Noah grips the bat in his hand, standing between his mother and
Cain.
CAIN
I just wanted to say I’m sorry.
For everything. I’ve changed. I go
to meetings every day, sometimes
twice. I don’t expect forgiveness,
but I can help you get to the next
level.
Rita places a hand on Noah’s shoulder.
RITA
That’s good to hear.
NOAH(ice cold)
Let’s go, Mom.
Noah opens the car door. Rita hesitates, then gets in.
Cain calls after him—desperate for Noah’s attention.
CAIN
You’re not getting out front.
Noah stops.
NOAH
What?
CAIN
Your pitches. You need to release
out front for more velocity. You
drop your elbow sometimes.
Noah takes a step toward him, his voice deadly calm.
NOAH
Oh yeah? That something you can
help me with?
Cain nods.
NOAH
Funny. I studied your film. You
didn’t make it because your
pitching mechanics sucked. That,
and you’re an abusive prick.
Noah steps in close, inches from Cain’s face.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Remember how you used to do this
to Mom? Get in her space? Threaten
her? Hurt her? Hurt me?
Cain clenches his fists. Noah sees this and laughs.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Go ahead. Take a swing.
Cain exhales sharply, backs down.
NOAH (CONT’D)
I didn’t think so.
He turns, gets in the car. Cain calls out—
CAIN
Please, Noah...I’m sorry.
Noah slams the door shut.
EXT. AN EMPTY BALL FIELD - DAY
Noah stands alone on the mound, a bucket of baseballs beside
him. He throws into a net—again and again—each pitch slightly
off. Frustrated, he stops, drops to a crouch, his hands
gripping his head.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
INT. NOAH’S BEDROOM - NIGHT (2016)
We see Rita, lying in bed, her face illuminated by a dim lamp,
a fresh cut marring her forehead. Noah, 12, curled on the floor
beside her, clutches a baseball bat like a lifeline.
A door slams.
Noah’s eyes fly open. Heavy footsteps. A voice, slurred and
searching—
CAIN (O.S.)
Rita! Where are you? Noah? Where’s
your Mom?
Rita bolts upright, instinctively touching her wound. She looks
down at Noah. He’s already trembling.
RITA(whispered)
Don’t worry. Lock the door.
Noah’s grip tightens on the bat.
NOAH
Mom, no—
She brushes his cheek, a weak smile masking fear.
RITA
If it gets bad, run to the
neighbors. Promise me.
CAIN (O.S.)
Rita!
Rita steels herself, steps into the hallway.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
A Desperate Defense
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Cain emerges from the shadows, his body loose with alcohol,
eyes wild.
CAIN
You sleeping in the kid’s room
now? What kind of shit is that?
RITA
I fell asleep reading to him.
She moves toward the kitchen. Cain follows, his presence
suffocating.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Rita opens the fridge, keeping her movements slow, deliberate.
RITA
You hungry? Let’s get you
something to eat.
Cain slams the fridge door shut. The kitchen trembles.
CAIN
Sleeping in his room. Turning him
into a goddamn faggot.
He grabs her arm, his grip vice-like.
RITA
Cain..
CAIN(low, venomous)
You’re poisoning that boy.
He tightens his hold. Rita winces, tries to pull away.
RITA
Please. Stop.
Cain’s eyes burn into her. Then—his hand shoots to her throat.
CAIN
You always have to push me.
Her fingers claw at his grip, gasping for air.
THWACK!
Cain stumbles forward, yelping like a wounded dog. Dropping
Rita, he turns—
We see Noah standing behind him, bat raised, shaking, but
resolved.
Cain snarls, taking a step forward. Noah swings—HARD. The bat
connects with his father’s shoulder, sending him staggering.
NOAH
Run!
Rita pulls herself up, stumbles toward the door. Noah moves to
follow, but Cain’s hand shoots out, grabbing Noah’s ankle,
yanking him to the ground.
RITA
Leave him alone!
Noah kicks wildly. His fingers grope for the bat, inches away.
Cain grips tighter—
Noah kicks him hard in the face.
Cain recoils, releasing him just long enough—Noah grabs the
bat, swings again, catching Cain’s ribs.
Cain crumples. Noah scrambles to his feet, grabs his mother’s
hand. They bolt.
EXT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - NIGHT
Police sirens wail in the distance. Flashing lights paint the
neighborhood in red and blue.
A neighbor rushes out, pulling Rita into safety. Noah turns—
Cain stumbles onto the porch, eyes wild, screaming after them.
CAIN
Get back here, you bitch!
The neighbor shields Rita as two police cruisers screech to a
stop. Officers flood the lawn, guns raised.
Cain snarls, lunging forward from the doorway.
They tackle him. The house shakes with the force.
Cain writhes beneath them, blood trailing from his lip.
CAIN
That little bastard attacked me!
An officer cuffs him, yanking him upright. Cain howls.
Noah stands, shaking, watching his father—reduced, pathetic,
bleeding.
NOAH
He was killing my mother!
The words shake the air.
The officer nods. They shove Cain into the cruiser.
Noah watches as his father is dragged away—this time, for good.
END FLASHBACK.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Fragile Reunion
EXT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - DAY
RITA ROCKFORD stares at a pile of overdue bills on the kitchen
table.
A KNOCK at the door startles her.
She opens it—to find Cain standing there, hands in pockets.
Sober. Clean-shaven, deceptively handsome.
CAIN
Can we talk?
Rita exhales, leans against the doorframe.
RITA
That depends. You coming in peace?
Cain nods. Rita hesitates, then steps aside.
INT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT
Cain looks around. Same house, but different. Noah’s trophies
are lined up neatly on a shelf. The walls are covered in
photos, Noah as a baby, Noah in Little League, Noah winning.
CAIN
He’s got your eyes.
RITA
He’s got your stubbornness.
Cain smirks. A beat.
CAIN
He deserves better than me.
RITA
Yeah. He does.
Silence. Then..
RITA
You really clean?
Cain nods.
CAIN
Eighteen months.
Rita studies him. It’s the longest she’s seen him sober.
Finally, she exhales, nods toward the door.
RITA
He’s at the field. Go slow with
him. He’s not ready.
Cain nods. Turns to leave.
CAIN
Thank you.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Fractured Bonds
EXT. BALL FIELD - NIGHT
Noah, stands, frustrated and hurls a ball into the net.
A voice behind him—
CAIN(softly)
More from the shoulders.
He stiffens. Not this again.
CAIN
Drive forward. Straight line to
the plate.
Noah can’t help but listen. He throws. Perfect strike.
CAIN
I was a rookie in AAA. I was tired
from lack of sleep. You and your
Mom were with me on the road and
you were just a colicky infant. I
got one bad call, I lost my
temper. The Beacon wrote: “Cain
Rockford pitches with glimmers of
greatness. Too bad his attitude
will keep him out of the big
leagues.” They were right about
me.
Cain hesitates.
CAIN
But you—you’ve got it all. The
talent, the temperament..Let me
help you get to the next level.
Turns to leave.
CAIN (CONT’D)
I’ll be here tomorrow. 8 AM. Hope
to see you then.
Noah shakes his head.
NOAH
I guess that was my fault. And
Mom’s.
CAIN
What are you talking about?
NOAH
You were tired. Because of me. And
that’s why you lost your temper.
Not because you were too drunk the
night before.
CAIN
That’s not what I meant.
Noah violently throws the baseball in the bucket. Cain
startles.
NOAH
You always make it about you. But
I remember everything you did to
us. Everything! Stay away from me.
Stay away from Mom. You are dead
to me!
NT. NOAH’S HOUSE - LATER
Rita sits at the kitchen table, a stack of overdue bills spread
before her. She rubs her temples, exhausted. The front door
opens. Noah enters, heads straight for the fridge, and pulls
out a gallon of chocolate milk. He pours a glass and sits.
RITA
Hey there.
Noah stares into his milk, lost in thought.
RITA (CONT’D)
OK. What happened?
NOAH
Dad stopped by the ball field. He
wants to train me.
Rita reaches for his hand. He lets her take it, but his jaw
clenches.
RITA
I’m not going to tell you what to
do, it’s your choice... but
whatever you decide, I’ll support
you.
NOAH
He’s dangerous. I don’t care how
many times he says he’s sorry.
RITA
Oh... I don’t think so. He’s not
drinking anymore, and he looked
good...
NOAH
Seriously?? Don’t fall for it. I
remember everything. It’s not
happening.
Rita pulls back, uncomfortable. Noah pivots.
NOAH (CONT’D)
On another note, I think I need
new cleats. The insides are shot.
RITA
Seriously? OK, let me see what I
can juggle here.
NOAH
Mom, it’s fine. I can
wait...Sorry.
RITA
Hey. You can’t pitch without
cleats. I’ll figure something out.
I always do.
NOAH
One day, you won’t have to worry
about money ever again. I promise.
RITA
Just get good grades. College is
the goal.
NOAH
An MLB signing bonus is the goal.
You’ll come to my games, sit with
my future supermodel girlfriend,
and watch me throw strikes.
He grins, grabs his baseball bag.
RITA
How about I watch you throw
strikes later today? I might be
late, waiting on the cable guy.
NOAH
Sure. Love you, Mom.
RITA
Love you too.
Noah hugs her, then heads out.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Under the Watchful Eyes
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
Noah pedals up on his bike. Players warm up on both sides. In
the stands, scouts with clipboards, stopwatches, and radar guns
zero in on him.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Noah sets his bag down, changes into his cleats.
COACH MOORE (O.S.)
Hey Rockford!
Coach Moore stands at the third base line.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
NOAH
Sir?
Coach Moore flashes a clipboard filled with sign-ins. They
glance at the scouts.
COACH MOORE
Almost every MLB team has someone
here. Looking at you, kid. Just go
out there, do your thing. Make us
proud.
NOAH (grinning)
No sweat.
EXT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - SAME TIME
A knock at the door.
RITA (O.S.)
Hang on...
She opens it. The Cable Guy stands there.
CABLE GUY
You had a bad splitter. Fixed it.
Just need to reset the modem.
RITA
Come in. It’s in the hall closet.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD PARKING LOT - DAY
A late-model sedan pulls in. Inside, ANTHONY BRUNETTI, Yankees
scout, takes a deep breath.
ANTHONY
(to himself) Alright, Anthony.
Let’s see what this kid’s got.
He opens the glove box, pulls out a flask. Hesitates. Then,
tucks it in his jacket pocket instead.
EXT. STANDS - MOMENTS LATER
Anthony climbs the bleachers. Other scouts exchange looks
SCOUT #1
Look what the cat dragged in.
SCOUT #2
Damn, if you’re here, we’re in
trouble.
ANTHONY
Funny. I’m here for the same
reason you are. To see this
Rockford kid.
SCOUT #1
Yankees already got their eye on
Donnie Stevens.
ANTHONY
Don’t worry. I’ll keep my
distance.
He sits behind them. The UMP calls out:
UMPIRE (O.S.)
Play ball!
EXT. BALL FIELD - LATER
The sun hangs low, cutting long shadows across the field.
Noah on the bump, calm, controlled. His fingers flex around the
seams of the baseball.
We see a row of scouts in the stands. Watching. Waiting.
The batter steps into the box, digging in. A big kid. Too
confident.
Noah winds up. Uncoils. The ball hisses through the air.
Pop.
A perfect strike.
PARENT IN STANDS
Okay, now you’re ready!
EXT. STANDS - CONTINUOUS
Scouts lean forward, eyes locked in. Some jot notes. Others
record. Silent. Calculating.
A second pitch. Another strike. No swing.
SCOUT #1
Not bad for sixteen.
Doesn’t just overpower – he
pitches smart. Good rapport with
the catcher.
Another scout tightens his grip on a radar gun. The numbers
flash.
SCOUT #2
(lowers radar gun)
He’s hitting 94 consistently. Nice
zip on that fastball.
SCOUT #1
Yeah, but his change-up fools
them. Movement’s tight. Reminds me
of a young Lincecum.
ANTHONY BRUNETTI
He’s got the composure and arm
speed. Let’s see how he handles
pressure innings.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Strikes and Shadows
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah exhales, mitt tight to his chest. His focus sharpens. He
grips the ball like it’s alive.
Windup. Delivery. A curveball with bite.
The batter flinches, hacks nothing but air.
UMPIRE
Strike three!
Noah doesn’t celebrate. Doesn’t react. Just brushes the dirt on
the mound, resets, pushes his long hair behind his ears.
Next batter steps in.
Noah winds up. The fastball snaps through the zone, kissing the
outside corner.
UMPIRE
Strike!
EXT. STANDS - CONTINUOUS
The scouts shift. Some glance at each other. They know what
they’re seeing.
Another pitch. Another strike.
UMPIRE (O.S.)
Strike two!
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The batter mutters under his breath. Tightens his grip.
BATTER
(to himself)
Just swing the bat.
Noah winds. Fires. Same spot.
CRACK.
The bat slams the dirt. Not the ball.
UMPIRE
Strike three! You’re out!
Noah jogs off the mound, head down, unfazed.
Behind the backstop, Anthony lowers his camera, exhales.
He’s found what he came for.
INT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - SAME TIME
Rita grabs her purse, heads for the door--
She stops. Blocking the doorway, it’s CAIN.
RITA
What do you want?
CAIN
Can we talk?
She smells the alcohol. Cain sways in the doorway.
RITA
(hesitant) I was just heading to
Noah’s game...
She tries to push past him. He doesn’t budge. Instead, he
shoves her back and steps inside, shutting the door behind him.
EXT. DUGOUT - SAME TIME
Noah grips his phone, concerned. He walks up to Coach Moore.
NOAH
My mom’s not here. She’s not
answering.
COACH MOORE
She’s probably just late. Stay
loose. And put the phone away.
Noah glances at the stands again, then reluctantly heads back
to the dugout.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Final Inning: A Race Against Time
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - LATER
The scoreboard in the outfield reads the final inning. Noah’s
team leads seven to nothing. One out. The tension is thick, the
anticipation electric.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The next batter steps up—a towering high schooler, built like a
freight train.
He digs in, locking eyes with Noah, exuding quiet intimidation.
Noah doesn’t blink. Just smiles. A wolf staring down another
wolf.
NOAH
(to himself)
What are they feeding these guys?
He rolls his shoulders, adjusts his cap, wipes the sweat from
his forehead, and sets.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah takes a deep breath, grips the ball tight. He winds up—
THROWS.
A fastball. Hanging. Begging to be hit.
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
CRACK! The batter rips a hard ground ball to third.
The third baseman dives, blocks it, but fumbles the pickup. He
scrambles, snatches the ball, and fires a rocket to first.
EXT. FIRST BASELINE - CONTINUOUS
The batter barrels down the line. The first baseman stretches—
The ball hits his glove—
FIELD UMPIRE
Safe!
A collective groan from the home crowd. The first baseman
tosses the ball back to Noah, who steadies himself.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah locks in on the runner taking a generous lead off first.
