Original subtitles

[theme music]

[MUSIC - "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME"]

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): Over for a strike, 0 and 1.

- Come on. - Hey.

Will you relax?

It's just a ball game.

Just a ball game?

You know, Fernando's got a no-hitter going into the ninth?

Oh.

I cannot believe I'm missing this game,

because the boss won't let you use

your stuff to fix the radio.

Well, I'm sorry.

It just happens to be the way he works.

You think he'd like baseball, you know?

California's got a team called the Angels.

[cheering]

Hey, way to go boss.

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): [speaking spanish]

[laughs]

Cute.

That was cute.

Here, let me try.

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): Well, the Toros find themselves

down to their last out.

It's going to be up to Luis Sanchez

to try to generate something, or the Toros will suffer

their 20th loss in a row.

Strike one, called on the outside corner.

Great.

I go from a no-hitter to a no-winner.

Come on.

You're the one who's always telling me how much

you love baseball, win or lose.

Yeah, well, I do.

I mean, we got some real losers here.

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): The pitch.

Line drive right to Haskins.

And the game's over.

See what I mean?

Boy, if anybody could use the boss's help, it's the Toros.

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): --game in a row.

And Doc Brisby must--

Mark, you took the words right out of my mouth.

ANNOUNCER (ON RADIO): --how to turn this ball club around.

[fanfare playing]

TED: There you go, son.

That makes you look like a real all-star.

Yeah.

I wish I could buy it.

A little short on funds, huh?

Yeah.

You working hard in school?

Sure.

Why?

I tell you what.

You can owe me.

You mean it?

Yeah, I mean it.

But you keep studying.

Yes, sir.

Thanks.

Well, looks like business wasn't too good, huh?

It was lousy.

Well, it always runs in spurts.

You'll see.

Things will pick up once the team starts winning.

I sure hope so, Grandpa.

Yeah.

I remember pitching for a team called the Beeville Bombers.

Boy, they were just like these Toros.

It seems though the only thing we could do right

was to show up at the ballpark.

But the problem was, they weren't

having any fun playing ball.

BOTH: And you gotta have fun if you wanna a win.

Looks like you heard this story before, huh?

Yeah, once or twice.

Well, then, it must be true.

Gentlemen, I just don't understand it.

What does it take to motivate you guys?

I yell.

I insult. I even beg you.

Nothing works.

Now, I don't mean to point any fingers,

but unless we start working all together,

we're all gonna be sent packing.

You understand?

Practice tomorrow, 10:30 sharp.

You know, you ask me, old Brisby's

more worried about losing his job than he is anything else.

Hey, he wants to win.

So we should all try harder.

Yeah.

Well, I wasn't the one who lined out to end the game, now,

was I, partner?

You're right, amigo.

A little more hustle around the bases,

you could've tied the game for us.

Hey, look, I didn't ask to come down here.

So I'm not doing any more than I have to.

You got that, amigo?

Great guy.

No wonder they kicked him down to the minors.

So why include the Toros in your sports story?

After all, I haven't exactly been a favorite among you

sports writers.

It's an in-depth article, Mr. Rogers.

We'd like to include everybody in the league.

Yeah, winners and losers.

Besides, from the size of the crowd you had today,

I'd say you could use a little publicity.

You got that right.

I guess any press coverage, even bad, is better than none

at all.

All right.

Go ahead.

I'll have security issue you some badges.

Thank you, sir.

I'm sure you'll be pleased with your decision.

Amy, get me Brisby.

He's probably in the locker room, crying.

Excuse me.

Doc Brisby?

That's me.

I'm Jonathan Smith, Consolidated News.

This is my partner, Mark Gordon.

Oh, yeah.

The Almighty himself was just talking to me about you.

The boss?

No, no.

He's talking about Rogers.

Look, we know you've had a tough season.

So we'll try to stay out of your hair as much as we can.

Well, thanks.

I'd like my last season to be a pleasant one.

How do you know it's your last?

