font color="#FF0000">Improved By: Fidel33
(WATER TRICKLING)
(GUS SIGHS)
GUS: All right.
Okay. Come on, now.
Come on, boy.
Let's not take your sweet-ass time about this. Jesus.
All right.
Okay, that's it.
(CONTINUOUS STREAMING)
Ah, good.
Don't laugh, I outlived you, you little bastard.
(GRUNTS)
Goddamn it. Son-of-a-bitch.
Breakfast of champions.
(CLAPPING AND CHEERING)
(CHEERING)
You trying to tell me Sammy Davis Jr. Was better looking than Robert Redford?
No question.
Better actor too.
(GUS CHUCKLES)
Sammy should've been the Sundance Kid.
Ah. You're out of your mind.
No, they're right.
Sammy only had one eye, but he cut quite a figure.
I know what you're doing.
You're trying to piss me off, but it's not gonna work. Not this time.
UMPIRE: Strike.
You boys enjoy the fishing, I'll see you up in the Carolinas.
Where you going, Gus? Aren't you gonna see what he's got?
I've seen all this guy's got.
My daughter can throw better than that.
Good luck.
NEIL: (OVER INTERCOM) Mickey, it's time.
MICKEY: Yep.
- They're ready for you, Miss Lobel. MICKEY: Thank you.
Hard to believe it's been seven years.
Time flies when you're working your ass off.
Excuse me, doing your life's work.
So where do you stand on the Landau case?
- I like my chances. - That could be quite a coup for us.
It's all very impressive.
Thank you.
You'd be the youngest partner this firm's ever had.
There is a reason I've not taken a Saturday off in seven years. I want this. Bad.
So does Todd. He's been productive for a long time.
He's a quality associate.
But I have been more productive.
And I agree with you, he is a quality associate.
You'd be the only woman.
Gentlemen, my father is a baseball scout.
And while he was hardly attentive, the one thing he did give me was experience.
I took a lot of road trips.
I grew up around men who swore, drank, and farted.
(ROSENBLOOM CHUCKLES)
Trust me, I can handle it.
Let us bring it to the partnership committee.
- Then we'll talk. - Great.
ANNOUNCER: (ON TV) Hudson, a 17-game winner last year...
MAN: Order up!
You need some money for some new clothes?
I just came from yoga.
You into that voodoo, huh?
Yeah. I'm thinking about getting three sixes tattooed across my forehead.
- What about the partnership? - We're close.
There's just some competition from another attorney, but he's harmless.
You got a boyfriend?
I'm seeing somebody, sort of.
And has he got a job?
He's an attorney.
(GUS GRUMBLES)
Well, marry him. He'll probably be a great provider.
I can provide for myself just fine.
Hudson, he's really painting the corners tonight.
Guy's a true artist.
I'm gonna go.
- What? - I'm going to go.
You haven't finished your dinner yet.
Oh, I've had enough.
Suit yourself.
Absolutely tremendous. Prescott just went three-for-three again last night.
Didn't he just get arrested for assault?
Allegedly.
Kid's hitting 350, ready to move to Double A.
So let's not rush to judgment.
You seen him play lately?
I don't need to see him play.
(SCOFFS)
You and that computer. Heh.
Need to stay current, Pete.
These programs are an essential tool to evaluating today's talent.
In fact, there's only one scout in the entire organization...
maybe in all of baseball, that doesn't use this technology.
Maybe that's why he's only signed three kids in what, last four years?
This isn't like a store. You can't just go in and get what you want.
Maybe there's nothing out there. Maybe his territory's a little thin.
What about Billy Clark in Rome? Didn't Gus sign him?
Heh, yeah, and he's struggling. Kid's in a big-time slump.
He'll come around. Gus could spot talent from an airplane.
I just hope we're not missing anything, that's all.
I mean, he is getting up there.
Should we send him to look at Gentry?
Of course. The Carolinas are his territory.
Draft's in nine days.
I don't want any surprises.
You're talking about one of the best scouts baseball's ever seen.
You're talking about the guy that signed Ralph Garr, Dusty Baker...
Dale Murphy, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones.
The list goes on.
With all due respect, Pete, the game's changed.
It's so much bigger now. It's global.
Need somebody to keep up with the times.
Gus couldn't even turn on a typewriter, let alone a computer.
Look, we all hate to think it, but he may be ready for pasture.
- When's his contract up? PHILLIP: Three months.
We carry the option.
For chrissakes, what is this? Gus Lobel can do the job.
If he proves me wrong, I'll take full responsibility.
Until then, let's just worry about the guys on the field.
(REVVING)
(CRASHING)
GUS: Shit.
Bunch of goddamn midgets design this garage?
(GUS GROANS)
(BANGING AND CLANGING)
Come on, number five. Strike him out, boy.
Billy Clark ain't got nothing on you, baby.
That Billy Clark is a bum. We haven't seen him hit a baseball all year.
Come on, Billy.
("CHARGE" PLAYING ON ORGAN)
MAN: Here it comes, Billy. Here it comes, baby. Go, baby.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
(AUDIENCE GROANS)
ANNOUNCER: And that'll do it, with the final score
Intimidators 5, Braves 2.
Better luck next time, boys.
(SIGHS)
How long before they release me?
You're just in a slump. No big deal.
I'm in a coma.
Yeah. Look, when I first signed you up, you were hitting great.
You were the quickest bat alive.
I don't know what my problem is. I just can't concentrate like I should.
GUS: What about your family? They still over in Akron?
- Yeah. Just outside. - Mm-hm.
When was the last time you saw them?
It's been a while.
They would make the drive down, but, uh, money's just kind of tight right now.
You worry about baseball.
I'll take care of getting your parents here so you can see them.
No problem.
Thanks, Gus.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Gus, you home?
Oh.
It's 9:00 in the morning, where the hell else would I be?
I guess that means I can come in.
Yeah, come on in.
Breakfast will be here in a minute.
Have a seat.
PETE: Busy?
Yeah. Just doing my homework, that's all.
Gus, did you ever think in a million years computers would be a part of this game?
Computers?
Anybody uses computers doesn't know a damn thing about this game.
If you wanted to, you could access any high school or college roster...
pull the stats on any player any time.
You wouldn't have to waste time with all these papers.
I'm not wasting my time. I enjoy doing this.
You know, they got a special program now that can calculate a player's stats...
and based on the competition he's seen...
tell you whether or not he's ready for the next level. You believe that?
Yeah, what else does it tell you? When to scratch your ass?
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
I don't like them either, but they're part of the business now.
Pete, scouts, good scouts, are the heart of this game.
They decide who's gonna play, if they're lucky they decide how it's gonna be played.
But a computer, that can't tell if a kid's got instincts or not...
or if he can hit a cut-off man, or hit behind the runner.
Or look into a kid's face that's just gone oh-for-four...
and know if he's gonna be able to come back like nothing's happened.
No, a computer can't tell you all that crap, I'll tell you. No.
What do you think about Bo Gentry?
I don't know. He looks pretty good on paper.
I'll take a look at him, see if he can play.
If the Red Sox pass with their first pick...
I know Phillip really wants to take him.
Phillip.
Well, tell him to check his computer. What we need is a pitcher.
Yeah.
Maybe, uh, he can find one on his interweb. Heh.
Spotlight's really on this kid.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Well, there's breakfast.
DANNY: Morning, Mr. Lobel.
Got your Canadian bacon, extra anchovies, chili peppers.