His expression unreadable. He lets the tension simmer.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The next hitter steps in. Twitchy. Waiting.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah hunches forward, fingers gripping the four-seam fastball
behind his back. He straightens.
CATCHER
He’s going!
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Noah pivots, fires to first.
The runner bolts for second.
The first baseman rifles the ball to second base. A tense dance
begins, the runner darting back and forth, trapped in a pickle.
Noah sprints to cover first. Second baseman slings it back to
him.
Noah lunges, slapping his glove down.
FIELD UMPIRE
He’s out!
The crowd erupts. Noah exhales, returns to the mound.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah scuffs the dirt with his cleat, giving himself a moment.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The final batter steps in, twirling his bat, taking one last
deep breath.
Noah doesn’t hesitate.
He winds up—
THROWS.
A sharp one-hopper rockets back at him. Instinct takes over. He
snatches the ball mid-air, barely flinching.
He turns, fires to first.
OUT.
Game over.
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
His teammates flood the field, cheers ringing out. But Noah
doesn’t celebrate.
He heads straight for the dugout.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Noah slings his bag over his shoulder, already halfway out.
COACH MOORE
Where you going so fast?
NOAH
I have to get home. Sorry.
EXT. STANDS - CONTINUOUS
Anthony watches from a distance, eyes tracking Noah. He takes
in the brief exchange between Noah and Coach Moore, analyzing
every movement.
Noah strides off the field, hops onto his bike, and pedals
away.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Coach Moore throws up his hands.
BARRON, a bench warmer, steps up, watching Noah disappear.
BARRON
Where’d he go?
COACH MOORE
He’s worried about his mom.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Mother's Last Breath
EXT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - DAY
Noah pedals hard, gravel crunching beneath his tires. He rounds
the corner, chest heaving.
His father’s Toyota pickup sits in the driveway, idling like a
sleeping beast.
Noah skids to a stop, breath sharp. He stares at the truck.
Something is wrong.
Then—
A SCREAM from inside. His mother’s voice, raw and frantic.
Noah drops the bike. Drops his bag. Bolts for the front door.
INT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - DAY
Noah bursts in, feet pounding against the hardwood.
The kitchen—
We see Cain, standing, gun drawn. Rita’s back is against the
counter, hands trembling, eyes wet with terror.
RITA
Noah, get out of here!
Cain turns, swings the gun toward Noah.
Noah doesn’t think. He lunges.
A GUNSHOT rips through the air.
Noah tackles Cain with the force of a wrecking ball. They crash
to the ground. The gun skitters across the tile.
Noah is on top, fists flying. Years of rage erupt. Each punch
lands with a sickening thud. Cain’s head bounces against the
floor. Blood spatters the cabinets. Cain twitches, then stops.
Noah exhales, breath ragged. His knuckles drip red. He blinks.
Pain.
He looks down. His arm, blood pooling from a fresh wound. He
winces, body swaying.
Then-
RITA (O.S.)
Noah...
His gaze snaps to her.
We see Rita, slumped against the cabinets, hands pressed to her
stomach. Blood seeps through her fingers.
NOAH
(strangely calm)
Mom?
She slides to the floor, her strength fading fast.
Noah scrambles to her side, hands fumbling, desperate to stop
the bleeding.
NOAH
No, no, no—Mom, stay with me. I’m
here. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
Her hand finds his cheek, shaking but warm, trying to reassure
him.
RITA
I love you.
Her breath catches. Her eyes flutter.
Then—
Nothing.
Noah’s chest rises and falls. He stares at her, willing her to
stay. Willing time to rewind.
He squeezes his eyes shut.
Sirens. Distant at first, growing louder. Red and blue lights
streak across the walls.
Noah grips his mother tighter, rocking slightly, as the world
crashes down around him.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
From Triumph to Turmoil
INT. LAW OFFICE - CHARLESTON - DAY
LAURA WOOD, 28, sits at her desk, reading a letter.
INSERT - LETTER
From the law offices of Shearson, Hector, Schmidt
It was a pleasure meeting you at our annual Chicago dinner and
we would like to formally offer you a partnership in our firm.
BACK TO SCENE
Laura smiles as she reads the letter. SALLY, the firms
receptionist, pokes her head in the doorway.
SALLY
Everyone’s waiting in the
conference room.
LAURA
Thank-you Sally. I’m on my way.
INT. LAW OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Laura sits at the sleek conference table. Across from her, her
client, JENNIFER, seethes. Opposite them, BRAD, a seasoned
attorney, leans back, calm. His client, STEVE, arms crossed,
radiates impatience.
STEVE
I’ve already agreed to the Range
Rover. That’s more than generous.
JENNIFER
The Porsche either gets sold and
we split it or I get it outright.
There’s no way I want to see your
whore girlfriend driving my car
all over Mount Pleasant!
SALLY, the firm’s receptionist, steps in, quiet but urgent. She
leans down, whispering something into Laura’s ear.
Laura’s expression shifts—she straightens.
LAURA
Let’s take a short break.
BRAD
Works for me.
Jennifer exhales sharply, arms folding. Steve shakes his head.
Laura is already moving.
INT. LAURA’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Laura drops into her chair, snatches up the phone, dials.
LAURA
Hi, this is Laura Wood. I have a
message from Melodie Hartman
regarding my nephew, Noah
Rockford... Yes, I’m his aunt...
Rita is my half sister... Wait—
what are you saying?
She grips the desk, her breath catching.
LAURA (CON’T)
Oh my God.
INT. MERCY HOSPITAL - TEXAS - DAY
Laura strides through the hospital entrance, controlled urgency
in every step. At the visitor’s desk, a VOLUNTEER hands her a
pass.
VOLUNTEER
Take the elevator on the left.
Fourth floor.
LAURA
Thanks.
INT. 4TH FLOOR - MERCY HOSPITAL - DAY
Elevator doors slide open. Laura steps out, scanning for room
numbers. She moves briskly down the hall.
INT. NOAH’S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Noah lies motionless in bed. His upper left arm wrapped in
thick bandages. Machines beep softly.
Laura steps forward, hesitant, then gently brushes his hair
from his forehead.
LAURA
Noah.
His eyelids flutter open. Groggy. Disoriented.
NOAH
Mom?
Laura swallows hard.
LAURA
It’s Aunt Laura. I got here as
fast as I could.
Noah blinks, trying to register. His mind sluggish from
medication.
NOAH
(confused) Aunt Laura? What’s
gonna happen?
A flicker of panic flashes across his face.
LAURA
I don’t know. But we’ll figure it
out. I promise.
A NURSE enters, checking Noah’s vitals.
NURSE
Can you tell me your name and date
of birth?
NOAH
Noah Rockford. June ninth, two
thousand four.
NURSE
I’m going to give you something to
help you relax.
She injects medication into the IV. Noah’s breathing slows, his
muscles relaxing almost instantly. Laura watches, helpless.
DOCTOR OLDFORD enters, flipping through a chart.
DOCTOR OLDFORD
You must be Noah’s aunt?
LAURA
Yes, Laura Wood. How is he?
DOCTOR OLDFORD
He’s lucky. The bullet grazed his
upper tricep, just missing the
brachial artery. We repaired
the damage—he should make a full
physical recovery in about four to
six weeks.
Laura nods, relieved, but her exhaustion is evident.
DOCTOR OLDFORD (V.O.)
But his real battle is going to be
psychological. Therapy,
counseling, possibly medication.
He’s been through unimaginable
trauma.
Genres:
["Drama","Legal"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Burdened Choice
EXT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY - LATER
Laura walks, distant. Everything is moving in slow motion. The
elevator doors slide open. She steps inside, the doors sealing
her in.
INT. JUVENILE JUSTICE OFFICE - LATER
Laura exits the elevator, a new weight in her posture. We see
her entering an office.
LAURA (V.O.)
My sister and I were never close.
When our dad remarried, she was
twelve years older. More like a
distant relative than a sibling.
INT. JUVENILE JUSTICE OFFICE - DAY
MELODY HARTMAN, a seasoned social worker, watches Laura
carefully as she takes a seat.
LAURA
What exactly happened?
MELODY
The DA ruled it self-defense. No
charges.
LAURA
Was there ever a doubt?
MELODY
No. The abuse at that house was
well documented. If Noah hadn’t
stopped his father, he would have
been the next victim.
She slides a file across the desk. Laura flips it open. Police
reports. Photos. It’s worse than she imagined.
LAURA
I had no idea. What happens now?
MELODY
His only living grandparent has
advanced dementia. That leaves
you.
LAURA
He’ll be seventeen next month.
Can’t he just stay with a friend?
MELODY
Still a minor. If you can’t take
him, he’ll go into foster care
until he turns eighteen.
Laura grips the edge of the file. A beat.
LAURA
No. I can’t do that to him. He can
come with me back to Charleston.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Farewell in the Rain
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
Rain drizzles, a soft curtain over the gathered mourners. A
priest speaks in hushed, reverent tones.
PRIEST
Give her, O Lord, your peace. Let
your eternal light shine upon her.
Amen.
Umbrellas cluster together as mourners step forward, placing
roses on the casket.
Noah, arm in a sling, steps up. He stares at the casket, his
face unreadable. Finally, he tosses in a rose.
Laura stands beside him, silent tears tracking her face.
NOAH
Bye, Mom.
EXT. ROCKFORD’S HOUSE - DAY
A moving van idles in the driveway. The last of Noah’s
belongings are being loaded. The house, once a home, now feels
hollow.
Andrew and a few TEAMMATES stand nearby, their usual bravado
subdued by the weight of the moment.
ANDREW
Bro, I guess this is goodbye for
now.
NOAH
Yeah, I guess. I’m not gonna be
here to save your ass anymore so
you better step up.
ANDREW
I will.
Andrew’s voice catches. He kicks at the dirt, avoiding Noah’s
gaze before pulling him into a rough, brotherly hug.
ANDREW (CONT’D)
We’re gonna miss you.
Noah steps back, forces a small smirk.
NOAH
See ya.
He climbs into the passenger seat. LAURA starts the van. As
they pull away, a REALTOR pounds a “For Sale” sign into the
yard.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
The moving van cuts through the Texas landscape, the open road
stretching endlessly ahead.
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Laura watches Noah from the corner of her eye, searching for
something to say.
LAURA
I currently live in a one-bedroom
condo, but a friend of mine has a
nice furnished house close to the
school. He said we could rent it
as long as we need. I think you’ll
like it. And the high school has
one of the best baseball programs
in South Carolina.
NOAH
I’m not playing baseball anymore.
Laura glances at him. His stare remains fixed out the window,
the anger just beneath the surface.
LAURA
Okay, well, the school is good.
EXT. BUCC-EE’S REST STOP, MISSISSIPPI - DAY
The van pulls into a massive truck stop, bustling with
travelers.
EXT. GAS PUMPS - CONTINUOUS
Laura pumps gas, phone balanced between her shoulder and ear.
LAURA
(into phone)
I’ll be back tomorrow...
yes...deposition is at the Meeting
Street office at 9 AM. I’ll be
there...Did you file the Landau
brief?... Good.
(MORE)
LAURA (CONT’D)
Make sure Lamparter doesn’t screw
it up, he’s not very good with
details...
Noah walks back from the store, hands full of snacks and a big
bag of beef jerky, but something catches his eye—a stray dog,
scrappy, weaving through parked cars.
He kneels near the van, tearing a piece of jerky.
NOAH
Hey buddy. You hungry?
The dog hesitates, then cautiously takes the jerky from his
hand.
WORKER
(emptying trash)
Seen him hanging around a few
days. Think someone abandoned him.
Laura finishes her call, turning toward Noah.
LAURA (O.S.)
He’s with me... I don’t know, I
haven’t even seen him cry. It’s
weird. I think he’s still in shock
about the whole thing... Yea, I’ll
have him until he’s eighteen...
what was I supposed to do, stick
him in foster care?... Yeah, well,
he’s my problem now.
Noah stiffens. He looks down at the dog.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
A New Companion
EXT. GAS STATION - MOMENTS LATER
The dog stays close, tail wagging. Noah rubs its head, looks up
at another worker.
NOAH
Is this your dog?
A worker nearby shakes his head.
WORKER
Nope. He’s been on his own for a
while.
Noah looks down at the dog, who wags his tail, waiting.
LAURA
Noah, let’s go!
Noah opens the passenger door. The dog hops in without
hesitation.
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Laura slides into the driver’s seat and freezes.
LAURA
What’s this?
NOAH
This is Jeter.
LAURA
Jeter.
NOAH
Yeah. Jeter.
Noah scratches behind Jeter’s ears, looking Laura dead in the
eye.
NOAH (CONT’D)
He was abandoned. I’m keeping him.
Laura exhales, nods, and turns the key. The van pulls away.
INT. VAN ON HIGHWAY - LATER
Jeter is curled up asleep on Noah’s lap. The tension has eased—
slightly.
NOAH
So how do you like being a lawyer?
LAURA
A lot of hours. I do a lot of
divorce cases. Not exactly the
kind of law I was looking to
pursue, it just sort of happened.
It’s kind of depressing.
NOAH
I know.
Laura glances at him.
LAURA
Your Mom and I weren’t close.
We’ve talked a few times over the
years, but our lives were
completely different.
(MORE)
LAURA (CONT’D)
Law school was tough, and I was
working two jobs to pay for it
all. Not much time for anything
else.
NOAH
Yeah, well, my Mom was working a
lot, too. She did everything for
me.
Noah turns back toward the window, his face unreadable. Silence
stretches between them.
Then—
Laura makes a face, wrinkles her nose.
LAURA
How much beef jerky did you feed
him?
NOAH
Uh... a lot.
Jeter stirs, lets out a long, groggy sigh—
And then—
LAURA
Oh my God. That’s terrible. Open
your window!
NOAH
We need to pull over. That’s not
normal.
LAURA
First thing when we get to
Charleston, he’s going to the vet.
Noah grins, rolling down the window. Wind rushes in as they
drive, laughter finally breaking through the tension.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Shared Grief and New Beginnings
INT. COACH MILLER’S HOUSE - DAY
COACH JACKSON MILLER, late 30s, stands at the stove, poking at
a pan of scrambled eggs, steam rising like a lost cause. His
son, KOLE, 14, sits at the table, eyeing his plate with
skepticism.
KOLE
They’re burnt.
(MORE)
KOLE (CONT’D)
Even the butter is burnt. Tastes
like plastic.
COACH MILLER
Quit complaining and eat.
Kole stabs at the eggs, but his appetite isn’t there. Silence
lingers.
KOLE
I miss Mom.
Coach Miller exhales, his grip tightening on the spatula.
COACH MILLER
I know. Me too.
A beat. Then—Coach swipes Kole’s plate and dumps it in the
sink.
COACH MILLER
Waffle House?
KOLE
Oh yeah!
They’re out the door in seconds.
EXT. COACH MILLER’S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
As they step outside, a MOVING VAN pulls into the driveway next
door. Kole slings his backpack over his shoulder, watching as
Laura, Noah, and Jeter step out of the van.