Rogers can't stand me.

JOHNATHAN: How come?

Oh, well, you see Flynn, the old boss, me

and him were like that.

He was a great guy.

When he sold this team to Rogers he made one stipulation.

Said as long as the Toros had more wins than losses,

I would always be rehired as manager,

guaranteed, with no pay-ups, until I was ready to retire.

You know the first thing he did?

He let all my veteran players go, traded them off, left me

with a bunch of green kids.

Well, you could still make it happen.

DOC: Well, I know that.

I know these boys play great ball.

My problem is to convince them.

TED: Hey, Doc.

Hey, Ted, what do you know?

I hate to bother you.

I just came by to pick up my tickets for tomorrow's game.

Here they are.

Need anymore, just ask.

That way, I know I'll have some people in the stands.

Thanks a lot.

Oh, by the way, Ted Tilley, this here is Smith

and Gordon, Consolidated News.

They're gonna do a story on the Toros.

TED: Oh, nice to meet you both.

Nice to meet you.

You wouldn't be the same Ted Tilley they used to call

the Louisiana Flash, would you?

Hey, yeah, I am.

I'm surprised anyone would even remember me.

Are you kidding?

You own almost every record there

is in the old Negro league.

[laughs] I did my share of pitching in those days.

I'll say.

Four no-hitters in one season.

Yeah.

Those were the days.

Well, I gotta get going.

I left my grandson waiting outside.

Real nice meeting you. - Hey.

The pleasure was all mine.

Believe me.

If you don't mind, I'd like to stop by your place sometime,

talk about the old days.

Fine.

There's nothing I like better.

Anytime.

Anytime at all.

Thanks for the tickets, Doc.

DOC: Right.

Good luck tomorrow.

DOC: Yeah.

I need more than luck.

Gonna need a miracle.

Hey, you never know.

You just might get one.

[cheering]

All right, fellas, come on!

Show me those test results!

Come on!

Come on.

Who got a B?

[interposing voices]

Who got an A?

You don't have any C's, right?

All right.

All right.

Well, now it looks like everybody passed.

OK, Jimmy, give them their tickets.

How about our tickets?

You know the rules, Kevin.

You show me the test, a good grade gets a good seat.

That's the way it works.

Yeah.

Well, we lost the papers.

Kevin, lying is even worse than being lazy.

Just forget it.

Afternoon, Ms. Taylor.

Afternoon, Mr. Tilley.

Hey, Grandpa, can I stay and hit a few with the guys?

Yeah, sure.

And take your time.

It'll give me a chance to straighten up the apartment.

Grandpa, don't you ever give up?

What you mean?

I mean, you want me out of here

so you can try a few moves on Ms. Taylor.

Well, you know what they say.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Whoever said that didn't know Ms. Taylor.

Here.

Let me give you I hand with those Ms. Taylor.

That won't be necessary.

Thank you.

That won't be necessary.

Thank you.

Strike three and you're out.

God.

I wish I could get that woman to take notice.

What's a man gotta do?

[knocking]

Don't beat the door down.

It's open.

Oh, Ms. Taylor, what a pleasant surprise.

Not a pleasant surprise for me, Mr. Tilley.

This came crashing through my window.

I assume it's from one of your hooligans.

Well, Ms. Taylor, why you gotta be mistaken.

Now, those boys were too far away to hit your window.

JOHNATHAN: I'm sorry.

I'm afraid it's my fault.

You ought've seen him, Grandpa.

I ain't never seen nobody hit a ball like that.

Saw, not seen.

Ms. Taylor, this is Mr. Smith and Mr. Gordon.

They're sports reporters.

Too bad they were in the street

and not at their typewriters.

I really am sorry.

Please, let me pay for the window.

Hey, no need.

I'll be more than happy to fix that window.

[phone ringing]

Oh, we can go over to your place right now

and I'll measure that broken pane.

Why, hello.

Oh, Mr. Houser.

[laughs] What?