- Wow, that's a work of art, Danny. - Yeah, it's gross.
- And I got your newspapers. - Oh, thanks.
Right here.
- There you go. - Thank you.
- Keep that. - Uh...
Mr. Lobel, did you mean to give me 50?
No, no, I was just... l was just testing you. Heh.
Here.
Here's a 20 for the pizza and keep the five for yourself.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Some new kind of style I'm not up on?
That's Fang-shmay. Don't you know anything?
(SNIFFS)
Ah.
What you looking at?
Gus, are you all right?
Yeah, fine.
We go back. If something were wrong, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?
Course.
Because if for any reason, you're not up to it...
we could send somebody from Charlotte.
Might be easier on you.
I don't need easier.
Have you thought about what you might do when your contract's up?
Sure. Sign another one for more money.
You ever think about retirement?
What's this all about?
There's just a lot of pressure right now.
Phillip has Vince's ear. Pumping him full of ideas. Telling him we need new blood.
Young new blood.
Yeah. Phillip doesn't have a lick of sense, they're gonna find that out sooner or later.
- They're worried about Billy Clark. - Don't worry about Billy.
He can hit. He just needs to see his mama, that's all.
In fact, I put in some paperwork already to have his folks come down and see him.
I can't do that.
You want him to hit?
Do it.
You know the game better than most...
and I'll always go to bat for you. I just want to make sure you're up for it.
Want something to eat?
How's Mickey?
Good.
Good. They're gonna make her a partner in her firm, at least she thinks.
Tell her I said hey.
Yeah.
(DOOR OPENS THEN CLOSES)
(THUD)
(KIDS SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
TEEN: Richard. TYLER: No, I'm not.
BOY #1: Yeah, he tagged you. TEEN: Come on, guys.
All right, look out. A-Rod's up.
This'll be an easy out, guys. Easy out.
BOY #2: Oh, really? Then who are you gonna be?
Josh Beckett. I'm gonna throw at your A-Rod head.
- We'll see about that. TYLER: Outfielders, move in.
BOY #3: Hey, batter, batter. TYLER: Hey, batter, batter.
Beckett winds and delivers.
He comes with a nasty slider that A-Rod just barely gets a piece of.
A-Rod's in the type of slump he couldn't hit the beach with a beach ball.
Here comes the oh-one.
A-Rod lines a shot to center.
The outfielder can't make the play.
The ball goes under his glove, rolling all the way to the wall.
He's rounding third, gonna try to make it home. Here comes the throw at the plate.
Safe! Safe! He beat the tag! The Yankees win the game!
I do not believe it! The Yankees win the game!
BOY #1: What a weirdo.
- Yeah, okay. BOY #2: Dork.
It'd help if you wouldn't fidget.
Well, if I wasn't blind, I would be after having that light stuck in my eye.
You see anything in there, other than open space?
I'm afraid I do.
I'm not sure, but, uh, there are indications of macular degeneration...
or maybe glaucoma.
Or maybe nothing.
Well, let's find out. We'll, uh, get you an appointment with a specialist.
No, no. No appointments.
- I haven't got time. I've got the season. - Well, you better make time.
Look, LIoyd, let's just pretend I wasn't even in here.
Oh, God.
(CAREY BELL'S "BLUES WITH A FEELING" PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
Blues with a feeling That's what I have.
How's it going, Gus?
Crap, Jimmy. Absolute crap.
- How about a game of Keno, Gus? - I don't think so.
- Come on, one game. - I said, I don't think so.
That means no, goddamn it.
Okay, okay. What crawled up your ass?
Old age.
(LIGHT ROCK MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
GREG: I just want to see where this goes.
MICKEY: So do I.
Then step up.
Can we agree on being exclusive?
See what happens.
Just see where it goes.
Mickey, I don't mean to be pushy, but...
we're perfect together.
Friends, lawyers.
If you look at it on paper, it makes perfect sense.
WAITER #1: I mean, a no-hitter. Jurrjens was awesome.
WAITER #2: Couldn't have without that catch by Heyward.
Excuse me. Did you just say Jair Jurrjens pitched a no-hitter?
Walked one, or would have had a perfect game. Blowing people away.
I doubt that.
I'm sorry?
He's a sinker-ball guy.
He's crafty, makes his living on the corners.
Wow.
You're quite a baseball fan.
Just picked up a few things growing up.
FEMALE VOICE: (OVER RECORDER) You have one new message.
ROSENBLOOM: (ON MACHINE) Mickey, it's Daniel Rosenbloom.
We've spoken with the partnership committee.
You win the Landau case...
I think we'll be holding a big reception to introduce you as the firm's new partner.
(MACHINE BEEPS)
Yes!
(PHONE RINGING)
Who the hell is calling me up at this time of night?
Hello?
The undersigned hereby substitutes Georgia Reconveyance Company...
NEIL: (OVER INTERCOM) Mickey?
- What? - You have a visitor.
Pete.
Can we talk for a second?
Have you noticed anything lately? Has he been acting any differently?
No, he is as unpleasant as usual.
He been sick at all?
I don't think so.
Mick, if something goes wrong up in Carolina with this kid Gentry...
he's gonna be out of a job.
Well, let's hope that doesn't happen.
That would be the end of one of the all-time great love stories.
- He wouldn't do well without his work. - What do you want me to do about it?
Carolina's beautiful this time of year.
(CHUCKLES)
No. No way. He has his life, I have my life.
That is the way it's always been. That's the way he wants it.
Just for a couple of days. To make sure everything goes okay.
It'd be nice for you two to spend some time together.
Nice for who?
If you won't do it for him, do it for me.
He's my friend for 30 years. I care about him.
Don't try to manipulate me. I'm an attorney, that's my job.
I'm sorry, I'm just... I'm really busy right now.
I appreciate your time, Mickey. I just thought you should know.
Yeah.
I'm sorry about not being around here lately.
But I been working a lot and...
Your little girl...
you'd really be proud of her.
She's gonna be made a partner in the firm. How about that?
I don't know where she got the brains. It's got to be from you.
It wasn't from my part of the family, that's for sure.
Anyway, I need you around to talk to her.
You were always good at that.
I have a hard time with that, you know?
You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine.
You make me happy.
When skies are gray.
You'll never know dear.
How much I love you.
Please.
Don't take your sunshine away.
MICKEY: Cut the crap, Lloyd.
I'm his daughter.
Then he can tell you.
Please?
His eyes are going. He needs to see a specialist right away.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Who is it?
If this is a robbery, just take anything you want.
But leave that flat-screen. You take my flat-screen, I'll kill you.
Did you set off a bomb in here?
It's raining, for chrissake.
Yeah, outside it's raining. In here it's like a four-alarm blaze.
Oh.
Look, twice in one week. What, did somebody die or something?
Pete came to see me.
Did you hear that Jurrjens, uh, pitched a no-no?
He wanted to know if I thought you were okay.
Yeah.
I know you're a vegan and everything, but some of this meat would re...
Yeah, I told him that I thought so, but I called Lloyd just to make sure.
(GUS GRUMBLES)
That's a good burger.
What are you doing? No, no. Don't do that. Don't do that, no.
This is really nice.
Nice stuff.
Do you want to talk about it?
You know how these doctors are, they don't know their right from their left.
You're always reading in the paper...
about how they're taking off the wrong part of some poor guy.
You need to meet with a specialist.
I've got a job to do, and if I don't do that job...
the Braves will get somebody else to do it.
You know, they already think I should be playing Bingo...