Coach Miller steps forward, offering a wave.
COACH MILLER
Hi. Moving in?
LAURA
Yes, sir. Laura Wood. And this is
my nephew Noah Rockford and Jeter.
Laura gives a friendly wave.
Jeter sits at Noah’s side, his loyalty immediate and
unwavering.
NOAH
Hi.
Coach Miller sizes Noah up—athletic build, something guarded in
his eyes.
COACH MILLER
Nice to meet you. I’m Jackson
Miller, and this is my son, Kole.
Still in high school?
NOAH
Yes, sir.
COACH MILLER
Going to St. Michael’s, I hope?
LAURA
Yes. All set for the fall.
KOLE
Too bad you’ll have to cut your
hair. What happened to your arm?
A pause. Noah doesn’t answer. Instead, he turns, heading for
the house. Jeter follows.
NOAH
(walking away)
Nice meeting you.
Laura winces, glancing at Coach Miller.
LAURA
He’s had a rough few weeks. Just
lost both of his parents.
Coach Miller nods, instinctively pulling Kole closer. Kole
lowers his head, the shared grief unspoken but understood.
LAURA
Nice meeting you both.
COACH MILLER
Same.
As Laura disappears inside, Coach Miller turns to Kole.
COACH MILLER
Let’s hit that Waffle House.
Kole grins, shaking off the moment.
INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - DAY
Laura unpacks dishes in the kitchen. She fills a glass with
water and hands it to Noah. His hand trembles as he swallows a
pill.
LAURA
School doesn’t start for two
weeks. So you have some time to
adjust.
She watches him closely.
LAURA (CONT’D)
I have a deposition to prepare
for. You okay?
NOAH
I have to cut my hair?
Jeter sits at Noah’s feet.
LAURA
Catholic school rules. And don’t
forget, Jeter’s vet appointment at
eleven. It’s on Main Street.
NOAH
I won’t forget. We’ll go for a
walk.
LAURA
And I have to work late, so make
sure you pick up something for
yourself for dinner.
Laura smiling, Noah nods.
NOAH
Got it. (to Jeter) Let’s go.
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - DAY
Noah and Jeter step onto the weathered front porch. Noah flexes
his left hand, winces. Pain lingers.
Jeter watches, ears perked, then bolts into the yard. He noses
through the grass, finds a baseball, snatches it up. Waits for
Noah.
Noah watches the dog, a ghost of a smile crossing his lips. He
steps down off the porch and follows.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Confronting Shadows
EXT. VETS OFFICE - LATER
Noah and Jeter push through the glass door. The dog still grips
the ball between his jaws.
BLAKE HOPKINS, 16, effortless beauty with a confident edge,
stands behind the counter.
BLAKE
Hi. Who do we have here?
NOAH
This is Jeter.
Blake types into the computer. Jeter, curious, places his paws
on the counter, his eyes locked on her.
BLAKE
New patient. He’s cute.
Blake throws a glance at Noah, her tone playful, teasing.
NOAH
Found him at a gas station in
Mississippi. Hasn’t left my side
since.
BLAKE
Wow. You just move here?
NOAH
Yeah, from Texas.
BLAKE
What happened to your arm?
NOAH
(grinning, deadpan)
Gunshot.
BLAKE
(laughs, unimpressed)
Funny. Welcome to Charleston. Take
a seat, my dad will be right with
you.
Noah and Jeter settle in.
INT. EXAM ROOM - DAY
The vet returns Jeter to Noah, his tail wagging.
VET
You’re all set. Here’s his updated
rabies tag. He’s already fixed,
not chipped. Blood work’s good.
You’ve got yourself a great pup.
Jeter nuzzles into Noah.
NOAH
Thanks.
VET
Blake will check you out.
Noah leads Jeter out.
INT. OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Blake finishes the transaction, hands Noah the receipt.
BLAKE
You going to St. Michael’s?
NOAH
So I’m told.
BLAKE
Me too! See you at school. And
take care of that gunshot injury.
Noah smirks, exits.
INT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Noah stands on a pitcher’s mound, wind whipping around him. He
locks eyes with something in the batter’s box—
We see RITA.
Blood seeps through her fingers, staining her blouse.
RITA
(weak, desperate)
...Noah...help me...
END DREAM SEQUENCE
INT. NOAH’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Noah jolts awake, drenched in sweat, breath ragged. Jeter lifts
his head, watching him. The clock reads 4 AM.
Noah rubs his face, grabs his phone, checks his notifications.
INSERT - IPHONE SCREEN
“Andrew Hoover is proud to announce his commitment to play
baseball at Florida Southern College.”
BACK TO SCENE
Noah exhales hard, tosses the phone aside. Gets up.
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LATER
Noah steps onto the porch in shorts and a t-shirt. The humid
Charleston air clings to him. He takes a deep breath, then jogs
off into the night. Jeter follows.
EXT. ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - LATER
Noah slows as he approaches the school. He stops at the edge of
the baseball field, eyes locked on the pitcher’s mound.
He pulls the sling over his head. Hesitates. Then straightens
his arm, wincing. He chucks the sling into a nearby trash can.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - NIGHT
Noah and Jeter stand at the third base line. Jeter sprints onto
the field, looking back at Noah.
Noah follows, steps measured. He reaches the mound, kneels,
fingers brushing the dirt.
He finds a baseball, weighs it in his hand. Breathes deep, the
scent of clay and grass grounding him.
Then, he hurls it. Hard.
The ball smashes into the backstop. Pain surges through his arm
and soul. He grits his teeth, lets out a guttural groan.
Thunder rumbles. Heat lightning streaks the sky.
Jeter trembles, presses against Noah’s leg. He kneels, ruffles
the dog’s fur.
NOAH
You afraid of thunder? Let’s get
you home.
They jog away, disappearing into the darkness.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Confrontation in the Kitchen
EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - NIGHT
A shadow lingers in the distance.
FATHER ED, late fifties, the pastor of St. Michael’s, watches
Noah and Jeter fade into the night, curiosity flickering in his
eyes.
INT. LAURA’S BEDROOM - LATER
The alarm vibrates violently on the nightstand. Laura groans,
slaps at her phone. Silence.
She exhales, lets herself sink back into the pillow. Five more
minutes.
Then—movement. The distinct rustle of someone in the next room.
Her eyes snap open.
Reality. A teenage boy in her kitchen.
She swings her legs over the side of the bed, takes a deep
breath, and rises.
INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Laura enters, dressed for work, moving on autopilot toward the
coffee pot, then stops.
Noah sits at the table.
His school uniform pressed, his hair freshly cut, a mug of
coffee steaming in front of him like he’s been up for hours.
For a second, Laura just stares.
NOAH
I made coffee.
Laura blinks, still shaking off sleep.
LAURA
(half-impressed)
I see that. I like the uniform.
Noah doesn’t answer. Just sips his coffee.
Laura moves to the cupboard, pulls down a prescription bottle,
shakes out a pill. Sets it in front of him.
LAURA (CONT’D)
Here you go.
Noah takes the pill, tosses it back, chases it with coffee like
it’s nothing.
LAURA
Where’s your sling?
NOAH
Tired of people asking about it.
(beat)
My arm’s fine, just sore. I’ll
wait outside.
He grabs his backpack, heads for the door.
Jeter follows, always his shadow.
Laura stands there, staring at where Noah used to be. She picks
up her mug, sits at the table, still processing. Still waking
up.
Then—
Noah’s back in the doorway.
She looks up.
He leans against the frame, arms crossed, face harder now.
NOAH
You really think I’m a problem?
The words gut-punch her.
LAURA
Noah—
NOAH
(sharp, cold laugh)
Don’t. I heard you. At the gas
station. “He’s my problem now.”
Laura’s throat tightens.
She exhales through her nose, voice even.
LAURA
That’s not what I meant.
NOAH
Yeah? Then what did you mean?
A beat.
Noah just stares her down, waiting.
Laura swallows, gathers herself.
LAURA
I was tired. I was frustrated. I
don’t know how to do this, Noah.
NOAH
Do what?
LAURA
Be your mom.
Noah doesn’t react, not outwardly, but something shifts behind
his eyes.
He shrugs, arms still locked over his chest.
NOAH
So don’t. I’m almost eighteen.
Just drop me off somewhere.
LAURA
It’s not that simple.
NOAH
(mocking laugh)
Right. ‘Cause foster care would
make you look bad.
CRACK—
Laura slaps her hand on the table. Not planned. Just pure,
unfiltered frustration.
LAURA
You think I don’t care? You think
you’re just here out of guilt?
Noah doesn’t blink.
NOAH
I think if my Mom were still
alive, I wouldn’t be here at all.
Laura’s jaw tightens. She looks down, runs a hand over her
face, then meets his stare head-on.
LAURA
You’re right.
Noah flinches. He wasn’t expecting that.
LAURA (CONT’D)
I wasn’t a sister to your mom. Not
really. We barely knew each other.
I never checked in.
(MORE)
LAURA (CONT’D)
I was too caught up in my own
life. And I hate myself for it. I
could have done something...I
could have helped her..
She exhales, voice steady now.
LAURA (CONT’D)
But I do know this - I couldn’t
leave you behind.
Noah shifts, his defenses cracking—but just for a second.
NOAH
Good to know.
Then he’s gone. Out the door.
Laura leans back in her chair, staring at nothing.
LAURA
...and good morning.
She takes a sip of coffee.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Pressure and Frustration
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Jeter trots back to the porch, baseball in mouth. He drops it
at Noah’s feet. Noah picks up the ball.
KOLE (O.S.)
Hey! Throw it here!
Noah turns. Kole stands on his own porch, mitt in hand.
KOLE (CONT’D)
Let’s see what you got.
Noah hesitates, then tosses the ball lightly. Kole snags it
effortlessly.
KOLE
Lefty, like me. You a pitcher?
NOAH
I was. Hurt my arm. Just need some
rest.
KOLE
My dad’s the coach at St.
Michael’s. I’m still riding the
bench, though. My velocity isn’t
there.
NOAH
How old are you?
KOLE
Just turned 15. Freshman.
NOAH
You’ve got time. Just gotta get
bigger.
KOLE
That’s what everyone says. Maybe
you could give me some pointers?
Before Noah can answer, Laura rushes out, vintage Coach satchel
slung over her shoulder. All business.
LAURA
Let’s go. (to Kole) You need a
ride?
KOLE
I’m good. My dad takes me.
Coach Miller steps outside.
COACH MILLER
Morning!
Laura and Noah return the greeting. Noah looks at Jeter.
NOAH
Stay.
Jeter lets out a little sigh, plops down.
NOAH (CONT’D)
See you at school. And if you
wanna get bigger, eat everything.
KOLE
I’ll do that. Thanks!
Laura and Noah get into the car. Kole turns to his dad.
KOLE (CONT’D)
Can we hit Waffle House?
INT. PRINCIPAL WATTS OFFICE - DAY
Laura and Noah sit across from PRINCIPAL WATTS, who thumbs
through Noah’s file.
WATTS
Decent grades. A lot of colleges
interested. Plenty of offers. Have
you considered any?
NOAH
I’m good.
(to Laura)
You should go. I’ll be fine.
LAURA
I’m sorry...
(to Watts)
I’m late.
Watts hands Noah a schedule and ID lanyard. Noah slings it over
his head.
WATTS
Just think about baseball.
Noah slams his hand on the desk. Pain ripples through his arm.
He winces.
NOAH
I’ll play when I’m ready. Are you
deaf?
LAURA
Noah!
WATTS
Watch your tone.
Noah rises.
NOAH
My parents are dead. And all you
care about is baseball.
He walks out.
Laura exhales, rubs her forehead.
LAURA
He’s got a point. Thanks.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Bittersweet Farewell
EXT. SCHOOL OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Laura hurries after Noah, her heels clicking against on the
terrazzo floor.
LAURA
Noah, wait... Noah!
Noah keeps walking, eyes forward, jaw tight.
LAURA
Are you okay?
NOAH
I just want to get through the
day. You’re late because of me.
Just go.
She reaches for him, slows her pace.
LAURA
Hey... you were right. Everyone
needs to back off with the
baseball thing. Me included. I’m
sorry.
Noah stops. A beat.
NOAH
Go to work.
She moves in, almost a hug, but Noah steps back, instinctive,
guarded. She adjusts, gives his shoulder a pat instead.
NOAH
(softly)
I’m sorry.
Laura studies him, something breaking inside her, but she
covers it.
LAURA
It’s alright. Bye.
She walks off, glancing back once.
Noah stands there, watching her disappear. Then, he turns and
heads in the opposite direction.
EXT. PARKING LOT – MOMENTS LATER
Cell phone ringing. Chicago area code.
She stares at the screen, hesitates, then answers.
LAURA
This is Laura.
A calm, measured male voice on the other end.
VOICE (O.S.)
Laura, it’s Dan Shearson over at
Shearson, Hector and Schmidt. Hope
I’m not catching you at a bad
time.
Laura rubs her forehead, staring at the school building.
Watching. Thinking.
LAURA
No, it’s fine. What’s up?
DAN (O.S.)
I wanted to see if you’ve had time
to think about our offer.
LAURA
I… haven’t made a decision yet.
DAN (O.S.)
Totally understand. It’s a big
move. Just know the partners are
eager to bring you on board.
Senior litigation. Seven figures.
Full relocation. Hell of an
opportunity.
Laura closes her eyes, leans her head back. She knows that.
LAURA
I appreciate that, Dan.
DAN (O.S.)
Think it over. But we’ll need an
answer soon.
A long beat.
LAURA
I’ll decide shortly.
DAN (O.S.)
Looking forward to it.
The call clicks off.
She looks back toward the school—toward where Noah disappeared.
The baseball field looms in the background.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Intervention and Consequences
EXT. SCHOOL COURTYARD - LATER
Noah eats alone. Watches the students.
Across the courtyard we see an argument.
BLAKE and BRODY HOPKINS, twins, mid-fight. It’s heated.
BRODY
Give me the keys! You had the car
yesterday!
BLAKE
Mom said I get it today because
you keep forgetting to flush!
BRODY
That wasn’t me!
Brody grabs Blake, pins her arms.
BLAKE
Stop! Let go!
Noah’s up, moving fast. Brody barely sees him before..
Noah decks him. Hard. Brody crumples.
Blake screams. Noah recoils from the pain in his arm.
BLAKE
What the hell is wrong with you?!
She rushes to Brody.
NOAH
He was hurting you!
BLAKE
He’s my brother!
(shoves Noah)
We fight like this all the time!
Noah stiffens. Realization. Shit.
Father Ed is there, steps in.
FATHER ED
You. Let’s go. And who are you?
He pulls Noah’s ID off him, glances at it.
NOAH
Noah Rockford. First day.
FATHER ED
Of course it is.
He leads Noah away. Blake watches, intrigued. A small smile.
NT. FATHER ED’S OFFICE - DAY
Father Ed’s office looks like a collision of history and
baseball—stacks of books, old game programs, signed baseballs,
and a faded Mets pennant on the wall. Dust motes hang in the
sunlight filtering through the stained-glass window.
