Based on my 1st Prize Winner for Best Screenplay at the 2009 Rhode Island International Film Festival.
"Brokeback Mountain" meets "Bull Durham". Brad Hawley realizes his dream of playing professional baseball when the New Orleans Breakers draft him...
The Wolves' locker room at Muzzy Field was relaxed. The team had a half game lead over Springfield a top the league standings. The good road trip was a good one, but they were happy to be sleeping in their own beds. For Brad, this was a huge deal -- he'd never played so much baseball in such a short time span --- 18 games in 19 days.
Zack Goldman, Jamie Marquez, Jason Lowell and Reynaldo Ruiz were in the middle of the room taking jump shots with baseballs that they were trying to launch into a ball bag that was their basketball net. Ruiz joined the team during the road trip. The 19-year-old graduate of the Breakers' Dominican Republic baseball program stayed behind in extended spring training, recuperating from a knee injury. He signed at the age of 16 for $20,000. An outfielder with some pop in his bat, he showed some promise last season in Rookie Ball.
They kept a mischievous eye on Brad, who was sitting at his locker, half-dressed. He was being interviewed by Bob Barnes for an interview that Bob would squeeze into a game broadcast. They were up to something, as was Sully, sitting at his locker, stuffing mustard and ketchup packets into his pants pocket. He'd been hoarding them during the road trip, stealing them from their post-game meals provided by the home teams.
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"You've shown some pretty incredible range." Bob observed. "Where does that come from?"
"From my Dad."
"Really?"
Brad ran a hand through his hair. Brad liked the various ways Ashley fixed his hair during their photo shoot. He experimented with different parts, waves and spikiness that he hoped would drive Taylor nuts. "Growing up," Brad continued. "My Dad used to take me to the park for a catch, but he'd never throw the ball directly at me. He'd throw it to my left and right, or over my head, and he'd really whiz it in there. I spent more time chasing the ball than stopping it."
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"He'd say, 'good ball players get to those'," he continued. "Eventually I'd get to those, then he'd throw them further out of my range, until it became within my range. I guess it worked."
Sully huddled with the others and secretly handed out the packets of condiments. They looked over at Brad, giggling like school boys.
Bob Barnes thanked Brad for the interview. They shook hands, and Bob left for the press box. Brad's cell phone vibrated. He checked the text, smiled and texted back. He placed his phone on the shelf in his locker. Sully slyly approached. "'Sup, Braddy Daddy?"