- ...and drinking little umbrella drinks. - They can't fire you over an illness.
Yeah, well, they can certainly phase me out.
I've only got three months left on my contract.
Well, how are you gonna scout this guy if your eyes aren't right?
I'll figure something.
How?
You hungry?
You know, every good chef says that you got to eat a meal when it's warm.
You know, I had this, uh...
This crazy idea you and I could actually have a conversation about this, rationally.
Well, we are. If you eat some meat, it's great protein for you.
How about that?
Well, don't worry about it.
I wish it were that easy, I really do.
That would be awesome.
MICKEY: Trust me, it's there.
Article 15, section 2A clearly states the precedent.
Yeah, find it. Check the public record.
Get back to me. Thank you.
Do you work while you sleep too?
When I have to.
That's one good thing about not having any family. You can focus on work.
I have a family, and they're none of your goddamn business.
Excuse me.
After you.
Cheers, Todd.
Cheers.
Well, I hope you're enjoying the trip, sweetheart.
We're just entering the beautiful state of North Carolina.
GRACE: Do you need an extra key?
GUS: No, just one, thanks.
Don't even think about it.
- Room 4 is vacant. Do your homework. - Yes, ma'am.
Sorry. Last room on the end.
Okay. Thank you.
GIRL: I wish Daddy was here. MOTHER: I do too.
MAN: Thanks.
Come on, baby.
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
ROSENBLOOM: I understand, Mickey. And I fully support what you're doing.
I'm just questioning the timing. There's so much to do before the presentation.
And I will get it done, okay? You can count on me. It's just a few days.
ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen...
and welcome to Swannanoa Grizzlies Baseball.
This afternoon, the Grizzlies host the Fairview Raptors.
Hey, guys.
I think that's him.
How many years they gonna hold him back? He looks like he's 30.
(SMITTY CHUCKLES)
First thing I do when I get in the Majors...
is bang one of those chicks on Desperate Housewives.
(ALL LAUGH)
I'm mature, I like older women.
But what if they don't want to bang you?
Wilson, that's a retarded question.
I'll have patience with you since you're not yet worldly.
See, when a player gets to the Majors, chicks come out of a deep freeze.
They migrate from hundreds of miles.
Celebrity chicks, non-celebrity chicks, chicks from all walks of life.
It's a chick-fest.
(ALL LAUGH)
Hey, yo, Peanut Boy! Over here.
RIGO: Two dollars, please.
You want me to pay for them?
It's all right, Peanut Boy. Put it on my tab.
(PLAYERS LAUGH)
(THE WALKMEN'S "HEARTBREAKER" PLAYING ON CAR STEREO)
(AUDIENCE CLAPPING AND CHATTERING)
Strike three!
ANNOUNCER: And that retires the side.
The Grizzlies are coming up.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
Wow.
SMITTY: Hey, there, kiddo. - Been a while. Hey.
You mind?
The hell are you doing here?
I had some vacation days. Couldn't think of a better place to use them.
Well, they have telephones. You could call.
Yeah. You would've said no.
Damn right, I would've. You should be back home, doing your job.
Same as I'm doing my job here.
If it makes you feel better, I'm doing it for Pete.
He thought you could use some company.
Yeah, well, he's wrong.
Wait'll I see that horse's ass.
It must be so rewarding being one of your close friends.
GUS: Hmm.
ANNOUNCER: And now batting for the Grizzlies, number three, Bo Gentry.
BO'S FATHER: Yeah, way to go, Big B! Go Bo!
Let's see what everybody's been talking about.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
BO'S FATHER: That's the way to do it, boy! Hustle! Hustle!
UMPIRE: Safe. MAN #1: That's it.
UMPIRE: Ball four! Take your base!
MAN #2: This guy sucks!
ANNOUNCER: Now batting for the Grizzlies...
number three, Bo Gentry.
Let's go, Big Bo. Number three!
You're in trouble now, Bacon Boy!
- You all right? - Yeah, I'm fine.
But if that guy calls me Bacon Boy one more time, I'm gonna kick his ass.
All right, listen to me.
I want you to walk Gentry. Don't give him anything to hit.
Walk him? Have you seen the way I've been throwing today, coach?
- I don't think that's gonna be a problem. - All right, son. Stick with it.
Better put some grease on it, Bacon Boy!
(ALL LAUGH)
Oh, yeah? Too bad I used all my grease last night on your mother.
ALL: Ooh!
- Douche bag. - Come on. Play ball.
Let's go, Big B.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
(CHEERING)
BO'S FATHER: That's what I mean, boy!
(WHISTLING)
Yeah! Yeah! That's my boy! Ha, ha.
Bring it on in! Bring it on in!
Bring it on in!
BO'S FATHER: Y'all make a hole, make a hole now.
We're not talking till after the playoffs. Nope, I'm sorry.
If you want an autographed picture of Bo, he signs before every game.
It's a bargain, 25 bucks a pop.
Autographs?
You've been gone a while.
I guess so.
What happened here?
My garage is starting to shrink.
- I think I'll drive. - No.
Dad, give me the keys.
This is my car and I drive.
Give me the keys.
I said, I'll drive.
Stubborn as hell.
Yeah, I wonder where I get it.
I want you to drive straight to the airport...
because I don't need your pointy little nose in my business.
I don't want anything to do with your business. I'm here because you're so pig...
Gus Lobel.
Wow, it's good to see you, man.
It's Johnny.
Johnny? Oh, Johnny. Johnny The Flame Flanagan?
Nobody's called me that in a while.
Yeah, well, you used to throw the cover off the ball.
Phew. I used to.
What are you doing, boy?
I'm here, uh, doing the same thing you are. I'm scouting for the Red Sox.
- You don't know anything about scouting. - Don't tell them that.
Yeah. This is my daughter, Mickey.
Excuse us.
Sorry. Hi. I'm Mickey.
- Nice to meet you. - You too.
- Okay. You gonna be at Boots Bar later? - Where else?
- I'm buying you a drink. - I'm taking it.
Okay.
- A great pitcher at one time, that kid. - Wow.
Yeah.
- When are you gonna leave? - Just get in the car.
(ZAC BROWN BAND'S "CHICKEN FRIED" PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
Cold beer on Friday night A pair of jeans that fit just right.
He can do it all. He's more versatile than De Niro.
What?
Ice Cube isn't an actor.
He's in the movies, ain't he?
That doesn't mean he's an actor.
Gus, what do they call the actors in the movies?
Actors.
Plus, he can rap. Can De Niro rap?
Actors don't rap.
Ice Cube does. Heh.
See, this is what I'm trying to teach you about versatility.
It's a crime he hasn't won an Academy Award.
That's true. Pretty soon he'll be joining the greats like Cagney and Tracy.
All the real big ones.
I'm with you there, brother.
All right. You did it.
You pissed me off.
- (LUCIOUS CHUCKLES) - (DOOR OPENS)
Hi, guys.
Hey, it's been a long time since we've seen your little girl, Gus.
Been a long time since she was a little girl.
The hell are you doing here?
I'm taking a temporary break from anything judicial.
I just need a big drink and a game of pool.
You shouldn't be in a place like this.
You used to sneak me into places worse than this.
You should be back in Atlanta, where you belong.
Yeah, well, I agree with you.
MAN : Hey, Johnny!
Why do they call him "The Flame"?
GUS: Well, Flanagan, he...
He could pitch a hundred-mile-an-hour fastball, that's why.
- So, what happened? - He blew his arm out.