Oh, I see.

How soon?

Right away, huh?

Yeah, me too.

No, no, no, no.

I know it's not your doing.

Goodbye, sir.

[somber music]

Grandpa, what's wrong?

My souvenir stand, they--

they took it away, just like that.

Rogers hired an outside vending firm, after all these years.

Ms. Taylor, I'll be over later to measure that window,

if it's all right.

Certainly.

I don't believe it.

What?

You, sitting there banging on that typewriter.

Hey, we're reporters, remember?

I don't care.

We should be out doing something, get that old man

his job back.

JOHNATHAN: I already told you.

I can't get his old job back.

Then, what are we doing here?

Covering a great baseball story.

MARK: Oh, yes.

Terrific.

A baseball team that can't win and an old man

who gets the boot.

That's exciting?

A story's only as good as its ending.

But I already know the ending.

You just told me that you can't help Ted get his old job back.

That's right.

His old job.

Now, look, I want you to go over to Ted's tomorrow,

find out everything you can about his old playing days.

We'll need him for the story.

What makes you think he's gonna want to be interviewed

after what's happened?

Trust me.

He will.

Hey.

Hey, that's very good.

The boss did that?

JOHNATHAN: Mhm.

Hey.

He knows his baseball.

Oh, yeah.

We play a lot up there.

You're kidding. JOHNATHAN: No.

I'm not kidding.

Of course, there's one rule that's different.

What's that?

Thou shalt not steal.

Oh, that's cute, John. Cute.

Cute.

You're very cute.

[knocking]

I'll get it, Dad.

Hi.

Can I help you?

Yeah.

I'm looking for Ted Tilley.

I'm Ted Tilley.

What?

The Ted Tilley I'm looking for is a lot taller.

Oh, hello, Mr. Gordon.

Hey, Ted.

Please, come in.

How are you?

It's good to see you.

Ted, this is Mr. Gordon.

He's one of those reporters I told you about.

This is my son, Ted Jr. - Yeah.

Forget the "mister."

The name's Mark.

What can I do for you?

Well, we want to include you in a story

we're doing about the Toros, if that's all right.

Well, forget it.

The Toros dumped my dad and we don't

have nothing to do with them.

Teddy, please.

TEDDY: Please nothing.

Now, Dad, you gave them 18 years of honest sweat.

Now, money hungry Rogers throws you out like an old shoe.

All right, son.

That's enough.

Listen, I can understand if you're bitter.

I'll just tell Jonathan you're not in the mood.

Oh, no, no, no.

I'm-- I'm all right.

When I first got the call, I was really hurt.

That stand was mine for many a season.

But I guess all good things gotta come to an end.

Yeah, but not like this, Dad.

They-- they left you with nothing.

I got memories, a lot of good memories.

Try paying the rent with memories.

Now, we don't talk about trouble in front of strangers.

Bubba, get Mark here something to drink.

This could take a while.

Sure, Granddad.

Let me see.

It was 1935 when I played my first real baseball game.

I was just a kid, skinny.

You could slip me right under the door.

They used to pass a hat around the stands in those days

and divided the collection among all the players.

Yes, sir.

Playing ball in those days was a lot of fun.

DW: "And according to Doc Brisby,

the blame starts at the top, in the owner's box.

'A team with no veterans is a team with no leaders and no

leaders means no wins.'" Yeah, well, no wins means

you're gonna be through, Doc.

And then, there's the matter of Ted

Tilley, another example of DW Roger's

way of running a ball club.

How you like the article?

How did you get in here?

I gave orders to have you barred from this stadium.

I just popped in.

Hey, the paper told me they've never had a response

to an article like this before.

Over a thousand calls already.

Quite a little hatchet job you did on me, Smith.

And this bit about me dumping Ted Tilley

makes me sound like the biggest villain since Attila the Hun.

Oh, is there anything in there that isn't true?

I made a sound business decision.

Yeah.

Well, maybe the fans think baseball ought

to be more than just business.