Noah stands near the door, uneasy.
NOAH
Sir, I thought she was being
attacked. I didn’t know that was
her brother.
Father Ed leans back in his creaky leather chair, steeples his
fingers.
FATHER ED
I saw what happened. I understand.
But you can’t go around punching
people in the face.
NOAH
I know. I’m sorry. Am I getting
suspended?
FATHER ED
Take a seat.
Noah lowers himself into the chair. Father Ed types on his
computer. The room is thick with silence. Noah’s eyes scan the
artifacts, the trophies of a life before the cloth.
FATHER ED
You’re not suspended, but I’m
giving you early detention. Report
to the chapel, 5:30 AM tomorrow.
Wear work clothes. You’ll have
time to change before school.
He slides Noah’s ID back across the desk.
NOAH
Yes, sir.
Noah pockets his lanyard and heads out.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Morning Terrors and New Connections
INT. LAURA’S HOUSE - MORNING
Noah jolts awake, drenched in sweat, breath sharp and shallow.
The night terror already fading, but the weight of it lingers.
Jeter sits beside the bed, watching him. Silent. Waiting.
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LATER
Noah steps onto the porch, stretching out the tightness in his
muscles.
NOAH
Stay.
Jeter obeys, but watches him closely. Noah mounts his bike and
pedals off. Jeter lingers, then trots after him, keeping his
distance.
EXT. ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - LATER
Noah rides past the empty sports fields. He slows as he spots
Blake, alone, lacrosse stick in hand, launching a ball against
a brick wall. Over and over. Precision. Rhythm.
Noah rolls up on his bike.
NOAH
You’re out here early.
Blake barely glances at him, focused on the ball ricocheting
back at her.
BLAKE
Under Armour South tryouts are
next weekend. If I don’t make the
team, I don’t make Clemson. Simple
as that.
NOAH
They have that for baseball, too.
BLAKE
You play? What are you doing here?
NOAH
Early detention. For decking your
brother.
The lacrosse ball sails past Blake’s goalie stick and Noah
catches it. Blake finally turns to face him.
BLAKE
I’m not some damsel in distress. I
can take care of myself.
She holds out her stick, motioning for the ball.
NOAH
I’m sorry. I overreacted. Is your
brother okay?
BLAKE
He’s fine. Hard head. It was kinda
cool, though. You stepping in like
that.
Noah smirks.
BLAKE (CONT’D)
Am I gonna have to take that ball
back?
Noah finally tosses it back.
NOAH
I gotta go. Detention awaits.
Noah turns to leave. Blake calls after him.
BLAKE
There’s a dance in a few weeks.
You going?
NOAH
No girlfriend. So, no.
BLAKE
Well, I don’t have a boyfriend.
So... I’ll see you there.
She grins and returns to her drill.
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Morning Duties and Unresolved Conflicts
INT. CHAPEL - MORNING
The first light of dawn floods the chapel, bathing the wooden
pews in gold. Noah hesitates, takes it in.
FATHER ED (O.S.)
Back here.
Noah follows the voice, finds Father Ed standing beside a
storage closet.
FATHER ED
Grab the mop and bucket. Follow
me.
Noah wheels the yellow bucket down the hall, trailing Father
Ed.
FATHER ED
Clean the bathrooms. Both of them.
I’ll be in my office.
And just like that, he’s gone.
INT. MEN’S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Noah surveys the battlefield. Paper towels littered everywhere.
Garbage cans overflowing.
He starts with the trash. Fills the mop bucket. Swipes the
floors, clumsy at first, then falls into a rhythm.
He scrubs the toilet with a long brush, grimaces, flushes it
with his foot.
Then, he steps into the women’s room. Stops. Blanches.
He backs out, steadying himself. Exhales. Then, resolute, he
steps back in.
EXT. FATHER ED’S OFFICE - LATER
A knock.
FATHER ED
Come in.
Noah steps in. Father Ed is on the phone, finishing a call.
FATHER ED
(into phone)
Just tell him Father Ed from St.
Michael’s called. Thanks.
He hangs up.
NOAH
I’m done. Cleaned up, put
everything back.
FATHER ED
Good. Same time tomorrow.
Noah clenches his jaw. Exhales sharply.
FATHER ED (CONT’D)
I see you played ball at your last
school. You planning to play here?
NOAH
I hurt my arm. Need to shut it
down.
FATHER ED
How long has it been?
NOAH
Ten weeks. Two days.
A flicker of something crosses Father Ed’s face. He removes his
glasses, studies Noah.
FATHER ED
You should be working out with the
team. Consider it part of your
punishment.
NOAH
No way. I’m not playing.
FATHER ED
I’m not asking.
Noah grits his teeth. Nods. Turns and walks out.
EXT. CHAPEL - MOMENTS LATER
Noah hops on his bike, ready to leave. Then, he sees Jeter,
waiting under a nearby oak.
NOAH
Jeter! What are you doing here?
Jeter picks up his ball, trots over.
Noah sighs, rubs the dog’s head.
NOAH
Come on. Let’s go.
He pedals off, Jeter right behind him.
INT. ST MICHAEL’S CLASSROOM - DAY
Noah sits in the back of his science class, eyes heavy,
thoughts elsewhere. Father Ed steps inside, exchanges a few
quiet words with the teacher, then leaves.
TEACHER
Noah.
Noah blinks, sits up straight.
TEACHER (CONT’D)
When you’re finished with class,
report to Father Ed’s office.
NOAH
Yes, ma’am.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Finding Purpose
INT. FATHER ED’S OFFICE - DAY
A knock. Noah pushes open the door.
NOAH
You wanted to see me?
FATHER ED
Come in. Sit.
Noah lowers himself into a chair, wary.
FATHER ED
So, besides detention, how’s your
first week going?
NOAH
Well, I’m definitely getting an
education in janitorial work.
(beat)
What’s with all the baseball
stuff?
Father Ed reaches for a framed baseball card, hands it to Noah.
INSERT - FRAMED BASEBALL CARD
A younger Father Ed, clad in a New York Mets uniform, bat slung
over his shoulder.
BACK TO SCENE
Noah stares at it, caught off guard.
NOAH
How do you go from the MLB to the
priesthood? What about...
Noah hesitates, unsure.
FATHER ED
(knowing smile)
...girls? Long story. But everyone
has a calling. Mine led me here.
Don’t get me wrong—I loved
baseball, and I had my share of
fun. But at 26, I was 190 pounds
of hostility, losing my faith and
myself.
NOAH
How did you get it back?
FATHER ED
I left baseball in ’92. Tried my
hand at acting—bit parts, nothing
special. Even played a ballplayer
in a movie. But I kept hearing
that voice. ‘Eddie, what are you
doing with your life?’ Took me ten
years to answer it. Finally, I
entered the seminary. The rest is
history. (beat) What’s your
calling, Noah?
NOAH
I don’t have one.
FATHER ED
Everyone does. That little voice
in your head? It’s telling you
something.
NOAH
I used to hear it. Not anymore.
Everything’s too messed up.
Noah tightens his jaw, holds back whatever’s threatening to
rise up.
FATHER ED
My door’s always open. You don’t
have to talk. Sometimes, sitting
in silence is enough.
NOAH
Thanks, Father.
Noah rises.
FATHER ED
Not so fast. One more thing. After
school tomorrow, keep your PE
uniform on.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Proving Grounds
EXT. ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - DAY
Father Ed and Noah walk past the school’s athletic fields.
Jeter emerges from under an oak tree, walking silently after
them.
NOAH
Where are we going?
FATHER ED
More maintenance.
They move past the tennis courts, the lacrosse field where
players wind down their practice. Blake pulls off her helmet,
notices Noah. He looks away, keeps walking.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
We see the Crusaders’ baseball team scrimmaging on the field.
They’re rough—pitching is wild, fielding sloppy. Errors pile
up. There’s potential, but nobody is taking it seriously.
Noah stops to watch. Father Ed studies him.
FATHER ED
Hey, come on. You have work to do.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Father Ed unlocks a storage closet at the end of the dugout.
Inside—trash, abandoned gear, flies circling. A disaster.
FATHER ED
Here you go.
NOAH
Here I go… what?
COACH MILLER
Hi, Father.
FATHER ED
Clean it up. I want to eat off the
floors when you’re done.
(to Miller)
Hi Coach.
Noah clenches his jaw. He steps out, hands on his hips.
NOAH
More cleaning? Are you kidding me?
(MORE)
NOAH (CONT’D)
I thought I was working out with
the team.
FATHER ED
No, not kidding. And when you’re
done here, there’s the other
dugout.
NOAH
This is bullshit.
COACH MILLER
It is for you.
NOAH
Look at them. They’re terrible.
They should clean up their own
mess.
The team stops. Brody Hopkins, still sporting a fading black
eye, steps forward.
BRODY
I’d like to see you do better.
NOAH
(laughs)
Do better? Maybe if you took pride
in your dugout, it’d show on the
field.
BRODY
I don’t see you out here trying.
NOAH
I could strike out the top of your
lineup with my eyes closed.
Brody smirks, whips a ball at Noah. Noah snatches it
barehanded.
BRODY
Prove it.
NOAH
I need a mitt. I’m a lefty.
Kole jogs over, hands Noah his glove, grinning.
KOLE
Take mine. What about your arm?
NOAH
It’s fine. Let’s get this over
with.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Showdown on the Mound
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Noah stands firm on the mound, rolling the ball in his palm.
Father Ed and Coach Miller linger behind him, silent observers.
Miller raises his radar gun.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Drew Messina, a powerhouse third baseman, steps into the box,
towering over the plate.
DREW
You can clean my jock strap, too.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The team erupts in laughter—except Kole, who claps hard, Jeter
barking beside him.
KOLE
Come on, Noah! Strike him out!
The team shushes Kole, but Noah’s expression doesn’t change.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah takes a slow breath, digs his foot into the rubber, lifts
his leg, and fires—
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The ball screams past Drew’s bat.
COACH MILLER
Strike one!
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The team reacts wildly.
GAVIN
That’s a big Daddy hack!
Father Ed smirks. Miller chuckles.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Pedro, behind the plate, shakes his glove, flexing his fingers,
shocked by the velocity.
PEDRO
Damn. You guys are in trouble.
NOAH
Just give me the ball.
Pedro tosses it back, grinning.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah digs into the dirt, grips the seams. He winds up,
releases...
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Struck Out: A Battle on the Mound
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Drew swings hard. Air ball.
PEDRO
Strike two!
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Some teammates start paying attention, realizing what’s
happening.
DREW
Bet all he’s got is a fastball.
PEDRO
What more does he need?
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah smirks, shakes off Pedro’s signal. He grips the ball,
winds up, and sends a filthy curveball breaking off the plate.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Drew swings. Misses. Hard. Strike three.
Drew curses, slams his bat. Walks off shaking his head.
NOAH
Who’s next?
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Brody steps up, cracking his knuckles. Smirks at Noah.
SAM
Hit a dinger, Brody!
JUSTIN
Let’s go slap some taters!
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Noah doesn’t flinch. Just stares Brody down.
PEDRO
Try not to hit him.
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Noah winds up. A low, inside strike paints the corner.
Coach Miller from behind Noah
COACH MILLER
Strike one.
BRODY
No way. That was low!
PEDRO
It was a strike.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The chatter grows, the team split between doubt and amazement.
BENNETT
Come on, Brody! Swing at it!
ISAAC
Don’t get locked up, bro!
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah scrapes his foot against the mound. Breath steady. He
winds up, hurls another breaking ball—
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Brody doesn’t swing.
COACH MILLER
Strike two!
Kole claps wildly. Isaac playfully shoves him.
ISAAC
Dude, we need a hit!
KOLE
Ain’t happening.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah exhales, locks in, and lets one rip—a 92-mph fastball
right down the pipe.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Brody swings—and misses by a mile. Strike three. Filthy.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Strikeout Surprise
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The players react. Some impressed, others annoyed.
PEDRO
Damn, Rockpaw!
NOAH
It’s Rockford.
Pedro smirks, tosses the ball back.
PEDRO
Okay, Rockpaw.
EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUOUS
NOAH
Father Ed, one more and I’m out of
detention, right?
FATHER ED
One more and you’re a free man.
(to Miller)
And I’m calling the Mets.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Gavin Winkler, their best hitter, steps in.
GAVIN
Let’s see what you got.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Chatter rises. Players hyped.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
Three pitches. Three strikes. Gavin’s out.
EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Silence. Then..
KOLE
Holy cow.
NICK
I don’t want to clean. Damn it.
PEDRO
Rockpaw’s legit.
COACH MILLER
Practice is over. Let’s go.
Dugouts aren’t cleaning
themselves.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Breaking Point
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah stands, breathing heavy. The team claps—grudgingly. Slow
motion sets in. The echoes of cheers ring through his ears.
He turns, eyes drifting to the stands.
EXT. STANDS - CONTINUOUS
We see his parents. Rita and Cain. Cheering.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah steps forward—snaps out of it. The stands are empty.
His knees buckle. He collapses. Jeter bolts toward him.
BRODY
What’s he doing?
Kole, worried, steps forward.
KOLE
Noah?
Father Ed and Coach Miller move fast.
FATHER ED
Son, you okay?
Noah shakes violently, lost in something deeper than the game.
NOAH
I saw my Mom and Dad… in the
stands. It felt real.
FATHER ED
Let’s get you out of here.
Father Ed moves to help, but Noah violently jerks away,
staggering back, practically knocking Father Ed off of his
feet.
NOAH
I don’t need your help! Leave me
alone!
He storms off. Jeter follows. Blake approaches the field,
witnessing the end of the dust up. Concern etched on her face.
BLAKE
Noah…?
Noah doesn’t stop. Doesn’t look back.
BLAKE
What happened? Noah?!
He turns, eyes raw.
NOAH
Stay away from me.
We see the team gather around, confused, concerned. They watch
as Noah walks away, Jeter trailing behind.
INT. ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - DAY
Noah sits in math class, his gaze distant, fixed on the window.
The teacher drones on, scribbling equations on the whiteboard.
DAYDREAM - INT. ROCKFORD HOUSE - DAY
Cain grips a gun, aimed at Rita. Noah launches himself at Cain,
tackling him. The gun fires. Chaos.
Noah’s fists hammer Cain’s skull. Blood spatters. Cain’s head
hits the tile floor. Crimson pools around Noah’s knuckles.
VOICE (O.S.)
Noah? Noah!
END DAYDREAM
INT. CLASSROOM - CONTINUOUS
Noah jerks awake, breathing hard. Students chuckle.
TEACHER
You still with us?
NOAH
I have to go to the bathroom.
Noah stands abruptly.
TEACHER
You’re not excused!
Noah walks out anyway.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Confronting Shadows
INT. SCHOOL BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Noah grips the sink, splashes cold water on his face. He
exhales, steadies himself, then looks down.
His hands.
Blood.