They tried to bring him along too fast.
Pretty soon, he was gone. Done for.
I tried like mad to block that trade.
How long you gonna be here anyway?
I'll probably close the place down.
(GRUMBLES)
RICK: Hey. - Hey.
Name's Rick. You, uh, feel like playing a game?
- Sure. Mickey. - Nice to meet you, Mickey.
Hope you like losing.
(RICK CHUCKLES)
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
Ouch.
Three-ball, corner pocket.
One-ball, side pocket.
Thanks for the game.
Hey, you wanna dance?
Not really.
Come on, one dance.
I don't think so, Dick.
- Heh. It's Rick. - Sorry.
Come on, one dance. It wouldn't hurt anything.
And I mean, after the beating I just took, you owe me.
- Get off! - Dad!
You ever touch her again, I'm gonna rip your fucking face off.
JOHNNY: Whoa, Gus. - Dad, take it easy.
GUS: Just look at this kid.
- All right, all right. - I saw you touching her.
Get out before I have a heart attack trying to kill you.
I think I'd like to see that.
Enough! Hey, you know what, this is my dad and, uh, that's my sister.
And, uh, we like to get a little crazy every now and then, especially this one.
Go on, get out of here.
- That was a little excessive. - I don't think so.
- You want to kill a guy touches my arm? - I had him, you know?
Yeah, no, you had him good. You had him good.
Sorry about the kiss. I never had a sister that looked like you.
You know what? I can take care of myself just fine.
- Okay. Something tells me pretty well too. - You know what?
You got what you wanted.
I'm going to bed.
Leaving the bar.
To set the record straight, I am 33 years old.
I've been taking care of myself for a long time. I can handle a guy in a bar.
He was bothering me.
All of these years, after everything you could be bothered about, it's that.
Look, I don't need your help. I don't know why you're here.
I don't know why you don't go home.
Because, in spite of you, I feel this dysfunctional sense of responsibility...
to make sure that you're okay.
I know I'm as blind as a slab of concrete, but I'm not helpless.
- I'll put a bullet in my head, that happens. - That's comforting.
As always, it's been really great talking to you.
I've got half a beer back at the bar that won't argue with me.
- You all right, Gus? - (GRUMBLES) Yeah.
(BANGING AND THUDDING)
GUS: Jesus Christ!
Goddamn it!
Son of a bitch.
PLAYER #1: Oh! Ha, ha.
PLAYER #2: Oh, my God. PLAYER #3: All right, check it.
Your mom is so fat, her high school photo was an aerial shot.
Your mom is so fat, they pay her in biscuits.
- Your mom is so... - Excuse me?
Earth to losers?
I'm trying to do my visualizing.
I'm hitting homers, I'm signing endorsement deals, I'm banging chicks.
Respect my space.
All right, all right, that's enough, okay? Everybody, sit down.
Back in your seat, Eric.
This is a big game today. Let's think baseball, huh?
MANAGER: Let's tighten it up, Grizzlies.
PLAYERS: One, two, three, Grizzlies!
No room for bad play. Don't suck today.
SMITTY: There they are.
MAX:Here he comes.
- Hey, Gus. - Hi.
SMITTY: Hey, Mickey. MAX: Look at you.
Hey, Dad! Dad, Dad, Dad, are you all right?
- Yeah, I'm all right. MICKEY: Here, come on.
JOHNNY: You okay?
GUS: Yeah, leave me alone. I got it.
What's the matter, you never seen anybody trip before?
Jesus Christ.
- You all right? - Yeah, I'm fine.
Thank you.
Hey, listen. About last night...
it's... Forget it.
Yeah.
UMPIRE: Play ball!
(AUDIENCE CHEERING AND CLAPPING)
I'll be right back.
Where you going?
Third base side.
- What for? - Because I'd like to get back to Atlanta.
Oh, good. As long as you're here, you might as well be helpful.
- Watch his hips. - Yeah, I know.
Make sure they carry him through the ball.
Yeah. I know.
Okay, and his swing, is it a two-piece deal or is it nice and fluid?
And then go around the other side and see how he goes the opposite way.
Now don't just stand there, get going.
UMPIRE: Ball!
Oh, yeah, this is a good idea.
Why are you right next to me?
Because you're the first scout I've ever been attracted to, thank God.
I'm not a scout, I'm a lawyer.
Normally, a deal breaker, but I'm all about expanding my level of tolerance.
Self-improvement, et cetera.
- Impressive. - Thank you.
ANNOUNCER: Next up, Bo Gentry.
BO'S FATHER: Go, Big 3!
- Hey, what do you think about dinner? - You mean together?
Whoa, that's a little forward, don't you think?
But, yeah, if you're asking me out, I accept.
I'd even consider paying.
UMPIRE: Strike!
Well, it's really tempting, but I don't plan on being around here much longer.
BO'S FATHER: Let's go, Bo!
Bring the heat.
He'll be all over the heat. Come with the off-speed stuff.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
BO'S FATHER: Yeah!
That's it, boy! Take them bases, man!
That's the fourth car this year. Ha-ha-ha.
Gus must have a lot of confidence in you.
So, what'd you see?
He sits back on the pitch.
He uses his hips and legs for power.
Looks like he has pretty quick hands. You're on your own.
You know too much about baseball to be a lawyer.
It's a long story.
I'd like to hear it.
I don't wanna tell it.
BO'S FATHER: Go, Bo!
(CELL PHONE BEEPS)
BO'S FATHER: Come on, Big Bo.
MAN: There you go, buddy.
That popped. Fastball.
Hanging.
How would you know with your face buried in that?
It's called multitasking.
You are such an ass.
That thing hear you?
His name is Todd and he will, loud and clear.
BO'S FATHER: There you go, baby.
Breaking ball on that one.
Yep.
Ready?
Why don't you show me what you got?
Hmm.
Come on, you stubborn mule. Give me something.
I'm a little old for this.
I'm not.
Remember
- See the ball... - "See the ball, hit the ball." I know.
Whoo!
(MICKEY LAUGHS)
What the hell are you doing?
I'm enjoying my home run trot.
Whoo!
(MICKEY LAUGHS)
You snake. I'll kick your ass.
Give me the keys.
Come on, you're busy. Give me the keys.
(CELL PHONE BEEPS)
(GUS GRUMBLES)
(HORN HONKS)
MAN: Hey! You all right?
You know, you're lucky to be alive.
(GUS GRUMBLES)
How old are you, sonny?
I'm 28.
Well, then how the hell would you know if I'm lucky to be alive?
I know, it'll get done. It's just a couple more days.
Mickey, I'm sorry about your father, but the client will be here next Thursday.
- It's imperative that you're here to present. MICKEY: And I will be there.
I'm considering bringing Todd into the case, just till you get back.
No, I'm not comfortable with that.
He is a talented attorney.
No, but I don't need his help. Please, just hold off.
I gotta go.
GUS: Well, I guess we were lucky we weren't on the road at the time.
She was 13 years old and she was going to her first dance...
and she came in the room and asked me what I thought of her outfit.
I knew right then that she wasn't gonna be a kid any longer.
How old was Mickey when, uh...?
Her mother died? Six.
That should've been me.
No kid should be without a mother.
(JOHN LEE HOOKER'S "PRISON BOUND" PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS)
How did you handle all that by yourself?
I didn't.
How about you, Flanagan?
Don't you feel like you're over your head, handling a number one pick?
I've been doing okay so far.
Besides, you're here. I'll be fine.