Nothing is more than business.

Oh, that's a very good quote.

Thank you, Mr. Rogers.

Seems like every time you open your mouth,

you put your foot in it a little farther.

Get out of here.

OK.

But you're passing up a great chance to turn things around.

I can make you the biggest hero since Ebeneezer Scrooge.

That's just the trouble.

You've already made me sound like Scrooge.

And he was a penny-pinching bum.

Oh, not after he found Christmas.

I could make you a real life Santa Claus, Mr. Rogers.

Little children would speak your name in awed whispers.

Grown men would get teary-eyed.

Who cares?

And the fans would come streaming through the gate.

I care.

Sit down.

Thank you, sir.

DW: All right.

Now, what's the pitch.

Put Ted Tilley on the team.

What?

JOHNATHAN: You heard me.

You're nuts.

You know that?

Just hear me out.

The fans are after your blood right now.

Yeah, thanks to you.

Look, I'm just a reporter.

I write down what people say.

And Doc Brisby says the team has no veterans.

Here's your chance to give him one.

Come on.

I know Pete Rose is in his 40s, but we're talking old here.

Well, that's.

Right and the press is gonna eat it up.

You put that old man on your team,

give him a chance to earn a pension,

and the fans are gonna love you for it.

Besides, you want a losing season

anyway to get rid of Brisby.

What's in it for you?

An exclusive on a great story.

Every sports page in the country is gonna want to carry this.

Mr. Rogers, you got a chance to put the heart back in baseball.

Yeah.

Yeah, the heart.

All right.

Doc Brisby wants a veteran, I'll give him one,

a veteran of World War I. [evil chuckling]

Grandpa, Dad.

Now, take it easy, son.

What's going on?

Open the box, Grandpa.

Well, go on, Ted.

Open the box.

What is this?

It's your uniform.

Rogers heard about your problem.

He's agreed to put you on the roster.

All right.

What's the joke?

JOHNATHAN: Hey, it's no joke.

Rogers had a change of heart, I guess.

Give you a chance for a spot on the team

and a chance for a pension.

This ain't no joke?

As God as my witness.

Well, come on.

Try it on.

I-- I ca-- can't believe this.

I just can't believe this.

It looks great, Grandpa.

JOHNATHAN: Hey.

It's been a long time, Ted.

But the Louisiana Flash is back.

I feel it's a great thing for the Toros to do.

And I'm looking forward to playing alongside of him.

The guy's just a circus act, but it's

typical of this whole organization.

How does it feel to be the oldest rookie on the squad?

Ted, how does it feel to be back in baseball?

DOC: All right, gentlemen, I have a brief statement to read.

"On behalf of the Toros, I proudly

acknowledge the addition of Ted Tilley

to the active players roster.

We are looking forward to his contribution

as part of the organization.

Owner, DW Rogers."

How can a man his age pitch?

Come on, Doc.

Do you really think Ted can contribute at his age?

I don't know.

But if nothing else, he's gonna be

a damn fine example for these young ballplayers here.

You can quote me on that.

All right, everybody, up on the field for practice.

You too, Tilley.

Oh, yeah.

Right now, Doc.

[lively music]

You know, I really don't expect

anything out of you timers. So don't go hurting herself.

Hey, Ted, how do you feel?

A little sore.

The legs ain't what they used to be.

Well, listen, Ted.

You and I know the real reason for you being here.

As long as you're in uniform for all of those games,

that's all that matters.

Don't go hurting yourself now.

[excited chatter]

That's enough.

All right, Bubba, what's going on here?

Oh, it's nothing, Grandpa.

CHILD: Go on, Bubba.

Tell your grandpa what Kevin said about him.

Maybe Kevin would like to tell me himself.

I said you were too old to play baseball.

You ought to be in a rest home, not on a ball field.

He's full of you know what.

Ain't he, Grandpa?

[somber music]

[phone ringing]

Hello.

Yeah, Bubba?