He blinks. Looks again. The blood is gone.
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Noah steps into the dimly lit chapel, scanning for Father Ed.
He walks down a narrow hallway, finds him in his office.
INT. FATHER ED’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
A knock. Father Ed glances up. Noah lingers in the doorway.
NOAH
I’m sorry about yesterday. I know
you were just trying to help.
I don’t know why I reacted that
way.
Father Ed gestures to a chair.
FATHER ED
Come in.
Noah sits. Silence. He takes in the office—baseball
memorabilia, relics of faith.
NOAH
You remember how we talked about
the little voice in your head…
your calling?
Father Ed nods.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Mine’s driving me insane. I close
my eyes, and all I see is blood.
My father’s head, I hear the sound
his head made when it hit the
tile. Over and over.
Noah swallows hard, eyes wet.
NOAH (CONT’D)
In English class, we’re reading
Macbeth. I feel like Lady Macbeth.
I see the blood on my hands. And I
can’t wash it off.
Father Ed leans forward, his voice calm, steady.
FATHER ED
I can’t imagine what that’s like
for you.
Noah, reliving the nightmare.
NOAH
It started as self-defense. But
then…it turned into something
else. Rage. Pure rage. He was out
cold, but I didn’t stop. I killed
him.
FATHER ED
No. You survived. That’s
different.
NOAH
Doesn’t feel different.
FATHER ED
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by
man shall his blood be shed.
Forgiveness is the only way
forward. You have to forgive
yourself.
Noah looks away, jaw clenched.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Forgiveness in the Locker Room
INT. SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM - DAY
The team mills around, tossing gear into lockers, peeling off
sweaty jerseys. Kole sits on the bench, unwrapping a Snickers.
KOLE
…all I know is both his parents
are dead.
DREW
Holy shit.
Pedro flips open his laptop.
PEDRO
Let’s Google him. Bound to be
something.
Fingers fly over the keyboard.
PEDRO (CONT’D)
Noah Rockpaw. There’s nothing.
KOLE
It’s Rockford. Moved here from
Texas.
PEDRO
(typing)
Noah Rockford, Texas, baseball.
Search results flood the screen. Brody leans over Pedro’s
shoulder.
BRODY
He was a top ten MLB high school
prospect. What the hell happened?
DREW
Click on news.
Pedro clicks. A news report fills the screen.
REPORTER (O.S.)
What started as an amazing day for
Argyle High’s baseball team ended
in tragedy when their star
pitcher, Noah Rockford, was
involved in a double homicide…
The locker room falls silent. Eyes glued to the screen.
Then—
Father Ed and Coach Miller step inside. Pedro slams the laptop
shut.
COACH MILLER
I see y’all know about Noah’s
past.
BRODY
Someone should’ve told us.
COACH MILLER
Why? Would you have treated him
differently?
BRODY
Yeah. Probably.
FATHER ED
We all have our crosses to bear.
The only way Noah gets through
this is by coming to terms with
it. Accepting it. Forgiving
himself.
BRODY
Let’s pray he does. We could use
him on this team.
DREW
Seriously, Brody?
Kole hurls a pair of dirty socks at Brody.
BRODY
Oh come on! You’re all thinking
it. Even you, Father Ed. He’s
unreal.
(MORE)
BRODY (CONT’D)
And don’t tell me God wouldn’t
want him playing baseball.
FATHER ED
God’s not a Yankees fan. Or a Mets
fan. He won’t make Noah play. He
won’t make us win. But He will
guide the way—for all of us.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Reclaiming Identity
INT. LAURA’S KITCHEN - DAY
Laura sits at the kitchen table, papers scattered, laptop open,
attempting to work. Noah walks in from school, tossing his
backpack on a chair.
NOAH
Hey.
LAURA
Hey.
NOAH
So... you’re working from home now
because of me?
LAURA
No. Well, yes.
(smirks)
I’m the boss, so I can do what I
want. Honestly, I’d rather work
from home anyway. So technically,
you’re doing me a favor. Father Ed
called me. You wanna talk about
what happened?
Noah grabs a glass, fills it with water. Leans against the
counter.
NOAH
I pitched. Then I lost my shit.
I literally saw Mom and Dad in the
stands. Like, actually saw them.
It was real. Then I was an asshole
to everyone trying to help me.
He sits. Laura listens.
NOAH (CONT’D)
I stopped taking the pills.
LAURA
Ok. Why?
NOAH
They made me feel... numb. My
whole life I walked on eggshells.
Dad was a powder keg, ready to
blow at any second, for any
reason. Even when things were
good, he found a way to wreck it.
Even Mom. She tried—she really
did—but she should’ve done more. I
know she was a victim, but I hate
that word. I’m pissed off and
tired of feeling like one. If I
never pick up a baseball again,
Dad wins. He took Mom, he’s not
taking baseball, too.
The other day...pitching again
felt right. Playing baseball means
everything to me. It’s who I am.
My calling.
A knock at the door.
Genres:
["Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A New Beginning
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Laura and Noah open the door to find the entire baseball team
standing on the porch. Brody, Kole and Pedro front and center.
KOLE
I hope you don’t mind I told the
team where you live.
NOAH
What’s up?
BRODY
Alright, as team captain, I’m
gonna speak for everyone. First
off, we’re all just really
impressed with what you did the
other day. Really. I wish I was
that good. And, uh, we looked you
up. Pedro googled it. What you’ve
been through... can’t imagine. The
fact that you’re even here?
Says a lot.
PEDRO
We want you on this team. Not just
because we wanna win—which we do,
because we suck—but because you
need to be on a baseball field.
You’re a future legend.
BRODY
And if you need to cry and break
down after every inning, totally
cool. We’ll give you space. As
long as you’re striking guys out.
We even got a nickname for you.
Rockford the Southpaw.
Rockpaw. Get it?
NOAH
I got it.
Silence. The players wait.
BRODY
So... you’ll play?
NOAH
You guys do suck, so I’ll try to
help. No guarantees. We’ll see how
it goes.
PEDRO
That’s a start!
TEAM
ROCKPAW!
The team erupts into cheers, high-fives all around, even for
Noah.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
A Sandwich and a Decision
INT. NOAH’S ROOM – NIGHT
Noah sits at his desk, doing homework.
The door creaks open. Laura pokes in her head, stands there,
awkward.
Noah looks up.
LAURA
I thought you might be hungry.
Peanut butter and jelly is pretty
much the only thing I know how to
make.
She places the plate on the desk. Noah stares at the sandwich,
smiles.
NOAH
Thanks.
Laura hesitates, turns to leave.
NOAH (softly, without looking up)
You could sit. If you want.
Laura freezes, barely believing what she heard.
LAURA
Sure.
She sits at the edge of the bed.
After a beat, Noah stuffs half the sandwich in his mouth.
LAURA
You eat like a baboon.
NOAH (mouth full)
You talk too much.
Laura chuckles. The first time she’s laughed in a while.
Noah keeps eating.
NOAH (CONT’D)
So, I saw the letter with the job
offer in Chicago. You left it on
the table.
LAURA
Oh, that.. Yeah.
NOAH
You gonna take it?
LAURA
No. Timing’s not right. Plus I
already have a new job taking care
of my nephew. And I must say, I’m
really starting to like it.
NOAH
I feel like I’m holding you back.
LAURA
Well, you’re not. Now is not the
time for more change. I think we
both need to stay in this boring
routine for a while.
NOAH
I like the sound of that.
Laura stands, picks up the empty plate and heads out of the
room.
LAURA
I have some work to finish up.
NOAH
Thanks for the sandwich.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Encouragement in the Chapel
INT. CHAPEL - DAY
Father Ed sits at his desk, flipping through papers. A door
slams. He glances at the clock—six a.m. He gets up.
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Father Ed follows the noise down the hallway. It leads to the
men’s room.
INT. MEN’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Noah fills the mop bucket, methodically gathering trash. Father
Ed steps inside.
NOAH
Morning, Father.
FATHER ED
Your detention is over.
NOAH
I like the routine. Keeps me busy.
Plus, I’m up anyway. Night terrors
are a blast.
FATHER ED
Alright then. Carry on.
Father Ed turns to leave.
NOAH
Father?
He stops. Turns.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Why aren’t you helping out with
the team?
Father Ed studies him. Noah keeps mopping, focused.
FATHER ED
Baseball and me... that was a
lifetime ago.
NOAH
You took a vow of celibacy, not a
vow to give up baseball. If I’m
gonna play, you need to step up
and help these guys. And maybe see
if you can get that uniform you
wear in a dri-fit.
Noah doesn’t even look up. Keeps cleaning.
Father Ed just smiles. Walks out.
EXT. CHAPEL - DAY
Noah walks out of the chapel, hops onto his bike, but something
catches his eye. Off in the distance, Blake is hammering
lacrosse balls against a brick wall with force, each throw
harder than the last.
As he gets closer, he sees it—frustration burning in her eyes.
She fires another shot, but the ball rebounds awkwardly. Noah
snatches it out of the air with his bare hand.
Blake spins around, surprised. She grips her goalie stick
tighter.
BLAKE
What do you want?
She lifts her stick, signaling for him to throw the ball back.
NOAH
Just saw you practicing. You okay?
Noah tosses the ball back. Blake immediately resumes her drill,
ignoring him.
BLAKE
Don’t pretend you care.
NOAH
I’m sorry about the other day. I
wasn’t myself. What’s wrong?
She hesitates, then fires another shot against the wall, barely
catching the rebound.
BLAKE
Under Armour tryouts were a
disaster. I didn’t even make the
first-round cut.
She stops, breathes hard, staring at the ground.
BLAKE (CONT’D)
I don’t even know why I’m out
here.
NOAH
You just need to work harder. I’ll
help you.
Noah picks up a field stick, fumbling with it, trying to get a
feel for it.
BLAKE
I’ve worked hard! And there’s no
point. I didn’t make it. What do
you know? You don’t even play
lacrosse.
NOAH
You’re right. I don’t. But I know
sports. And I know hard work. You
can always work harder.
BLAKE
Now you’re starting to piss me
off.
Noah pivots.
NOAH
Don’t they have other regional
tryouts? Play for another team.
BLAKE
The only region left is New York.
Competition’s even tougher than
here.
Noah awkwardly scoops a lacrosse ball and throws it. His form
is terrible. Blake snags it out of the air with ease,
unimpressed.
NOAH
If you can make it there, you’ll
make it anywhere.
Blake fights a smile.
BLAKE
You are such a dork.
NOAH
Stop making excuses. I’ll help
you.
He holds up the stick again. Blake shakes her head, doubting
him.
NOAH (CONT’D)
It’s all hand-eye coordination.
Let’s go.
They start tossing the ball back and forth. Noah’s movements
are rough, but persistent. Blake watches him, shaking her head,
laughing despite herself.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Snap the ball back to me. Come on!
BLAKE
You have no idea what you’re
talking about.
NOAH
Fake it ‘till you make it!
Jeter watches, tail wagging, trying to get in on the action.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Teamwork on the Field
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
The team huddles around Coach Miller and Father Ed for a pre-
practice meeting.
COACH MILLER
As most of you know, Father Ed
played for the New York Mets. He’s
agreed to volunteer as my bench
coach, working on hitting and
fielding. And let’s welcome Noah.
He’ll be practicing with us.
Noah nods. Teammates slap him on the back.
COACH MILLER (CONT’D)
Alright, let’s warm up.
MONTAGE – PRACTICE
The team runs a pole-to-pole sprint from the left-field corner
to the right-field corner. Noah leads the pack. Others struggle
to keep up.
Arm circles. Small at first, gradually widening. Then in
reverse.
High knees. A row of players, pumping their legs.
Side shuffles. Noah corrects Kole’s form. Kole nods, adjusts.
Pitchers, Brody, Drew, Kole, and Noah, do over-under arm
swings. Noah shows them how to do it palms up.
COACH MILLER
Hustle! Hustle!
Players grab their mitts from the dugout. Jeter naps on the
bench, unbothered.
Partner drills. Feet spread, knees bent. Catch and release
without moving the lower half. Father Ed walks the line,
watching.
FATHER ED
If you can’t play catch, you can’t
play baseball.
Quick catch drill. Players toss as fast as they can. Balls
drop. Scrambling hands.
Long toss. Outfielders stretching their arms.
Pop fly. Coach Miller smacks one just left of center field.
CARTER & SAM
I got it! I got it!
Both pull up last second. The ball drops between them.
END MONTAGE
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
The coaches wrap up practice as the last pop fly sails into the
infield.
COACH MILLER
Okay, last one.
Coach Miller lofts a pop-up to shortstop.
ISAAC
Mine, mine, mine!
Isaac tracks it, gloves it clean.
COACH MILLER
Good job. Bring it in.
The team hustles to the infield, dirt kicking up under their
cleats.
COACH MILLER
Way to hustle today. We’ve got
work to do, but I like the energy.
Study the signs tonight. We have a
scrimmage against Wando on
Saturday. A good time to see what
you’re made of. Clean up the
field, and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Players break off, hustling to the shed for rakes and dragging
the infield. Father Ed works the base paths with the tractor.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Dance Dilemmas and Almonds
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Blake approaches, fresh off lacrosse practice, still in her
gear. She steps into the dugout, plops down next to Jeter,
scratching his ears.
Brody and Noah finish up, walk into the dugout, tossing their
gloves into their bags.
BLAKE
Mom wants us to stop at the store.
Dad’s out of almonds.
BRODY
(to Noah)
My dad likes to have a bowl of
almonds with a cocktail at the end
of the day. It’s his thing.
NOAH
Sounds like a nice routine.
BLAKE
How was your first practice?
NOAH
It was good.
BRODY
It was great!
Brody slaps Noah on the back, hard.
NOAH
Could you go easy on the slap?
They grab their bags and head for the parking lot.
BLAKE
Need a ride?
NOAH
I’m good. Got my bike.
Blake starts to walk off but pauses, turns back to Noah.
BLAKE
See you at the dance tonight?
BRODY
Bro, you better be there. The
whole team’s going.
NOAH
Sure. I guess so.
BLAKE
See you later. Bye, Jeter. Bye,
Noah.
Noah watches her go. Brody turns back, walking backward,
smirking.
BRODY
(mocking)
Bye, Noah.
He spins, takes off.
BRODY (CONT’D)
I’m driving!
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
A Moment of Connection
INT. ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL GYM - NIGHT
Music pumps, bass shaking the gym. String lights dangle over
the dance floor, where students move in a chaotic rhythm.
Tables line the sides with snacks and drinks.
Noah steps inside—alone. Scans the room.
Across the gym, Blake stands near the refreshment table.
Carter and Sam spot Noah from across the way.
SAM
Noah!
Noah makes his way over.
CARTER
Want some?
Carter subtly pulls out a small bottle of Fireball from his
pocket.
NOAH
I’m good.
Brody, Kole, and Pedro stroll up.
KOLE
You got Fireball? Hook me up.
Noah spots Principal Watts moving straight toward them. He
steps in front of her path, blocking her line of sight as his
teammates scatter.