This isn't exactly what you wanted to do, is it?
(JOHNNY CHUCKLES)
After my arm went, the Red Sox gave me a chance to, uh, you know, stay in the game.
There's gonna be a job in the booth next year, and I'm gunning for it.
Announcing, huh?
Yes, Gus.
I plan on bringing all that hard work and dedication I had as an athlete...
to my profession as a broadcaster.
Ever think what would've happened if the Braves hadn't traded you?
No more than eight, nine hours a day.
Yeah.
Never goes away, does it?
No, it doesn't.
SMITTY: God Almighty, Gus.
What happened?
Cut myself shaving.
What are you fellas staring at?
I'm not a pole dancer.
What you doing with hot dogs?
I couldn't hold out any longer.
One of those for me?
Nope.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING AND CLAPPING)
Good job, Bo.
Yeah, there's one more game. We'll watch it and then make our decision.
- You think the Sox are gonna pass? - How the hell should I know?
PETE: Try and get a sense of what they're gonna do.
RIGO: I'll get that, Mom.
GUS: Yeah, I'll see what I can do on that.
Dad, I'm starving.
I gotta hang up now. Mickey and I are gonna get something to eat.
She still there?
Yeah, she's here. She's just, you know, sightseeing.
(CHUCKLES)
MATT: He's a monster.
Three for three, two homers and a single.
We could be looking at the next Albert Pujols.
Oh, my God, I want this pick.
Maybe the Red Sox are on the fence, we do a draft and trade deal.
Just make sure Grandpa doesn't screw it up, all right?
- He's got some young babe with him. - Wow.
I'm surprised he can still get it up.
- All right, keep me posted. - You got it.
MICKEY: It was Mississippi.
GUS: No, I know it was Mobile, Alabama.
They had one of those promotion nights where they had a horse out on the field.
They had one of the players race the horse around the bags.
That's right, and the player won.
You almost gave me a heart attack.
MICKEY: How?
GUS: Well, you kept pestering me about getting up on the horse.
And the horse ran off, right out over center field.
I thought it was gonna go through the center field fence.
MICKEY: I loved that horse.
GUS: Yeah, I know you did.
And then you went back looking for him and he wasn't there.
What? What is it?
Nothing. It was just a long time ago, that's all.
- Here, I got it. - No, I got it.
Dad, I've got it. Let me help, that's why I'm here.
No, I got it!
Night.
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
- Hey, Greg. GREG: Mickey.
If it wasn't for your assistant, I wouldn't have known you were out of town.
Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I meant to call you, I just had a lot going on up here.
I just want you to know I've been thinking about us...
and I am really clear that I want this to go to the next level.
So, basically, I just need to know that you're feeling the same way.
Greg, I can't answer that right now.
That's the problem.
It doesn't feel like you can ever give me an answer.
This isn't one of those things that you can just put on paper.
Well, I guess that's my answer.
You, uh...
You take care, Mickey.
JOHNNY: You could buy me a drink if you want.
You have got to lighten up.
Seriously.
I don't feel so light right now.
GUS: Get out. - What?
GUS: Go.
Why don't you two go out, meet some people? Have some fun.
You don't want to hang around here.
- Thank you. I meet plenty of people. - Well, you're still single, aren't you?
- Yes, I'm still single, very single. - Maybe you are emotionally unavailable.
Emotionally unavailable?
- Yeah. - Who are you, Dr. Phil?
Hey, that is quality television.
Yeah.
By the way, if I am emotionally unavailable...
which I am not, thank you very much, it would be because of you.
Just go, will you?
- No. GUS: Jesus Christ.
We gotta get a camera crew to follow you guys around.
I mean, the Kardashians have nothing on the two of you.
Wow, that poor Bruce.
Come on. Will you, please?
Just the two of you, get out.
(PLAYING FOLK MUSIC)
JOHNNY: Okay. MICKEY: Okay.
Name a team...
to have four 20-game winners in the same season. Go.
'71 Orioles: Palmer, McNally...
Cuellar and Dobson, they lose to the Pirates in the series. Go figure.
Ugh! You've got to be kidding me.
- Have you had enough? - Mm-mm.
No, no, no. Fire away. Come on.
Okay, uh, '75 World Series...
Carlton Fisk hits a homer to win the game, right?
What was the player who hit a homer to tie the game and take it into extra innings?
Ugh.
The three-two pitch.
(CLICKS TONGUE)
This one's hit deep to center, way back.
Way back. This baby's got a chance. It's gone.
Home run. Bernie Carbo has just tied the game.
(ALL CLAPPING)
Bernie Carbo has just tied the game.
- Very good. - All right, that's... Yeah.
You're actually very good.
You're really very good. You sound like the real thing.
- Let's hope the Red Sox agree with you. - I would listen to you.
- Really? - Really.
Who's the only player to be named MVP in both leagues?
Frank Robinson. Baltimore and Cincinnati.
That was too easy.
- It was really, really easy, actually. - Shit.
Mm.
Who was he traded for?
Milt Pappas, but if we're going to be specific, Baldschun and Simpson.
Drink up.
Who are you?
- I see what's happening here. - I'm kicking your ass is what's happening.
Well, maybe.
I mean, you're trying to get me drunk. You're hoping to get lucky.
Really? Heh.
(BAND PLAYING UPBEAT FOLK MUSIC)
(STOMPING TO RHYTHM)
Um...
Too much moonshine? What are they doing?
Clogging.
- Clogging? - Clogging. Clogging.
- It's a mountain dance. No? - No.
Where I'm from, they'd take you to a psych ward for that.
No, actually, it's a...
I think you'd like it.
It's really fun. You should try it.
- Oh, no, no, no. - Yes.
- No. - Come on, it's fun. It's really fun.
- No. - It's really fun. Come on.
I'll deny this ever happened.
MICKEY: Just try to keep up.
Hop up and down, they'll think you know what you're doing.
Okay.
MICKEY: I think we're going in a circle.
ALL: Oh, yeah!
You're good at this. I don't believe you, I think you clog all the time.
(LAUGHING)
Just keep bouncing, just bounce.
I think I got it now. I got it.
JOHNNY: Yeah, it was, uh, my first start after being called up.
God. There's nothing like it.
I mean, it's Fenway.
As I'm walking out to the mound, all I could think about was...
all the legends that had played there before, you know?
How'd you do?
Went six and a third, three earned.
First start, that's awesome.
Well, that's the best it got.
We needed middle relief help.
So they used me...
a lot.
My arm got tired...
didn't say anything.
Ended up tearing my rotator.
That was it. What are you gonna do?
Why didn't you say anything?
Because I was afraid if I did, they'd find somebody else.
I'm sorry.
JOHNNY: So, what's Mickey short for? Michelle?
MICKEY: Heh. Mickey is short for Mickey.
As in Mickey Mantle, my father's favourite player.
JOHNNY: Aha.
Lucky it wasn't Yogi Berra.
(MICKEY CHUCKLES)
(CELL PHONE BEEPS)
MICKEY: Shit, I'm sorry.
Jealous boyfriend?
No, this thing is all work, no play.
There's no available space for jealous boyfriends.
You want to tell me what's wrong with Gus?
You can trust me.
Okay?
When Gus scouted me, we spent a lot of time together.
To be honest, when I got traded, I think it bothered him as much as it did me.
Actually, I remember him saying he had a daughter in college.
Yep.
He would say that she was smarter than me and him put together.
That's why when I met you, obviously, I thought Gus had another daughter.