Did you call down there?

Yeah, we will.

Listen, don't worry.

I'm sure he's OK.

Right.

Jonathan.

JOHNATHAN: Yeah, I know.

What do you know?

JOHNATHAN: Ted hasn't come home.

Bubba's worried about him.

Well, I told him we'd look around.

No need.

I know where he is.

- You want me to go with you? - No.

I'll be fine.

No. why don't you-- why don't you give Bubba a call?

Tell him I'm with his granddad.

He'll be home soon.

Now, pitching, Ted Tilley, number 27, the Louisiana Flash.

Was that you just now?

Yeah.

I thought it was part of my dream.

JOHNATHAN: You know, Bubba called.

He's pretty worried about you.

Worried?

What time is it?

It's after midnight.

Oh.

I just sat down here for a minute.

I guess I went out like a light.

I can't say I blame you.

You put in a tough day.

Yeah, tough.

Why'd you come out to the park tonight?

Turn in my uniform.

What for?

Because.

JOHNATHAN: That's a great answer.

You know what I was dreaming just now?

I was dreaming I was out here on the mound,

pitching for the Toros.

Except it was like it was 40 years ago.

Me steaming that ball across the plate, umpire yelling out them

strikes.

God, I wish it was 40 years ago.

But it ain't.

It's today.

I can't do nothing for this club.

Everybody knows it.

Even Bubba's little friends know it.

So you're just gonna quit?

That's right.

Well, one thing's for sure, you're no Jackie Robinson.

What's that supposed to mean?

Come on.

What do you think's tougher?

Being the oldest man in professional baseball

or being the first black man in professional baseball?

Come on.

Now, Jackie was in his 20s.

He played the game like nobody else.

He helped the club.

And you could be a help to this one.

What's wrong with the Toros?

They're down on themselves.

They're not having fun.

They're too tight to win.

Then, loosen them up.

Be a leader.

Be an inspiration to them.

An inspiration?

One day on the club and I'm so sore I can barely move

and you talk about inspiration.

JOHNATHAN: I'm talking about trying, not just giving up.

What do you think Bubba's friends are gonna say to him

when they find out you quit?

I better hit the sack.

I got early practice tomorrow.

[hopeful music]

[fanfare playing]

All right, Sanchez, let those wrists go.

How's it going?

It's fine, considering.

Considering what?

Today's the day.

What's that mean?

If we lose this one, I'm history.

Mathematically out of it.

Maybe you'll win it.

Oh, yeah.

What good'll it do?

We got 10 more games to go.

We gotta win every one of those to be above 500 balls.

We got as much chance of doing that as I have

of winning the state lottery.

Well, people win it.

Oh, sure.

Hey, Sanchez, lay one down.

Good hustle.

Well, that Sanders really powers the ball.

Oh, yeah.

He could've been the difference for us this season.

Why wasn't he?

Attitude.

Thinks it's beneath him to be playing back in the minors.

The same attitude that got him sent down.

You tell him that.

All right, Sanders, lay one down.

Come on, old timer. Come on.

Come on.

Maybe next time, Pop.

Don't you ever do that.

I played this game before you were born.

And I play it now harder than you do.

Hey.

Who do you think you're talking--

A selfish, lazy, complaining kid,

who could be a good ball player if he didn't overrate

himself and play the game.

And the rest of you could win too,

if you stop underrating yourselves

and go out on that field and have some fun.

When I played the game, that's what we were out their for,

cause there sure as hell wasn't any money.

Stop worrying about losing.

It's too late for that now.

You've done that all season.

You worried and lost, worried and lost.

Now, let's go out there and have some fun.

And the winning will take care of itself.

All right.

Let's play some baseball.

Well, Doc, it looks like you got yourself a team leader.

Yeah.

All I need now is a miracle.

[exciting music]

JOHNATHAN: Big game tomorrow.

How long have you been sitting there?

Oh, just a few minutes.

Sorry for the surprise.