NOAH
Principal Watts! Thanks for
putting this together. Great
turnout.
WATTS
Oh, hi Noah. Glad to see you here.
How’s school going?
NOAH
Good.
Noah spots Blake leaving the refreshment table. She catches his
eye, gives a small wave.
NOAH
Gotta go.
Noah moves, meeting Blake in the middle of the dance floor.
NOAH
Hi.
BLAKE
Hi.
NOAH
You look nice.
BLAKE
Thank you. No chest protector.
Having fun?
NOAH
I am now.
Before Blake can respond, Maddy and Callie, her teammates, walk
up.
MADDY
Blake, why are you talking to him?
BLAKE
What do you mean?
CALLIE
Didn’t he kill his dad?
Noah freezes. His face hardens. He turns, pushes through the
crowd, gone.
Blake spins on her friends, furious.
BLAKE
You guys are assholes.
She rushes after Noah.
EXT. ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
Blake bursts through the gym doors, scanning the darkness.
BLAKE
Noah! Please come back!
She moves instinctively, toward the baseball field.
EXT. BALL FIELD - NIGHT
Silence. Then, Jeter appears out of the dark, walking toward
Blake.
BLAKE
Jeter...where’s Noah?
Jeter turns, leading her toward the dugout.
She follows. We see Noah sitting on the dugout bench, head
down.
Blake steps inside, sitting next to him. A long beat.
NOAH
They’re right. I killed my dad.
With these hands. I keep thinking
maybe there was another way. But
the more I replay it, the more
I realize...there wasn’t. When I
pitch and the bases are loaded,
I can always find a way out.
Minimize the damage. But that
night...there was no other way.
Blake watches him. Softly—
BLAKE
You did the right thing. I’m glad
you’re here.
Noah finally looks at her.
NOAH
Aren’t you afraid of me?
BLAKE
I am scared. But I’m not afraid of
you.
A long pause. Then, Noah reaches up, fingers grazing her cheek.
They kiss.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Rising to the Challenge
EXT. WANDO HIGH SCHOOL BALL FIELD - DAY
The Crusaders face off against Wando High School in a
scrimmage, both teams are on the field.
EXT. BULLPEN - CONTINUOUS
Noah crouches behind the plate, catching for Kole, who’s
warming up. Kole exhales sharply, shakes out his arm.
NOAH
Let me see your fastball.
KOLE
Okay. It’s not pretty.
Kole winds up and fires—flat, no movement. The ball thuds into
Noah’s mitt.
NOAH
How are you gripping that thing?
Noah walks over, looks at Koles grip, and takes the ball from
Kole’s hand.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Try this.
Noah adjusts Kole’s fingers slightly, showing him a firmer,
more efficient grip.
NOAH (CONT’D)
It’s better for smaller hands.
More spin, more pop.
Noah resumes the catching position
Kole winds up and throws again. The ball cuts through the air
with more life, a satisfying whizz.
NOAH (CONT’D)
Better. Do that when you’re out
there. Two more.
Coach Miller approaches, arms crossed, watching.
COACH MILLER
Noah, want an inning?
Noah wipes his hands on his pants, smirks.
NOAH
Let’s do it.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - LATER
Noah steps onto the mound, adjusting the dirt beneath his
cleats. He scans the field, then locks in on the first batter
stepping into the box.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The batter takes a couple of practice swings, sets his feet.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah exhales, winds up, and unleashes a blazing fastball.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The batter swings—air.
Strike one.
Pedro catches the ball clean, fires it back.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah sets, digs into the rubber. Another fastball—harder,
sharper.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The batter takes a violent cut and misses. Strike two.
Pedro shakes his glove, feeling the sting, but grins.
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Noah, working quick, grips the seams and delivers a nasty
curveball.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The ball bites the outside corner. The batter starts walking
toward the dugout—
UMPIRE
Ball!
Pedro’s head snaps up.
PEDRO
What?! Come on!
The batter stops, hesitates, steps back into the box.
Pedro shakes his head, fires the ball back to Noah.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Fractured Pitch
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah catches it, a slow smirk forming. He shakes off the call,
brushes dirt with his cleat, sets again.
Another fastball. Dead center.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX - CONTINUOUS
The batter doesn’t even flinch. Obvious strike.
UMPIRE
Ball two!
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Noah’s teammates react—shouting at the umpire from the dugout.
BRODY
Shake it off, Noah.
On the sideline, Coach Miller and Father Ed exchange glances.
FATHER ED
That’s a good pitch. Throw another
one.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - CONTINUOUS
Noah catches the ball from Pedro, jaw clenched. He glares at
the umpire, then exhales, looking down.
UMPIRE
Time!
EXT. BALL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
The umpire walks toward Coach Miller and Father Ed.
UMPIRE
That’s a warning to your pitcher.
Unsportsmanlike behavior.
COACH MILLER
For what?
UMPIRE
Staring me down.
The umpire strides toward the mound. Noah stands tall, arms at
his sides.
UMPIRE (CONT’D)
This is your one and only warning.
Watch yourself.
NOAH
What?!
FATHER ED
Shake it off, Noah. Just play
ball.
NOAH
This is bullshit.
The umpire makes a wide sweeping motion.
UMPIRE
You’re outta here!
The field erupts. Both dugouts empty onto the field, players
swarming.
Noah, furious, chest bumps the umpire.
NOAH
Your calls suck!
UMPIRE
Go complain to your mommy.
Bad choice of words. Noah’s rage boils over. He swings, decking
the umpire.
The umpire goes down hard. Players rush in. Chaos.
Father Ed and Coach Miller barrell through the fray, grabs Noah
by the jersey, yanking him back.
UMPIRE
I’m filing a report with the
SCHSL. His season’s done!
FATHER ED
Let’s go.
Father Ed shoves Noah toward the dugout.
NOAH
What’s he talking about? Who’s he
filing a complaint with?
FATHER ED
The people who run South Carolina
high school sports.
Coach Miller catches up, fuming.
COACH MILLER
What were you thinking?
NOAH
I wasn’t. He told me to complain
to my mommy.
Father Ed exhales, gestures to Coach Miller.
FATHER ED
Get him in the locker room.
Coach Miller grips Noah’s shoulder, leading him away. Father Ed
turns back to the umpire, who’s still shaking off the hit.
FATHER ED (CONT’D)
Blue, can I talk to you.
UMPIRE
That kid’s done. I don’t care what
you say.
FATHER ED
You made a comment about his
mother?
UMPIRE
So what? The kid’s a punk.
FATHER ED
He shouldn’t have done what he
did, but he’s just a kid, and he
just lost his mother and father.
UMPIRE
Oh, come on!
FATHER ED
Would I lie to you?
The umpire sighs and shakes his head.
UMPIRE
OK. I’ll let this go, but I still
need to document it. He’ll have to
sit for an in season game.
FATHER ED
Fair enough.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Facing the Challenge
INT. WEIGHT ROOM - LATER
The entire baseball team is lifting in the weight room. Coach
Miller and Father Ed walk in and post a paper on the bulletin
board.
COACH MILLER
Everybody, I have the schedule for
the Tri-County tournament. Looks
like we are up against the
toughest team first because we’re
the lowest seed.
Players stop lifting and walk over to the board. Nick is the
first one at the board.
NICK
We’ve got Berkeley first? How are
we supposed to get past them?
GAVIN
Don’t they have that guy that
throws 90 plus?
CARTER
Dude, I played against him this
summer. Donnie Stevens. He was
sick! He was sitting comfortably
at 93. He just committed to Vandy.
If he even goes there. He might
get drafted right out of high
school.
KOLE
(to his Dad)
If he’s pitching, you gotta start
Noah.
Noah is silently listening. Everyone ad-libs in agreement with
Kole.
ISAAC
Diamond Prospects just posted on
Twitter about the fight with the
umpire... “Pitcher Noah Rockford’s
talent and temper on full display.
Hailing from Texas and a troubled
past.”
All of the players in the locker room grab their phones.
NOAH
Oh shit...
FATHER ED
That’s enough. Phones away. Keep
lifting.
Coach Miller and Father Ed walk out of the weight room. The
boys reluctantly go back to their lift workout.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Facing the Consequences
INT. WEIGHT ROOM - LATER
The players are wrapping up the workout and are cleaning up,
putting weights back, etc. Bennett walks over to Noah.
BENNETT
Noah, Coaches want to see you in
the office.
Noah grabs his towel and heads out of the weight room.
INT. COACH MILLER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Coach Miller is at his desk. Father Ed leans on the wall beside
him. Noah knocks and pokes his head in.
NOAH
You wanted to see me?
FATHER ED
Come in...take a seat.
Noah sits across from Coach Miller.
NOAH
What’s up?
FATHER ED
Kole was spot on with you starting
against Berkeley.
NOAH
I can still play?
COACH MILLER
This is a pre-season tournament,
so yes. But you’ll have to sit for
our first in-season game for what
you did.
FATHER ED
Do you think you’re up to it?
NOAH
I think so.
FATHER ED
What about up here?
Father Ed points to his head.
FATHER ED (CONT’D)
You need to control your anger. I
don’t care if you’re right or
wrong. Punching umpires will get
you thrown off of this team.
NOAH
I know. But what if I can’t? What
if I’m damaged, like my dad?
FATHER ED
You’re not damaged. You’re a
teenage boy who needs to learn how
to control his emotions. Believe
me, I wanted to punch that ump in
the face, too. But I didn’t
because that’s not the right way
to handle things. You need to let
us handle the umpires, or
anything else that may happen in
the game. That’s our job. Your
job is to play baseball and let
us take care of you when you’re
out there. And ignore the social
media.
NOAH
Yes, sir.
COACH MILLER
Good. Just a heads up though. I
have confirmation that Donnie
Stevens will be starting that
game. Do you know what that means?
NOAH
The kid that throws 94, yeah, I
know.
Noah grins and nods his head. Coach Miller grins back at him.
COACH MILLER
OK. Get ready.
Noah gets up and walks to the door. He stops and turns.
NOAH
Everyone should really work on
hitting this week. All we need is
one run to beat them.
Coach Miller and Father Ed nod in agreement.
FATHER ED
I like how you’re thinking.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Bonds on the Field
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
The team is gathered for practice. Coach Miller and Father Ed
stand to the side, observing. Noah is on the mound.
Pedro catches, Kole plays second. Brody is in the batter’s box.
COACH MILLER
Alright, Noah. Show me that
slider.
NOAH
(nods, adjusting his grip)
I worked on it. Trying to make it
break late. Check it out.
Noah winds up and throws a pitch. The ball veers sharply, just
catching the edge of the plate. Brody swings large and
completely misses.
PEDRO
Whoa, Rockpaw! That break’s crazy.
BRODY
Damn, that makes me want to quit
hitting.
KOLE
You know Berkeley loves fastballs.
You got a plan for that?
NOAH
They probably hate change-ups.
Could throw one of those.
COACH MILLER
Good thinking. Mix it up and keep
them guessing. That’s how we win.
Father Ed steps closer to Noah.
FATHER ED
(softly)
Remember, it’s not just about the
pitches. The heart and the head
drives the game. Keeping that
balance will make you unstoppable.
MONTAGE - PRACTICE
Players explode with energy in the batting cages, swings sharp
and precise. Sam receives hands-on coaching from Father Ed,
fine-tuning his bunting technique.
Brody live pitches to Sam. Sam bunts down the third base line.
Gavin charges, barehands it, and fires to first. Out. Drew, the
runner on first, advances safely to second.
In the bullpen, Noah unleashes a thunderous fastball. Pedro,
catching, barely flinches as he absorbs the impact. Father Ed
watches, nodding in approval.
Kole, heeding Noah’s advice to “eat everything,” sits in the
dugout, demolishing a jar of peanut butter.
The team runs a pole from left field corner to right field
corner. Noah leads the charge. Brody closes in on Noah.
Players stretch, arms circling wide and loose. The movement
mirrors the tightening focus of the team.
Noah, in the bullpen, spins a wicked curveball. Pedro barely
moves as he catches it, just nods.
Coach Miller at the plate bunts down the third baseline. Brody,
aggressive, charges off the mound. Instead of throwing to
first, he whips the ball to second, way over Isaac’s head.
COACH MILLER
What was that? The play’s at
first. Get the easy out.
BRODY
Sorry, Coach.
COACH MILLER
Run a pole for that one.
Brody sprints off.
COACH MILLER (CONT’D)
Everybody, get the balls and bring
it in.
END MONTAGE
EXT. BALL FIELD - LATER
Kole and Noah gather baseballs in the outfield. Jeter sprawls
under a nearby oak tree, ears perked, eyes following their
movements.
NOAH
What happened to your mom?
Kole, mid reach for a ball, pauses.
KOLE
Colon cancer. She died this past
summer.
NOAH
I’m sorry. That’s tough.
KOLE
I’m sorry about your parents. Are
you still seeing them? In the
stands? Sometimes, I think I see
my mom, like, in a crowd, just for
a second.
Noah follows Kole’s gaze.
Noah looks at the empty bleachers. Then, his breath catches.
His Mom and Dad sit there together. Clear as day.
Jeter sits up beside them, ears twitching, eyes locked on the
same spot.
NOAH
Sometimes. I’m learning to live
with it.
Silence. The weight of it lingers.
Noah grips a baseball, spins it in his palm, then suddenly
flicks it, imitating a basketball shot.
NOAH (CONT’D)
For the three-pointer!
Kole watches the ball clank into the bottom of the bucket.
KOLE
Doesn’t even hit the rim!
They both laugh, shaking off the moment. The sound of baseballs
dropping into buckets fills the air.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Shared Loss and New Beginnings
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - LATER
Laura pulls into the driveway and steps out of her car. The
exhaustion in her posture is evident. As she makes her way
toward the house, Coach Miller steps onto the porch, hands in
his pockets.
COACH MILLER
Laura… you got a sec?
She exhales, shifting her bag higher on her shoulder.
LAURA
Sure. Just let me drop my stuff
and change. I’ll be right there.
COACH MILLER
OK.
Laura walks into her house.
INT. COACH MILLER’S HOUSE - LATER
A knock at the door. Coach Miller moves from the kitchen, beer
in hand.
COACH MILLER
Come in!
Laura steps inside. The kitchen isn’t spotless—dishes linger in
the sink, and a casual clutter of mail and papers sit on the
counter—but it’s lived in, not neglected. She’s changed into
jeans and a t-shirt, her demeanor more relaxed now.
COACH MILLER
Beer?
LAURA
Definitely.
Coach Miller cracks open two long necks, passing one to Laura.
She takes it with a grateful nod.
LAURA
Thanks, Coach. Cheers.
They clink bottles and take a swig.
COACH MILLER
Cheers. And please, call me
Jackson, or I might make you run
poles.
LAURA
(smirking)
All right. Jackson. So what’s up?
COACH MILLER
Did Noah tell you about the
tournament this weekend?
LAURA
He did. I can’t make the game, but
I volunteered for the team lunch.