(JOHNNY CHUCKLES)
Doesn't sound like my father. That sounds like a compliment.
Well, he said it.
Well, he never tells me anything.
Maybe he wants to.
You know? Doesn't know how. You might have to take the lead.
Trust me, I've tried. I'm done.
(JOHNNY SIGHS)
As you know...
to hit the magical 300, you fail seven out of ten times.
You think you're pretty smart.
- Me? No. - Yeah, you.
- What, that a good thing? You like smart? - Well, you gotta have it here, and here.
Here and here?
Yes, here and here.
Oh, yeah. I'm pretty much what you're looking for then.
(MAN PLAYING BLUES GUITAR AND SINGING)
I come home early in the evening.
Lie around some time.
Little girl's got everything I want.
Looking and smelling so fine
it's a good night for dancing.
Yeah. Heh.
Yeah, we've done some dancing. Heh. If you can call it that.
Don't be shy.
Ahem. Well, you heard the man.
Make a move on me.
Okay, come on. Come on.
(CELL PHONE BEEPING)
I'm so sorry. I'm having a good time, but...
- What's wrong? - It's this thing, I just...
I need to go.
Wow. You were not kidding.
You really have no available space.
Is all this by design?
It is way too late to get into that right now.
Yeah, okay.
I'll take you home.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
GUS: You trying to starve me to death?
Come on, let's go get something to eat.
You got a man in there?
Yeah, Flanagan's in here. We're getting ready to get in the shower.
Not so funny.
GUS: What the hell happened in here, anyway?
MICKEY: Work.
Okay. There you go. You're good.
You kids all right?
Yeah. Just fine.
You wouldn't happen to know what the state bird of New Jersey is, would you?
That'd be a trick question. There are no birds in New Jersey.
(LAUGHS)
That's good.
You're leaving a lot of good food unattended there.
Do you know what, um, therapy is?
What?
Therapy.
I've been going since college. It's a long time.
Just needed to talk to someone to help me deal with why you left me.
Did I say something wrong here?
I just needed to, um, understand why after mom died...
you took a 6-year-old to live with an uncle that she barely knew...
and you left her there for a year and you didn't even call, not once.
We came here to watch baseball. We didn't come here to...
Talk. I know.
Everything is okay as long as we don't talk.
But there's no TV and there's no game on, so...
- it's just you and me. - I need a check here.
And then you did it again.
I had you until I was 13, until you sent me away to boarding school.
And then nothing.
You were gone.
Middle school, high school, college, nothing.
For a long time, I thought I had done something wrong...
and that's why you left.
But then I figured out that's how you wanted it, so I acted like it was okay...
because I didn't want you to know how bad it hurt.
This is not the time or place to talk about this.
Are you kidding?
There's never a time or place.
What are you doing, anyway? Why did you start all this?
You're amazing.
Give me a check.
Get me a goddamn check.
So I hear the old man has a girlfriend in North Carolina, a young one.
What the hell are you talking about?
Nelson says he's got a pretty little baby helping him out.
What's Matt Nelson doing in Gus's territory?
They sent him down there. Make sure everything's all right.
Confirm that Bo Gentry's our choice if he's available.
PETE: Listen.
That babe is Gus' daughter and she's not helping out, she's visiting.
The hell's going on, Pete?
Can't have the daughter of one of our scouts impacting an important Braves decision.
You're a real team player, aren't you, Phillip?
It's just business. Don't take it so personal.
I'm not after your job because I want director of scouting.
I'm after your job because I want to be the G.M. You know how it is.
Get the hell out of my office.
(CELL PHONE BEEPS)
Nice shot.
- Uh, I got the Landau research. - Oh.
I agree with Mickey there's precedent, I don't think it's our strongest position.
I've outlined my approach a bit different.
I know you have a hard deadline for the presentation, so I'm here if you need me.
It's priority.
Why, I appreciate that, Todd.
It, uh...
won't go unnoticed.
ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen...
and welcome to Asheville's Zeb B. Vance Field...
the site of the Mountain County Championship game...
between your Swannanoa Grizzlies and the Devils of Morganton.
(FANS CHATTERING AND CHEERING)
BO: There you go, darling.
That'll be a collector's item so don't go selling that on the internet.
ANNOUNCER: It's the two best teams in the Mountain County League...
Well, the last game.
- Hope it's a good one. - Yep.
UMPIRE: Play ball!
Pack up and get you back to Atlanta.
For sure.
There they are. My two favourite people in the entire state of North Carolina.
Well, good to see you.
Hey, did you get your work done?
Some of it.
Good. I had a nice time.
Who knew I was such a clogger?
(CROWD CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: Now batting, number three...
Bo Gentry!
(BALL THUDS)
Off-speed. Right?
Do you mind getting your beak out of that thing? I'm blind, you know.
Got it.
(AUDIENCE CHEERING)
Did you hear that?
No, what?
- That was a breaking ball, right? - Yeah.
Ha. Son of a bitch. Heh.
Can't handle a breaking ball.
How can you tell?
- Did you see a hitch in his swing? - No.
If you can get down there next time he's up, I want you to keep an eye on him.
See how he handles that breaking ball.
MANAGER: Come on, now. This is it. Let's bring this one home to Swannanoa.
Wilson.
You better get your skinny little ass on base.
I got a chance to win this game in front of all these scouts.
I'm visualizing mega endorsement deals.
Do not mess this up.
I'll do my best, Bo.
Oh, dear God, let me get a hit.
ANNOUNCER: Now batting, number 12, Wyatt Wilson.
PLAYER #1: One pitch at a time.
PLAYER #2: You got it, Wyatt!
(AUDIENCE GASPS)
UMPIRE: Take your base!
MAN: Come on, ump, what the heck's going on?
Guess you misunderstood me.
ANNOUNCER: Next up, Bo Gentry!
(CHEERING)
All right, let's see how you handle the hook.
(CHEERING)
That's my boy! That's right!
(ALL CHEERING)
ANNOUNCER: And the Swannanoa Grizzlies...
are the champions of the Mountain County League.
Congratulations to both teams for an exciting and excellent game.
You were right.
His hands drift.
How did you know that if you can't see him?
Because I've been in this business too damn long, that's why.
No, it's more than that. Tell me.
(GROANS)
It's the sound you hear.
It's like a ball coming off the bat, or exploding into a glove.
It's a pure sound. You'll know it when you hear it.
MICKEY: (OVER SPEAKER) So, what do you think?
You make a number of key arguments. It's provoking.
Well, I'll be back tomorrow afternoon to present to the client.
Uh, no need to rush back. Uh, you can take off the rest of the week.
MICKEY: Excuse me?
Mickey, we didn't know how serious this was going to be with your father.
So to ensure the firm's best interests were protected...
we had Todd draft a resolution.
What?
He's gonna take the case from here, so, look, enjoy a few more days.
- Come back rested. MICKEY: Rested?
This isn't a vacation. I've worked my ass off on this case.
No one would dispute that.
You bring boot-licking Todd on and you don't tell me?
- Mickey, it's not personal. - Of course, it's personal.
- WATSON: Todd's just being a team player. - Yeah, that's being a team player.
How does this affect my partnership?
To be determined.
A conversation we all want to continue. You're a quality associate.
Now I'm a quality associate, I see. Um...
I've worked longer and harder than anyone in that office. I deserve this.
You'll have your time, Mickey. Just, uh, maybe not now.
All right, um...
I will see you all next week, rested and ready to work.
