seem
to get hurt just before a "big game"
and so you never really test yourself
when it's all on the line.
CASH
That's bullshit.
LISA
I'm just quoting...okay, okay, I'll
drop it.
(innocently)
By the way, what happened to your
hand?
GINGER *
(notices his hand) *
Yeah, what happened to your hand? *
Cash is at a loss, so turns for comfort to the bartender. *
CASH
Bartender?
He raises his bandaged hand to order another drink.
CUT TO:
INT. GENERAL MANAGER'S OFFICE -- NIGHT
The ballpark below is virtually empty as Marty stares down--
it was a great night. Big Jack Barnett sits, strumming... *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
See, you believed you could run a
track and gamble on the side...
MARTY
I could for awhile. I got cold...
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Your problem is that you're a
believer. The world doesn't lay
down for believers. Smart guys are
thieves. Winners bet sure things.
63.
MARTY
I'm not a thief and there's no sure
things...
BIG JACK BARNETT *
No...but there's a horse at Churchill
Downs next week named Mr. Purple--
finished third in the Florida Derby.
People think he can't go the distance
but fact is he swallowed his tongue
at the 3/4 pole. Nobody knows that's
what happened but I got friends in
the barn told me. That horse can
run all day--and he'll go off at
forty to one.
MARTY
I'm clean, Jack I'm clean... *
Maybird ENTERS with the steel strong box.
MAYBIRD
Omigod, boss, what a great night for
the Hounds, eh? The receipts are--
(she reads)
A hundred an' sixty eight thousand,
four hundred two dollars an' change... *
She HANDS HIM the lockbox; he SETS it down.
MARTY
Great work, 'Bird, get outta here
and I'll see you tomorrow.
MAYBIRD
Double-header starts at one.
She smiles cheerily and EXITS. Big Jack Barnett strums more *
chords.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
If I go back empty handed, they send
a slice an' dice guy.
MARTY
I don't like knives.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Ballpark reminds me of a garden...so
green and lush...
MARTY
Painted the grass this morning...
Big Jack Barnett eases into an old gospel song. *
64.
BIG JACK BARNETT (SINGING) *
I come to the garden alone, when the
dew is still on the roses...
Marty joins him singing in harmony, the chorus.
BIG JACK BARNETT AND MARTY (SINGING) *
And he walks with me and he talks
with me and he tells me I am his *
own... *
ANGLE DOWN THE HALLWAY--Maybird hears the singing and turns.
MAYBIRD'S P.O.V. into the office. As they sing, Marty UNLOCKS
the lockbox, PULLS OUT and counts twenty thousand dollars.
He LAYS the money in front of Big Jack Barnett as they finish *
singing. Maybird, terrified to witness this, hurries away.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Strong play.
MARTY
Just borrowing it.
BIG JACK BARNETT *
Better hit the road--
MARTY
An' never come back no more, no more-- *
BIG JACK BARNETT *
I gotta come back.
MARTY
Why?
BIG JACK BARNETT *
(pulls out a program)
Program number four-two-six-six. I
won a free colonoscopy.
A smile and Big Jack Barnett is gone. *
CUT TO:
EXT. UNDERNEATH THE STANDS -- NIGHT
Marty opens an electric panel and TURNS OFF A BREAKER and
the stadium lights go off. Only security lights remain.
CLOSE ON MARTY--A good night. He SMELLS something.
CUT TO:
65.
EXT. HOUND DOGS' DUGOUT -- NIGHT
Marty ENTERS the dugout through the tunnel, to see Harry
sitting there peacefully SMOKING a big joint.
MARTY
Goddamnit, Harry! You can't smoke
that shit at the ballpark!
HARRY HOUND
It was a great night, boss...
MARTY
(shifts, relaxes)
Yeah, it was.
(beat)
You still on good terms with your
friend...Joey Two Phones? The bookie
with shingles?
Harry nods, refusing to exhale.
MARTY (CONT'D)
Can you get me down on the Derby?
HARRY HOUND
Sure. How much?
MARTY
A grand. Got a horse I really like.
HARRY HOUND
You're down.
Marty's cell rings. He answers. *
MARTY (ON PHONE) *
Yeah? *
INTERCUT TO: *
INT. THE MANSION OF IRIS HAMMER -- NIGHT **
Iris Hammer looks stunning in yet another silk robe, with *
yet another drink in hand. She's completely sober. *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
Marty... *
MARTY (ON PHONE) *
Mrs. Hammer. *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
Ms. Hammer. Wonderful job with the *
promotion.
66.*
MARTY (ON PHONE) *
Thank you, ma'am. *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
What're you doing later? *
MARTY (ON PHONE) *
Later when? *
IRIS HAMMER (ON PHONE) *
Later tonight... *
Marty inhales deeply and exhales slowly. Harry seems to get *
what just happened and smiles broadly. *
HARRY HOUND *
Take me out to the old ballgame, eh, *
Boss? *
FREEZE FRAME ON MARTY EXHALING AND HARRY SMILING *
*