I’ve got a legal consult with some
clients.
COACH MILLER
Well, I thought you should know
that he’s starting against
Berkeley. Which means every scout
in the country will be there
checking out their ace, Donnie
Stevens.
Laura absorbs that as she takes another sip of beer.
LAURA
That’s a real opportunity for the
team. Maybe one of your players
will do something exceptional and
get noticed by a scout.
She smiles at Coach Miller, her eyes carrying something between
hope and knowing.
COACH MILLER
You think Noah’s ready for this?
LAURA
He’s surviving. He knows who he is
and what he can handle. I think he
needs this. (beat) Can I ask you
something personal?
COACH MILLER
Depends on the question.
LAURA
Where’s Mrs. Miller?
Coach Miller takes a sip, nodding slowly as if preparing
himself for the answer.
COACH MILLER
My wife, Jenny… she passed at the
beginning of the year. Colon
cancer.
Laura takes that in, her expression softening.
LAURA
I’m sorry. That must have been
tough for the two of you.
COACH MILLER
I appreciate that. It was. Still
is.
He lifts his beer in a quiet toast.
COACH MILLER
To surviving.
Laura clinks her bottle against his.
LAURA
Cheers. To surviving.
They drink in comfortable silence, the weight of shared loss
filling the space between them.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Facing the Past
INT. LAURA WOOD’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Noah jolts awake, breath ragged, his body drenched in sweat. He
sits upright, disoriented, chest rising and falling as he
fights for control. 4 a.m.
Jeter, ever-watchful, sits in the doorway, eyes locked on Noah.
This is routine. Every night.
Noah swings his legs over the side of the bed, feet hitting the
floor. He rubs his face, collecting himself.
NOAH
Let’s go.
EXT. LAURA’S HOUSE - NIGHT
A full moon casts silver light over the front yard. The
Charleston heat lingers, heavy and humid. Crickets sing in the
dark.
Noah steps outside in a t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. A deep
breath. A stretch. Then, he takes off—his nightly run
beginning.
EXT. ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER
Noah and Jeter jog onto the field, cutting through the
stillness. Noah moves into the dugout, reaching beneath the
bench to retrieve a small bag.
He dumps the contents onto the ground, weighted baseballs.
With mechanical precision, he kneels by the dugout wall and
begins the reverse throw drill. Each thud against brick cuts
through the silence.
THUD. His father’s body hitting the ground.
THUD. The sound won’t leave him.
Noah throws harder, faster. He clenches his jaw, fights the
pressure building in his chest.
Then..
His arm stops mid-throw. His breath hitches.
And, for the first time, he breaks.
A deep, guttural sob escapes him as he drops the ball. Alone in
the dark, the weight finally crushes him.
FATHER ED (O.S.)
Noah, you can’t change the past.
Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Noah flinches, caught off guard. He turns to see Father Ed,
standing nearby.
Noah wipes his face, searching for meaning in the priest’s
words.
FATHER ED (CONT’D)
What do you have? What have you
always had?
Noah looks down at the baseball in his palm. The weight of it
familiar. Grounding.
BEGIN FLASHBACK:
12-year-old Noah stands on the mound, gripping a baseball. His
world focused on the catcher’s mitt.
FATHER ED (V.O.)
Fix your gaze directly before you.
It’s what you do from this moment
on that will determine your
future.
END FLASHBACK.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND - NIGHT
Noah stands on the mound, staring at the empty batter’s box.
The moon casts long shadows, the field silent except for his
heartbeat. He grips the ball tighter.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Promise Unfulfilled
EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY
The school bus idles, heat rising from the pavement. Players
file on, bagged lunches in hand.
Laura hands out brown paper sacks to the boys as they board.
Noah grabs his, then turns, whistles for Jeter.
NOAH
I’ll see you at the game?
Laura hesitates, adjusting the strap on her purse.
LAURA
No, I have mediation.
Noah’s face hardens. A flicker of something familiar, a mother
missing a game that matters.
Laura catches it, sees the disappointment settle in him.
LAURA (CONT’D)
But I’ll try, OK?
Noah hesitates, then—
NOAH
Can you just text me or something?
Let me know either way?
LAURA
Of course.
Noah nods, keeping his expression neutral, and boards the bus.
Jeter follows.
Coach Miller and Father Ed are the last two to step on. The
door hisses shut.
The bus pulls away.
INT. BUS - CONTINUOUS
Coach Miller sits in the first row, arms crossed, scanning the
team. Father Ed grips the wheel, eyes steady on the road.
FATHER ED
Grab your seats, boys.
The bus lurches forward, pulling away from the school. Laura
stands in the parking lot, watching them go.
INT. BUS - CONTINUOUS
Noah sits at the very back, Jeter curled at his feet. His gaze
drifts out the window, silent, locked in, already on the mound
in his mind.
The rest of the team laughs and talks. Rowdy, loose, but
carrying an edge of anticipation.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Game Day Tensions
EXT. BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS
The Crusaders’ bus pulls into the lot. The team files off,
slinging their bags over their shoulders.
Noah and Jeter are last. They step down, eyes set on the field
ahead.
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The Crusaders drop their gear, grab their mitts, and jog onto
the field. No wasted motion. Locked in.
EXT. BERKELEY HOME DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
The Berkeley Stags do the same. Bigger. Louder.
DONNIE STEVENS, already halfway to the bullpen, is flanked by
his coach and Donnie’s dad, HANK STEVENS, mid-forties,
overweight.
HANK
Every scout is here. Cubs, Mets,
Dodgers, Rangers, and most
importantly—the Yankees.
STAG COACH
He’s got everything he needs.
HANK
This better not be like State.
Donnie needs more than water to
hydrate.
STAG COACH
That was on me. Won’t happen
again.
HANK
It better not. My son has five
million dollars on the line.
Yankees don’t play around.
STAG COACH
No screw-ups. Donnie just needs to
go out there and win.
DONNIE
I feel good. Ready to dominate.
EXT. BERKELEY PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
A late model sedan glides into a parking spot.
Anthony Brunetti.
He parks, exhales, reaches for the glove box.
Flask. A deep swig.
He stares out at the field, tucking the flask into his jacket.
Déjà vu.
ANTHONY
(to himself)
Let’s see what this kid’s got.
He exits, heading toward the stands.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
The Great Fish Tank Dispute
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD BLEACHERS - CONTINUOUS
The scouts take notice.
SCOUT #1
There he is. Anthony Brunetti
SCOUT #2
Why are you here? There’s nothing
to see.
ANTHONY
Funny. I’m just here to watch a
little baseball on a beautiful
afternoon.
SCOUT #2
The Yankees are stacked. Give
someone else a shot.
Anthony smirks. Unfazed.
ANTHONY
Don’t worry, boys. This is
anybody’s game. Anyway, I’m not
sold on this kid.
SCOUT #1
You’re not sold on a 95 mile an
hour fastball? Ha!
SCOUT #2
Word is the Yankees are willing to
go as high as five mil for
Stevens.
ANTHONY
I think he’s more like 91. And you
shouldn’t pay attention to rumors.
Let’s see what happens today.
EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS
Players warm up.
Donnie throws heat in the home bullpen. Noah answers in the
away pen.
The tension simmers. The game is coming.
INT. LAURA’S OFFICE – DAY
Laura bursts out of the elevator, moving fast. She strides down
the sleek, modern hallway, barely acknowledging the
receptionist.
INT. LAW OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM – CONTINUOUS
Inside the glass-walled conference room, Jennifer, Laura’s
client, sits across from Steve, her smug soon-to-be ex-husband,
and his slick attorney, Brad.
Laura enters, drops her files on the table, and slides into her
chair next to Jen.
LAURA
(catching her breath)
Sorry I’m late. How’s everyone
doing today?
STEVE
We were just discussing the
custody of the fish.
LAURA
Fish?
STEVE
Yes. A 500-gallon, custom-built
fish tank with an assortment of
exotic fish and live plantings.
Laura glances at her notepad, then at Steve, deadpan.
JEN
I don’t want them. They’re your
fish. Get them out, or I’m
flushing them.
BRAD
(incredulous)
You’re getting the house! I’m
moving into a one-bedroom shoebox!
They’re your problem now.
Laura stops writing. Slowly leans back in her chair.
LAURA
What did you just say?
BRAD
Her house, her problem.
Laura exhales, tosses her pen on the table.
LAURA
Huh. I have to go.
She stands, grabs her bag, and walks out without another word.
Jen smirks at Steve, shaking her head.
JEN
Even she can’t stand you.
Steve sinks in his chair, suddenly less sure of himself.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Game Day Tension
EXT. AWAY BULLPEN – DAY
Noah fires his last warm-up pitch to Pedro. It hits the mitt
with a sharp THWACK.
NOAH
I’m good.
Pedro grins, slapping his glove.
PEDRO
Let’s go, Rockpaw!
Noah exhales, walking out of the bullpen. He scans the packed
stands, spotting the swarm of scouts. Then, Anthony Brunetti.
The older scout leans forward, laser-focused. Noah quickly
pulls his hat down, shielding his face.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
The teams stand shoulder to shoulder, caps off, backs straight.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Please rise for the playing of our
National Anthem.
The anthem begins—a stark contrast to the rising tension on the
field.
Noah stares at the American flag, but his eyes keep drifting to
the crowd, to the scouts, to Anthony. His heartbeat pounds in
his ears.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Coach Miller and Father Ed stand near the dugout, observing the
team.
FATHER ED
Everyone, bring it in.
The players jog over, circling around. Father Ed takes a knee,
motioning for the boys to lean in.
FATHER ED
Please bless today’s game, our
opponent, our team, and all
watching us play. Thank you for
the opportunity to compete, to
challenge ourselves, and to bring
out the best in one another.
The boys bow their heads.
FATHER ED (CONT’D)
May we play hard and fair. Keep us
safe from injury and harm. We pray
in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit –
Amen.
PLAYERS
Amen.
They make the sign of the cross.
Coach Miller claps his hands together.
COACH MILLER
Hands in.
The team throws their hands into the huddle, eyes locked,
adrenaline coursing.
EVERYONE
One, two, three—Crusaders!
They break, charging toward the field, cleats digging into the
dirt, ready for battle.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Game Day Tensions
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Laura enters the stadium, scanning the field before she makes
her way to the stands. The atmosphere hums with tension. Scouts
with radar guns, stopwatches ticking, parents murmuring, a mix
of nerves and excitement.
She settles into a seat a few rows behind Anthony Brunetti, who
sits like a man who’s already made up his mind.
Insert – LAURA’S IPHONE
A text to Noah: “I’m here.”
BACK TO SCENE
From behind, Blake taps Laura on the shoulder. Laura turns,
surprised.
BLAKE
Are you Noah’s aunt?
LAURA
Yes. Who are you?
BLAKE
I’m Blake. A friend of Noah’s. My
brother, Brody, is on the team
too. Mind if I sit with you?
LAURA
Of course.
Laura shifts her bag, making room. Blake settles in, glancing
toward the field.
EXT. DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Noah sits on the bench, hunched over his phone. He sees Laura’s
text, then looks up toward the stands.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
In the distance, he sees Laura and Blake talking, laughing. It
reminds him of something. His mom. A memory flickers, a wistful
echo of what could’ve been.
EXT. DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Noah inhales deep, grounding himself. He turns his focus back
to the game.
NOAH
Come on, Drew! Get your pitch and
drive it!
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
The home team takes the field.
Donnie Stevens walks to the mound with slow, deliberate
confidence, a kid who already believes he’s playing in the
majors. He doesn’t rush. He lets the moment come to him.
Behind home plate, the scouts lock in. Some hold radar guns,
others tap away on their phones, logging every detail.
Donnie starts his warm-up throws.
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Drew Messina steps into the batter’s box.
Donnie’s first pitch—a sizzler of a fastball.
Drew swings and misses.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Behind the plate, a radar machine registers the velocity on an
app. 93 MPH.
SCOUT #1 (to himself)
Not bad, kid.
Hank smirks, arms crossed, soaking it in.
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Donnie throws a nasty curve.
Drew swings and misses—badly.
The Crusaders’ dugout leans forward, watching intently.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Struggles at the Plate
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
The team presses up against the dugout fence.
ISAAC (muttering)
Make him throw a strike.
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Donnie winds up, but misses high.
Ball one.
The Crusaders’ dugout erupts—“Good eye!”
Drew steps out, adjusts his gloves, rolls his shoulders. He
digs back in.
Donnie delivers another fastball.
Drew freezes.
UMPIRE
Strike three!
The catcher snaps the ball back to Donnie, who catches it like
he was expecting it. No emotion. No reaction. Just another step
closer to his future.
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Next up, Brody Hopkins.
First pitch—he pops it up right back to Donnie, who snags it
with ease.
Brody trudges back to the dugout, dropping onto the bench.
He removes his helmet and looks down at Jeter, who’s curled up
beside him.
BRODY (to Jeter, deadpan)
That was ugly.
Jeter huffs in agreement.
EXT. BALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Next up, Gavin Winkler.
He takes a couple of practice swings. Locks in. Determined.
Donnie delivers.
Three fastballs.
Three strikes.
He never had a chance.
EXT. DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
The Berkeley team hustles off the field like they’ve already
won.
The Crusaders take the field, Noah leading the charge.
He steps onto the pitcher’s mound.
No fear. No hesitation.
He digs his cleat into the rubber.
This is his game now.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Unexpected Talent on the Mound
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
The scouts lounge in their seats, casually chatting, barely
glancing at the Crusaders warming up behind them. To them, this
game is background noise—they’re here for one reason: Donnie
Stevens.
Noah steps onto the mound.
Laura pulls out her cell phone, discreetly recording Noah’s
warm-ups.
SCOUT #1
(watching Donnie stretch in
the outfield)
Wow. That kid looks good. I think
I’ve seen enough.
SCOUT #2
You’re leaving already?
SCOUT #1
Nah. Just grabbing a hot dog.
SCOUT #2
(to Anthony Brunetti,
smirking)
What do you think, Yankees man?
You confirm they’re about to throw
five mil at him?
ANTHONY (laughs, deadpan)
No comment.
Anthony reaches into his pocket, hands over two dollars.
ANTHONY
Get me one too. Mustard. No
ketchup.
Laura keeps filming. The scouts joke, unconcerned.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah takes his stance. Pedro flashes the signal.
Noah winds up—whip-fast, fluid—and lets it rip.
CRACK!
The ball slams into Pedro’s mitt with a deafening thud.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
The scouts’ heads snap toward the field.
They check the radar app on their phones. 96 MPH.
SCOUT #2
Is that right?
Suddenly, they’re no longer joking. No longer eating hot dogs.
Now, it’s serious.
They scramble—radar guns out, cameras rolling, cell phones up.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Coach Miller and Father Ed exchange a look.
FATHER ED (grinning)
Oh, man. He looks good.
COACH MILLER
Damn right, he does.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah digs his cleat into the rubber, adjusts his grip.