I just wanna stop by and tell you,

we've finished our assignment.

Well, I'll bet your boss was glad to hear that.

As a matter of fact, he was.

Oh, by the way, I owe you some thanks.

Putting Tilley on the roster certainly has paid off.

Yeah.

The team's doing real well.

Attendance is up.

Of course, you-- you may be stuck with Doc Brisby.

Maybe.

But we still have one game left.

Anything can happen.

Oh, that's very true.

Well, thanks again for your cooperation, Mr. Rogers.

See you at the game tomorrow.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

[knocking]

Ms. Taylor.

Mr. Tilley.

I apologize for not being over sooner to measure that window.

But I've had such a crazy batch of stuff going on in my life.

So my summer school students have told me.

Well, tomorrow's the last game.

So I thought I could measure that window.

It's been repaired.

Thank you.

Well, I'd be glad to pay for it.

That won't be necessary.

Mattie, what is it about me?

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, yes, you do.

I'm not saying I'm Sidney Poitier, but I try.

I don't even expect you to feel about me

the way I feel about you.

Mr. Tilley--

Woman, hear me out.

All I'm saying is that I try.

But you treat me like I was a leper with a bell on my neck.

I don't like what you represent.

What are you talking about?

MATTIE: I'm talking about baseball.

I teach a summer school class filled with children

who need an education.

I finish my day and come home from school

and find those children outside playing baseball,

usually with you.

Ms. Taylor, I can explain that.

MATTIE: You don't have to do.

A quick dollar in sports is what you care about.

Well, 99.9% of my students will never make it

in professional baseball.

They need to be encouraged to get an education.

I know that.

You do?

Well, let me tell you something.

I have a student named Kevin.

He's not welcome in your street games.

He told me so himself.

And you know something?

In that last two weeks, he's pulled

his grades up from an F to a C, because his mind

wasn't on baseball.

Ms. Taylor, you are very smart and attractive woman.

But darling, sometimes you don't know what in the world

you're talking about.

By the way, those are for you.

[romantic music]

All right, Sanchez, let those wrists go.

How's it going?

It's fine, considering.

Considering what?

Today's the day.

What's that mean?

If we lose this one, I'm history.

Mathematically out of it.

Maybe you'll win it.

Oh, yeah.

What good'll it do?

We got 10 more games to go.

We gotta win every one of those to be above 500 balls.

We got as much chance of doing that as I have

of winning the state lottery.

Well, people win it.

Oh, sure.

Hey, Sanchez, lay one down.

Good hustle.

Well, that Sanders really powers the ball.

Oh, yeah.

He could've been the difference for us this season.

Why wasn't he?

Attitude.

Thinks it's beneath him to be playing back in the minors.

The same attitude that got him sent down.

You tell him that.

All right, Sanders, lay one down.

Come on, old timer. Come on.

Come on.

Maybe next time, Pop.

Don't you ever do that.

I played this game before you were born.

And I play it now harder than you do.

Hey.

Who do you think you're talking--

A selfish, lazy, complaining kid,

who could be a good ball player if he didn't overrate

himself and play the game.

And the rest of you could win too,

if you stop underrating yourselves

and go out on that field and have some fun.

When I played the game, that's what we were out their for,

cause there sure as hell wasn't any money.

Stop worrying about losing.

It's too late for that now.

You've done that all season.

You worried and lost, worried and lost.

Now, let's go out there and have some fun.

And the winning will take care of itself.

All right.

Let's play some baseball.

Well, Doc, it looks like you got yourself a team leader.

Yeah.

All I need now is a miracle.

[exciting music]

JOHNATHAN: Big game tomorrow.

How long have you been sitting there?

Oh, just a few minutes.

Sorry for the surprise.

I just wanna stop by and tell you,

we've finished our assignment.

Well, I'll bet your boss was glad to hear that.

As a matter of fact, he was.

Oh, by the way, I owe you some thanks.

Putting Tilley on the roster certainly has paid off.