MICKEY: It's my problem.
I don't know why I give my blood, sweat and tears to those cold-blooded...
backstabbing jerk-offs.
And for what?
I guess, you know, you want your name on the door.
MICKEY: Hmm.
(CHUCKLES)
Where'd you learn how to drink, uh, fancy single-malt out of the bottle?
- They teach you that at law school? - No.
My dad. Yet another brilliant gift he bestowed upon me.
(SINGING) You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine.
You make me happy When skies are gray.
My dad used to sing that when, uh...
When we were low, and he would sing that and...
it would help.
You have his voice.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
What do you think, Flanagan, about your first pick?
Uh, I don't know. What do you think?
I just got off the phone with Atlanta.
We're not gonna take him because he can't hit a curve.
The last homer he hit was off a curve.
Tell him.
His hands drift.
He can't get any punch into a breaking ball because his hands are just drifting.
Well, he still hit it out.
Sisters of the Blind could hit it out with an aluminum bat.
From everything the Red Sox have heard...
they think we're drafting the next Albert Pujols.
Well, just take my advice and be careful.
You're sure? Not even as a project?
You'd waste a number one pick on a project?
If you wanna cover your ass, okay, but I sure as hell wouldn't do that.
It's not every day you get a number one pick.
That's true, but let me give you another piece of advice.
Don't be afraid to walk away.
Go ahead and do what you like, Flanagan.
If he's available, he's not gonna be playing for the Braves, I'll tell you that.
Think he's right?
I don't know.
What's the matter with you? You okay?
Yeah. I'm just thinking, a lot, too much.
- Too much thinking. - Okay.
That's enough, we're gonna get out of here. Come on.
- Come on. - Where are we going?
You'll figure it out when we get there.
- Come on. - Do I need my shoes?
You can bring them if you want.
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
JOHNNY: You want something from him...
that he just may not be able to give you.
So do yourself a favor, stop being pissed off about it.
What?
You're not so bad, Flanagan.
(CHUCKLES)
Wow.
That's all right. I'll wait.
How long?
As long as it takes.
What are you doing?
What am I doing? I'm taking my clothes off.
What?
(CHUCKLES)
Let's go.
You are crazy.
(MICKEY LAUGHS)
Aah! Ha, ha.
(CHUCKLES)
You coming in?
Oh, no. No, no, no, I don't think so. Heh.
Afraid you might forget about your job for a second and actually have some fun?
Oh, thank you for the analysis. How much do I owe you?
That one was pro bono.
Oh, thanks.
Come on.
Live a little.
No peeking.
(MICKEY CHUCKLES)
What're you staring at?
The paint job on the car.
Oh, yeah, you like it?
Really hot paint job.
- Yeah. - Really hot.
(MICKEY LAUGHS)
What? Oh, uh-oh. Here she goes.
MICKEY: Whoo!
MICKEY: Whew.
(LAUGHS)
Wow.
- A cannonball. - Yeah, you like that?
- Yeah, it's impressive. - Thank you.
Isn't this beautiful?
Yeah, it sure is.
Where are you going?
I'm keeping a safe distance.
You're good at that, you know?
Why don't you try stopping?
Here.
How's this?
It's safe.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
(JOHNNY CHUCKLES)
What about now?
Safe.
RED SOX GM: This makes me nervous, Johnny.
Are you sure they're passing? How well do you know Gus Lobel?
Trust me, we go back a long way. Okay? He's a friend.
EXECUTIVE: Three minutes to make the pick.
Look, I could play this safe and tell you to take him.
But you don't want to do that. The kid's hands drift.
The truth is, I didn't even see it, Lobel did.
You better be sure you understood him correctly.
(SIGHS)
I'm sure.
ANNOUNCER: Welcome back to Major League Baseball's...
live coverage of the first-year player draft.
This is the moment we've all been waiting for.
High school, college students from across the country have worked hard all year...
and it all comes down to this.
Here we go.
ANNOUNCER: Okay, so it's time to find out. Let's head to the podium.
Oh, my God.
SELIG: (ON TV) Good evening.
With the first selection of the first year player draft...
the Boston Red Sox select...
Paulino Estrada, a right-handed pitcher from Arizona State University.
Yes! Come on, baby.
Gentry's ours, Red Sox pass!
ANNOUNCER: The Atlanta Braves have the next pick and they are now on the clock.
Congratulations.
The Red Sox. So stupid.
The Sox passed because Flanagan's smart, that's why.
Like I told you last night, kid can't hit a curve ball.
You know how I feel about you, but God Almighty, if you're wrong...
Well, I'm not wrong. Kid's nothing but a dead-red hitter.
Oh, you can watch him if you want and see if he develops...
but no more than that.
I'll see you back in Atlanta in a few days.
Don't sign him.
- What? - Gus is adamant. He can't hit the curve.
Oh, Christ! How long? How long are we gonna listen to this?
I don't give a damn. We've been tracking him.
Matt says he can hit the crap out of anything.
This kid's a godsend.
- Pete? - I stand with Gus.
I say sign the pitcher from San Diego.
We are not passing on him, Vince.
Last time I checked, that's my decision.
Yes. No, I'm sorry. It's just...
I've been following this kid...
every game, every single bat. PETE: Your computer's followed him.
When's the last time you stepped out of the office and saw a high school game?
Our pick's up in two minutes.
If I am wrong, if I'm wrong, you fire me.
But I am telling you right now:
Bo Gentry's the kind of five-tool player that changes the entire landscape of a franchise.
We draft this kid and we are competitive for the next five, 10 years.
Sorry, Pete.
- You better be right. - I'm right.
Definitely right.
Did it even occur to you that I might get fired?
- You just don't care. - What happened?
That's funny. Learn to walk away?
Isn't that what you said? Yeah, well, I did. I walked away.
I passed and you guys got Gentry. Congratulations.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
You did the right thing, Flanagan. I guess the Braves don't give a crap what I think.
Honestly, Gus, save it.
Whoa, hold on. Johnny, it wasn't us.
- Really? - Really. It wasn't.
- It's the truth. - The truth? Oh, okay.
Well, the truth is, it's over for me.
I had a real shot at the booth, and now it's gone.
Okay, well, that wasn't us.
You can drop the act, Mickey, I feel dumb enough already, okay?
You know, I should've known better.
A lawyer and a washed-up baseball player.
Look, you have to believe me. Last night meant more to me than you know.
Get out of the way, Mickey.
This is a bad time to walk away now.
Move.
No.
Move!
Let him go.
Well...
I guess now I go into a life of retirement for all the good service I've given them.
Always use another watch.
I should've seen it earlier.
No, it wasn't your fault.
Phillip Sanderson sent that guy up here to make sure I didn't screw it all up.
Well, things are definitely screwed up.
So, what do we do now?
Go home.
Me, to a career ending, and you to a career that's just starting as a partner.
I don't think so.
What?
It was more important that I be here. It's, I...
- No. - No, it's all right.
- No. - No, I'll deal with it.
No.
God, I worked my ass off so you could have more, and you...
You're gonna throw it away on coming to a garbage can like this?
- That's no life for a... - For a girl.
That's no life for a kid of mine.
Living out of suitcases and visiting every shit-ball town in the area.
That's not what I wanted for my kid.
Well, I guess what I wanted didn't matter.
- You don't even like baseball. - I love baseball.
You know I love it. I never wanted to be a lawyer.
I did that for you so that you would be happy with me...
and that you would approve of me and then maybe you'd keep me around.