He lets loose another heater.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
97 MPH.
The scouts murmur, scribbling notes, exchanging glances.
Anthony Brunetti flips through his scouting notebook.
ANTHONY
Who the hell is this kid?
EXT. BERKELEY HOME DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
The Berkeley players crowd the dugout rail.
Donnie downs a Celsius—trying to act relaxed, but he isn’t.
His eyes lock onto Noah.
DONNIE
What the hell is this?
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
The scouts flip through their rosters, searching.
LAURA (O.S.)
His name is Noah Rockford.
Anthony turns.
Behind him, Laura stops recording.
ANTHONY (suddenly realizing)
The hair threw me off.
LAURA
Catholic school. Dress code.
She slings her bag over her shoulder.
LAURA (to Blake, motioning)
Come on.
Laura and Blake walk toward the away dugout.
The scouts exchange stunned looks.
SCOUT #1
Wait. That’s the same Noah
Rockford from Texas?
ANTHONY
Same one.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
A Decision at the Diamond
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Laura and Blake step away from the scouts, weaving through the
crowd.
BLAKE
You think Noah’s nervous?
LAURA
Not even a little.
She smiles, but her grip on her bag tightens.
Then—her phone buzzes.
She glances down. Chicago area code.
She exhales. Hesitates.
Then answers.
LAURA
This is Laura.
DAN (O.S.)
Laura, it’s Dan Shearson.
Laura and Blake continue to the fence, watching Noah.
LAURA
Hey Dan. I was meaning to call
you.
DAN (O.S.)
Have you made a decision?
Laura leans against the fence, eyes still locked on Noah.
Watching him. Thinking.
Blake notices her shift in expression but says nothing.
DAN (O.S.)
Look, I don’t want to rush you,
but we need an answer soon.
Laura watches Noah adjust his cap, roll his shoulders, settle
in on the mound.
She already knows.
A long beat.
LAURA
I appreciate the offer, Dan. But I
have to turn it down.
Silence.
DAN (O.S.)
Laura—this is the kind of thing
you don’t walk away from.
LAURA
I know.
She lets that sit.
LAURA (CONT’D)
But, sometimes life throws you a
curveball, and unfortunately, the
timing just isn’t right. I’m
sorry.
A pause.
DAN (O.S.)
I respect that. But just so you
know—doors like this don’t open
twice.
LAURA
I know.
Dan exhales, softer now.
DAN (O.S.)
If things ever change…
LAURA
I’ll let you know.
The call ends.
Laura slides her phone back into her pocket.
Blake studies her.
BLAKE
That sounded important.
LAURA
It was.
She grips the fence tighter, eyes locked on Noah.
Decision made.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Under Pressure
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah stares down the next batter.
Pedro flashes the sign.
Noah winds up, uncoiling like a whip—
CRACK!
The ball screams in.
Swing and a miss.
UMPIRE
Strike!
Pedro fires the ball back.
Noah spins, smooth, adjusts the dirt with his cleat, settles
back in.
Breathes. Focuses.
Another heater.
UMPIRE
Strike two!
EXT. BERKELEY HOME DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Donnie steps up to the dugout fence.
His eyes aren’t on the game.
He’s watching the scouts.
And the scouts?
They’re watching Noah.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah takes a deep breath.
Slow motion.
He winds up, delivers—
a filthy breaking ball.
It starts high—then dives like a missile, right into the zone.
The batter doesn’t even swing.
UMPIRE
Strike three!
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Under Pressure
EXT. BERKELEY HOME STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Hank paces, fuming.
HANK (to coach, seething)
Who the hell is this kid? What’s
going on? Is he even in high
school?
A parent scrolls his phone, reading aloud.
PARENT IN STANDS
His name’s Noah Rockford. From
Texas. (beat, scanning article)
His father killed his mother right
in front of him. Last year.
The crowd shifts, whispers.
Hank grabs the phone, reading.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah twirls the baseball in his mitt.
He stares at the catcher’s mitt—his target.
Grips the ball.
Winds up—fires.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
The batter swings
Misses.
Pedro catches it clean.
PEDRO (to hitter, shaking his head)
Damn. That was filthy.
Pedro fires the ball back.
Noah adjusts his cleat on the mound, exhales, grips the ball
tight.
Another heater.
UMPIRE
Strike!
Pedro fires it back.
Noah locks in—
This time, a fast-breaking slider.
The batter swings and misses.
Pedro drops the third strike—quickly scoops it and tags the
batter for the out.
Inning over.
EXT. DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Noah walks off the mound, calm, steady.
Isaac pats him on the back as he passes.
Coach Miller and Father Ed high-five him.
As Noah enters the dugout, he barely reacts.
He just grabs a water bottle, takes a slow drink.
Like this was just another game.
Like he already knew.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Tension on the Mound
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – LATER
Top of the seventh. Game tied, 0-0.
Donnie stands on the mound, locked in, but there’s a crack
forming.
First batter up.
Donnie fires. The batter gets under it, sends a high fly to
deep left.
The left fielder sprints back, tracks it, jumps—
SNAG.
Out.
Donnie exhales. One down.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
Carter steps in.
First pitch—WHAM.
The ball drills him square in the lower back.
Carter flinches but doesn’t go down.
KOLE (from the dugout)
Don’t rub it!
Carter grits his teeth, jogs to first.
The Crusader dugout erupts.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Hank shakes his head, arms crossed.
HANK (defensive, muttering)
That’s what you get for crowding
the plate.
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Noah watches from the bench, eyes locked on Donnie.
He sees it happening.
The unraveling.
He stands, walks over to Sam.
NOAH (low, firm)
Lay down a bunt. Third base line.
SAM (nervous, nodding)
I’ll try.
Noah looks to Father Ed, standing by third base.
He flashes the bunt sign.
Father Ed nods, then signals Carter on first.
Carter takes a bigger lead.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
A Game-Changing Bunt
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
Sam digs in.
Donnie checks Carter, grips the ball.
He winds up—fires.
89 MPH. High.
UMPIRE
Ball!
A bead of sweat drips down Donnie’s forehead.
Sam settles back in.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Donnie grits his teeth.
He comes set, fires again—
Right down the middle.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
Sam slides his hand down the bat—
Deadens the ball.
The bunt hugs the third base line, rolling perfectly in fair
territory.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Sam sprints to first.
Third baseman charges.
So does Donnie.
Donnie gets there first, grips the ball, ready to fire to
first.
Then he hesitates.
Flashes to second
Fires.
Wild.
Ball sails over the second baseman’s head.
It skips into center field.
Carter races to third.
The center fielder scrambles, scoops, fires to third.
Too late.
Sam safe at second.
The Crusader dugout explodes.
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Bench clearing chaos.
Players slam the fence, screaming.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Donnie gets the ball back.
His face is burning.
He paces the mound, jaw clenched.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
Nick steps in.
First pitch, 87 MPH, inside.
Nick swings, just catches it.
A slow-rolling grounder to right field.
Carter sprints home.
Sam races to third.
The right fielder charges, fields, guns it to first.
Nick—OUT.
But Carter slides home, untouched.
1-0.
The dugout erupts.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
The Final Inning
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Hank goes stone-cold.
His jaw tightens.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
Bennett steps in, pinch-hitting for Noah.
First pitch pop fly, shallow center.
Easy out.
Third out.
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Noah grabs his mitt, stands.
He walks past Father Ed and Coach Miller, calm, focused.
NOAH (low, certain)
Let’s win this.
COACH MILLER (checking pitch count)
You’re at 86.
Noah nods.
Then walks out to the mound.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
The entire stadium is electric.
Anthony and the scouts are locked in, watching every move.
It’s the bottom of the seventh, 1-0.
Noah is throwing a no-hitter.
EXT. BERKELEY HOME STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Donnie’s Dad leans forward, arms tense.
His jaw clenches as he watches his son’s shot at the spotlight
slip away.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
Noah faces the top of the lineup.
The first batter steps into the box, rolling his shoulders,
taking his time.
The ump settles behind Pedro.
He signals.
Game on.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah locks in. Eyes narrowed. Breathing steady.
He winds up. Fires.
Genres:
["Drama","Sports"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Distraction on the Field
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
CRACK!
The batter lifts one deep down the first base line.
Brody breaks fast, sprinting.
The ball hangs. Fading, drifting, staying just inside the chalk
Brody leaps
SNAPS IT OUT OF THE AIR.
The crowd erupts.
Brody pops up, throws to first.
Nick fires to second, then to third, back to Noah.
One down.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah stays loose, pushes dirt around with his foot.
The next batter steps in. Focused. Locked in.
EXT. BERKELEY HOME DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
The Berkeley bench is loud, rallying, pounding the fence.
They know it’s now or never.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah takes a deep breath.
He winds up—throws.
The batter rips a screaming line drive straight back at the
mound.
Noah barely flinches
Snatches it out of midair.
The batter stops dead.
Then walks, head down, back to the dugout.
Two down.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Laura watches intently.
Then her face changes.
Blake notices.
BLAKE
What’s wrong?
LAURA (softly, almost to herself)
He’s looking at something.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah stares past the batter. Past the dugout. Past everything.
In the stands we see Rita and Cain.
Sitting there.
Just watching.
Noah freezes.
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Jeter throws his paws on the dugout fence.
BARKS. LOUD.
Noah doesn’t hear anything.
Lost in it.
EXT. STANDS – CONTINUOUS
Anthony sees Noah’s stare.
He follows his gaze
There’s nothing there.
ANTHONY (to himself)
What is he doing?
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah snaps out of it.
He adjusts his hat. Grips the ball.
But glances back, one last time.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Focus and Fastballs
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
The batter waits, confused.
Pedro calls time.
UMPIRE
Time!
The batter steps out.
Pedro jogs to the mound.
Noah exhales.
Pedro leans in, mitt up, voice low.
PEDRO
I’m kinda hungry.
Noah blinks.
PEDRO(casual)
You think you can strike this guy
out so we can go get pizza or
something?
Noah half-smirks.
NOAH
Yeah. I can do that.
Pedro nods, steps back.
PEDRO (before leaving)
And quit looking at your parents
in the stands. Focus.
Noah looks at him.
NOAH
That obvious?
PEDRO
Even the dog knows what’s going
on.
Pedro jogs back to home plate.
The ump signals.
UMPIRE
Play ball!
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah takes a breath.
He digs in.
He winds up—
Unleashes.
The radar gun beeps.
98 MPH.
EXT. BATTER’S BOX – CONTINUOUS
The batter swings.
Misses.
UMPIRE
Strike!
Pedro fires the ball back.
Noah twirls it in his mitt, breath steady.
He sets, fires again.
The ball dives into the dirt.
The batter swings. Misses.
UMPIRE
Strike two!
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Final Pitch, New Beginnings
EXT. AWAY DUGOUT – CONTINUOUS
Jeter barks.
Coach Miller and Father Ed are on their feet.
Laura leans forward, gripping the fence.
Blake can barely watch.
EXT. PITCHER’S MOUND – CONTINUOUS
Noah slowly pushes the dirt. Lines up his foot on the rubber.
He closes his eyes for half a second.
Then winds up.
Everything slows.
The ball spins
Slices through the air.
Dips. Breaks.
The batter swings
Misses.
UMPIRE
Strike three!
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – CONTINUOUS
The Crusader bench empties.
Noah barely has time to turn before he’s swarmed.
Jeter sprints onto the field, barking, jumping.
Chaos.
Father Ed laughs, claps Coach Miller on the back.
Players shove Noah, cheering, screaming.
It’s only a pre-season game, but it means everything.
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – MOMENTS LATER
Coach Miller waves them in.
COACH MILLER
Alright! Line it up!
The teams line up. They walk the line, shaking hands, saying
good game, good game.
Noah takes one last glance at the stands.
His parents are gone.
He knew they would be, but for the first time—he’s okay with
it.
Genres:
["Sports","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Choice for the Future
EXT. BUS PARKING LOT – LATER
The parking lot buzzes with energy. The team loads their
baseball bags under the bus. Parents mingle, shaking hands,
congratulating the boys.
Blake throws her arms around Noah, squeezing him.
Laura watches, smiling.
LAURA
(grinning)
Damn, you were good.
NOAH
(genuine, letting it sink in)
It felt good.
Anthony Brunetti steps forward.
Yankees jacket. Firm handshake.
ANTHONY
Hi, Noah. Anthony Brunetti,
Yankees.
Noah eyes him, remembering.
NOAH
Yeah. I remember you.
Handing him a card.
ANTHONY
The Yankees are very interested in
talking to you about the draft.
(MORE)
ANTHONY (CONT’D)
We can come to you, or fly you to
New York. Whatever works best.
Laura steps in, handing Anthony her card.
LAURA
Call my office tomorrow.
We’ll talk.
More players walk past, clapping Noah on the back. Noah grins,
basking in the moment. But his mind is elsewhere.
NOAH
Sir, I appreciate the interest—
but I’m gonna enjoy my high school
season. Then I’m heading to
college to play.
Anthony blinks, caught off guard.
ANTHONY
The Yankees are prepared to offer
you a significant signing bonus.
NOAH
Like the 5 mil you’re offering
Donnie Stevens?
ANTHONY
(smirks)
That’s just a rumor. But yeah—
something like that.
LAURA
Let’s save it. This isn’t the
time. Let’s talk tomorrow. Enjoy
your bus ride home with the team.
NOAH
I don’t need to save it. I’m going
to college.
He turns to Laura.
NOAH
I really like Clemson. It’s close
to you in Charleston. It’s what my
mom would have wanted. But most
importantly—it’s what I want.
I’m not ready for the big leagues.
LAURA
Are you sure?
NOAH
Yeah. Will the Yankees wait a few
years?
Anthony exhales, then nods.
ANTHONY
Guess we’ll have to. If you change
your mind, you know how to reach
me. Good luck, kid.
Anthony shrugs, unfazed.
Laura is stunned, but proud.
LAURA
You just turned down a ton of
money. You realize that?
NOAH
Guess I’ll have to be your problem
for a little while longer.
LAURA
(softly, touched)
That sounds great to me. See you
at home.
Noah hugs Laura. Blake beams. They lock eyes.
NOAH
Thanks for being here.
BLAKE
I wouldn’t miss it. You were
amazing.
NOAH
See you this weekend?
BLAKE
I can’t. I’m heading to New York
for Under Armour tryouts. I’ll be
back Sunday.
NOAH
That’s awesome! You’re gonna crush
it. See you Sunday.
INT. TEAM BUS – CONTINUOUS
Noah and Jeter walk down the aisle to an eruption of cheers.
TEAM
ROCKPAW! ROCKPAW! ROCKPAW!
High-fives, claps on the back, pure celebration.
Noah’s eyes well up, not from sadness, but joy.
Coach Miller and Father Ed step in.
Father Ed grins, shutting the door.
FATHER ED
Grab your seats, boys!
EXT. PARKING LOT – CONTINUOUS
Laura and Blake stand side by side watching as the bus pulls
away, disappearing into the horizon.