Yeah.

The team's doing real well.

Attendance is up.

Of course, you-- you may be stuck with Doc Brisby.

Maybe.

But we still have one game left.

Anything can happen.

Oh, that's very true.

Well, thanks again for your cooperation, Mr. Rogers.

See you at the game tomorrow.

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

[knocking]

Ms. Taylor.

Mr. Tilley.

I apologize for not being over sooner to measure that window.

But I've had such a crazy batch of stuff going on in my life.

So my summer school students have told me.

Well, tomorrow's the last game.

So I thought I could measure that window.

It's been repaired.

Thank you.

Well, I'd be glad to pay for it.

That won't be necessary.

Mattie, what is it about me?

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, yes, you do.

I'm not saying I'm Sidney Poitier, but I try.

I don't even expect you to feel about me

the way I feel about you.

Mr. Tilley--

Woman, hear me out.

All I'm saying is that I try.

But you treat me like I was a leper with a bell on my neck.

I don't like what you represent.

What are you talking about?

MATTIE: I'm talking about baseball.

I teach a summer school class filled with children

who need an education.

I finish my day and come home from school

and find those children outside playing baseball,

usually with you.

Ms. Taylor, I can explain that.

MATTIE: You don't have to do.

A quick dollar in sports is what you care about.

Well, 99.9% of my students will never make it

in professional baseball.

They need to be encouraged to get an education.

I know that.

You do?

Well, let me tell you something.

I have a student named Kevin.

He's not welcome in your street games.

He told me so himself.

And you know something?

In that last two weeks, he's pulled

his grades up from an F to a C, because his mind

wasn't on baseball.

Ms. Taylor, you are very smart and attractive woman.

But darling, sometimes you don't know what in the world

you're talking about.

By the way, those are for you.

[romantic music]

All right, you guys, come on over here.

I got the baseball tickets.

Come on.

Come on.

Hustle it up.

Come on.

Let's move.

Let's move.

[interposing voices] Wait.

Wait.

Hold it now.

All right.

Ted's at the-- hold it.

Ted's at the stadium.

He said for me to come by, check your grades,

pass out the tickets.

Now, let's see them grades.

[interposing voices]

All right.

We got an A. A, B. Here we go.

Take off.

You got it.

All right, B. There you go.

Take off.

A B, A. Here you go.

Here you go.

I got a C+.

C+ plus?

An A, B?

All right.

Here's mine.

Hey, Kevin, you got an A. Way to go.

I worked real hard.

Yeah, I'll bet you did.

Here's your ticket, pal.

Thanks.

Ms. Taylor, I got a ticket to the game.

Ms. Taylor.

Hello, Mr. Gordon.

Ted asked me to give you this.

It's the last game of the season.

He's kinda hoping you could make it.

No, thank you.

Mr. Tilley knows how I feel about baseball.

What you got against baseball?

Mr. Gordon, these children need an education.

Book learning, not ball playing.

You know what they say, ma'am.

"All work and no play."

In this case, it's just the opposite.

Mr. Tilley encourages all play and no work.

Ma'am, that's not true.

Nobody cares more about how these kids

do in school than Ted Tilley.

That's your opinion.

That's not my opinion, ma'am.

That's a fact.

Did you know he hands out baseball tickets,

but only if they get passing grades?

What are you talking about?

MARK: I am talking about rewarding

these kids for their work.

You know, most of the parents around here

don't know how their kids are doing in school.

They don't care.

Ted Tilley does.

His rule is, no work, no ticket.

See that kid Kevin that ran off excited about his ticket?

His grades are up, aren't they?

Yes.

Well, he's excited, because that's his first ticket.

Now, I'm not saying he's doing better just because of Ted

Tilley, but I'll guarantee you one thing,

he's a big part of it.

Why didn't he ever tell me about this?

Maybe you never gave him the chance, ma'am.

Well, I better get to the ball game.

You take care of yourself.

DOC: All right now.

Hold it down.

Hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it.

I'm gonna make this real short.

This is our last game today.

I want you to know that no matter what happens out

there tonight, I'm never gonna forget

the last couple of weeks.

You guys really pulled yourselves together.

You've been playing big league ball.

And I want you to know that this is a team I will never forget.

I just wanna say something.

I've been a real jackass for most of this season.

And I know that.

But I got knocked down to size and, well, learned

a lot, from the man we all voted team

captain for this final game.

Now, in case you was wondering, the vote was unanimous.

Ted Tilley.

Let's go out there today, boys, and have fun.

All right.

[cheering]

COMMENTATOR: Ball three.

[applause]

Ball four.

[booing]

That loads them up.

Doc Brisby's on his way to the mound.

It's a real nail-biter.

One out and the bases are loaded.

The Toros are trying to hang onto that one-run lead.

What's wrong?

Doc, Mick's got a blister.

He's having trouble holding the ball.

Is it bad?

Yeah, Doc.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry.

You pitched a great game.

That'll be all for Dawson.

Cartier's coming in.

Boy, I'd hate to be in his spot.

This game is a big one for the Toros.

[phone ringing]

Now, pitching for the Toros, number 25, Cartier.

Hey, Doc.

It's Rogers.

Hey there. Yeah.

I took him out.

He's been hurt.

No way, Mr. Rogers.

No.

I-- yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

I heard you.

Tilley, come here.

Yeah, Doc?

Get your glove.

You're going in there to pitch.

What?

Get your glove.

Wait a minute.

You ain't kidding.

DOC: No, I'm not.

Rogers wants you in there to pitch

or we'll forfeit the game.

So get out there.

COMMENTATOR (PA): Now, pitching for the Toros, number 27,

Ted Tilley.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen.

You heard right.

The man you read about in the papers is coming in to pitch.

Boy there's no doubt about one thing.

Tilley'll be in the record books as the oldest player

in professional baseball.

Here comes your veteran, Brisby.

And there goes your job.

I can't believe Rogers would do something like this

just to get rid of Doc.

Jonathan, you-- Johnathan?

Jonathan?

Good luck, Ted.

Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Oh, dear Lord. Why me?

Why tonight?

And why has she gotta be out here to see it.

You a little nervous, Ted?

Huh?

What you doing out here?

Oh, it's all right.

Nobody else can see me, just you.

- What? - Yeah.

See, I'm-- I'm an angel.

I've been sent down to help.

I must be losing my mind.

First, they bring me out here to pitch.

And now, you tell me you're an angel I can't see.

Tilley, take your warm-ups. Let's go.

Huh?

Oh, yeah.

Hey, Young, you see anyone unusual out here?

What are you talking about?

I told you.

Tilley, are you're gonna take your warm-ups or not?

Tell him you don't need them.

I don't need them.

All right then, let's play ball.

I can't go through with this.

Oh, yes, you can.

I can't, I tell you.

I'm an old man.

Oh, not tonight.

For you, Ted, tonight is 40 years ago.

Now, go on.

Show them with the Louisiana Flash can do.

Tilley, I said play ball.

Look, Jonathan--

[suspenseful music]

God help me.

[triumphant music]

Strike.

Well, I'll be.

[cheering]

Strike two!

[cheering]

Strike three!

[cheering]

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah.

There you go!

[cheering]

[suspenseful music]

Two outs in the ninth, and Freddie Coleman steps up.

He's leading the league in all departments.

[booing]

Coming up to bat now, number 29, Freddie Coleman.

[booing]

[triumphant fanfare]

[cheering]

But Grandpa, you gotta pitch next year.

No, Bubba.

I'll stay on with the club.

But my pitching days are over for good this time.

But why?

You were great tonight.

I'll let you in on a little secret.

That Jonathan fella, he's one of them angels.

Oh, no, he's not, Grandpa.

He's a Toro fan all the way.

[laughter]

[MUSIC - "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME"]

[theme song]