I did what I felt was right.
I just didn't want you to have life in the cheap seats.
They weren't the cheap seats.
Spending every waking moment with my dad watching baseball...
eating food that was no good for me.
Playing pool, staying up too late, those were the best seats in the house...
until you sent me away.
Well, I was just doing the best I know how.
Only a coward leaves their kid.
You don't know half of what you think you do.
Okay, then tell me the other half.
Goddamn it, Dad, talk to me.
Dad...
talk to me.
Please.
You remember years ago, down in Mobile, Alabama...
they had the horse running around the field.
Yeah.
They used to keep that horse in a trailer down outside the bullpen gate.
Anyway, I was talking to this kid I had signed...
telling him there's no place for him in the big leagues.
And all of a sudden I realized you were gone and I couldn't find you.
I was panicking.
I saw this shack there.
I went...
I went over and looked in...
and there you were with this guy.
He had his hand down the back of your shirt.
I don't remember that.
Yeah. How could you? You were only 6 years old.
I sent you out, and then I started beating the shit out of this guy.
I smashed his head against the wall and I started hitting him with everything I had.
I strangled his ass.
Finally, he passed out.
Oh, my gosh, Dad.
I kept waiting for the police to come and arrest me, but they never did.
That's when I sent you to your aunt and uncle's. I thought they'd take care of you.
I thought I'd failed you.
Your mother had died a year before and I was a mess.
You have to understand that.
Can't you understand that you sending me away wasn't protecting me...
it was rejecting me.
I've been working hard to not let anyone else get close enough to do that again.
And being alone really sucks.
Well...
you might just have to give me a little slack on that, because...
I just can't change.
You never tried.
I'm just a broken-down old man.
And you ought to get as far away from me as you can.
Can't you just do that?
Yeah.
I can do that.
(VACUUM CLEANER WHIRRING)
Grace?
Do you know where he is?
Oh, he left. Checked out early this morning.
Thanks.
MICKEY: (OVER PHONE) Is he all right?
He said he wanted to take the bus.
What happened with you two?
Nothing.
(CLEARS THROAT)
It's all good.
Thanks, Pete.
(SOBBING)
(THUD)
I gotta stop.
Hi. I'm Mickey.
I've been watching, it's really impressive.
Thank you.
You're welcome. Mind if I try?
I can handle it, I think.
Are you crazy?
Probably.
Can I borrow your glove?
- Throw me that fastball. - RIGO: Okay.
Is that your favourite pitch?
Sorry?
Can you throw a curve?
Yes.
- Show me. - Okay.
Oh, my God.
Do it again.
What's your name?
Rigoberto. They call me Rigo.
Rigo. You play in school, Rigo?
No, ma'am. Never had the grades to suit my mom.
Kept getting B's in Chemistry.
Well, thank God for Chemistry. You gonna be around here for a bit?
Yes, ma'am.
Okay. Wait here, all right?
Mickey, I just can't do it. This isn't an open tryout.
I've seen him. I swear to you, he's the real thing.
PETE: There's no paperwork on the kid.
I just can't parade him out on the field and let him pitch.
I'm here because of you, Pete, okay, so I don't care what you have to do.
You gotta make this happen, okay? You owe me.
Well, you can take an early retirement, collect disability.
With the pension, you should be comfortable.
Save it. Being comfortable's overrated.
Thank God we sent Matt down there or we would have missed on this kid.
That kid can't hit a curve.
Gus, now that we're all aware of your condition...
I can't help but ask, how could you tell?
I heard it.
(PHILLIP LAUGHS)
You heard it?
- That's right. And Mickey saw it. - And Mickey saw it.
- This is getting interesting. - Damn right she saw it.
Let me just get this straight.
This year's pick was gonna be based on what you heard...
and what your daughter, a girl, saw?
We need to go down to the field. Mickey's brought us something we gotta see.
Oh, boy, I can't wait to see what Mickey brought us.
- Hey, you watch yourself. - Let's go.
REPORTER #1: Hey, here he comes. REPORTER #2: Hey, Bo, how about a shot?
REPORTER #1: Over here.
REPORTER #3: Everything okay? Ah, nice.
REPORTER #4: Hey, how's it going? BO: Show's about to start.
REPORTER #3: Great. Go for it, kid.
(REPORTERS CHATTERING)
MAN #1: Oh, yeah.
MAN #2: Wow.
MAN #3: Whoo!
All right, let's show them what you got.
(MEN CHEERING AND LAUGHING)
Oh, boy. He's got a nice swing.
You got this.
What the hell's going on?
- I heard it. - What?
The pure sound, I heard it.
Come on. What is this? We don't have all day.
Gentlemen, this is Rigoberto Sanchez.
Peanut Boy?
Son of a bitch.
Ls this a joke?
Y'all gonna waste my time on him?
- That's it. I've seen all I need to see. - Just hold your ass right there.
All right. This is gonna be ugly.
Start with the fastball.
You all right?
Yes, ma'am.
Nervous?
No, ma'am. It's just a game.
(SIGHS)
You're right, Rigo. It's just a game.
He looks like Sandy Koufax.
Yep, combined with Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson.
And that's not even his best pitch.
Show him a curve.
(CAMERAS SHUTTERS CLICKING)
Nobody saw this?
Gentry's got potential, but using our number one pick?
Jesus Christ.
Gentry knows it's coming, he still can't hit it.
Shit!
Jesus Christ, who is this kid?
GUS: What do you say now, jackass?
That's known as trouble with the curve.
Well, there's no doubt that Rigo Sanchez should be offered a contract.
You think? Heh.
And he's gonna need an agent.
GUS: He's got one.
Mickey.
She's a damn good lawyer and I'm sure she can whip up some papers...
- ...make that young man some money. - Shit.
Or she could have your job...
because you sure as hell don't know anything about the game.
And if I'd have been any help, she'd be managing her own club now...
because she knows more about baseball than anyone in this room.
It's okay, Dad.
No. It's in my blood and it's in your blood too.
I want you to be happy, that's all.
Here's the reports from last night's game.
What about you, Gus?
Your contract's gonna be up. Are you interested in an extension?
I'll think about that.
- Anything you want. You name it. - I said, I'll think about it.
PETE: Unbelievable.
Billy Clark went five-for-five again.
He's been hitting close to 400 since his folks came to visit him.
How much did it cost this organization to put his parents up? That's what I want to know.
Phillip...
you're fired.
Vince, wait a... Wait a sec. I'm sorry.
I know I missed with Gentry and I'm sorry about that, but this is real life.
- We're gonna go get a little lunch. - Yeah, I'm starving.
PHILLIP: I'll go to high school games. I like high school. I mean, I just bought a boat.
I've got private school. I'll take you fishing.
GUS: Well...
I think maybe, maybe I could change the way I do things.
You already have.
(CELL PHONE BEEPING)
What would they want now?
Hmm. Todd's presentation didn't go so well, so they're trying to...
push my, uh, partnership forward.
- So, what are you gonna do? - I'll think about it.
- No, I mean... - I said, I'll think about it.
(CHUCKLES)
Thank you.
JOHNNY: '77 World Series...
Reggie hits three homers in one game.
Yeah.
Name the pitchers he took deep.
You came all this way to ask me that?
Yeah.
Charlie Hough, Elias Sosa, Burt Hooton.
Is that it? Ls that all you got?
No.
I got a lot more than that.
Well, looks like I'll be taking the bus.
Improved By: Fidel33