Let Them Play v4

LET THEM PLAY
March 28, 2017
Written by
A.J. Kelly & Bennett Lasseter
Don Broida
&
Phillip J. Bartell
Based on True Events
Outlier Content, LLC

WGA #1892164
ajkelly210@gmail.com
(203) 645-0179
3701 Glendon Ave #4
Los Angeles, CA 90034
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - DAY
SMACK. A baseball slams into a glove.
Two African American little league teams play baseball on a

rundown asphalt diamond. Spectators stand around the field.
TITLE CARD: Charleston, South Carolina - June 1955
The team in the field wears mismatching red shirts with

cardboard gloves held together by twine.
The opposing team wears mismatching blue shirts. Both teams

have hand-drawn numbers on their backs.
MAURICE “MO” SINGLETON (12) stares ahead, focused. He lines

up the laces of a WORN OUT BASEBALL in his fingers behind his
back.
BATTER #1 stares back at Mo as he clutches a BROOMSTICK BAT.
CHARLES “CHUCKIE” BRADLEY (12) crouches behind the batter

with a CARDBOARD GLOVE held up in front of him. He wears a
broken catcher’s mask and make-shift padding.
Chuckie points two fingers downward to the dirt, the signal

for the curve ball.
Mo pitches and the ball curves hard. The batter swings.
UMPIRE
Strike three. You’re out!
Half of the spectators cheer.
CHUCKIE
Here we go, Mo! Two more like that!
The frustrated batter walks off towards the bench.
TEAMMATE #1
That ball had more curve than a
playboy!
Mo’s TEAMMATES toss the ball around the infield as the next
batter walks up.
TEAMMATE #2
Yeah, c’mon Mo. Let ‘em hit one,
we’re getting bored out here.
Mo gets the ball back and takes a deep breath. He focuses as

BATTER #2 steps up.
2.
Chuckie points one finger down, the signal for a fastball.
Mo winds and throws.
Batter #2 stands stunned as the ball whizzes past him and

into Chuckie’s glove.
UMPIRE
Strike one.
On the bench, Mo’s father/coach BENNY SINGLETON (mid 30’s)

looks to the assistant coach WALTER BURKE (early 40’s).
Walter whistles in awe.
Batter #2 taps his worn out sneakers with the broomstick and
steps back up to the plate.
The next pitch flies past him as he swings and misses again.
UMPIRE (CONT’D)
Strike two.
CHUCKIE
That’s the stuff! He might as well
have his eyes closed!
BATTER #2
Shut it, Chuckie.
CHUCKIE
You want me to tell you when to
swing? Might help.
Batter #2 ignores him and looks back to Mo.
Mo throws the next pitch.
CRACK. The batter hits the ball between first and second base
and it bounces into the outfield. Batter #2 heads for second.
The RIGHT FIELDER grabs it and throws the ball to second

base. Batter #2 slides into the bag.
UMPIRE
Safe!
Mo punches his fist into his cardboard glove and groans.
Chuckie stands up from behind the plate.
CHUCKIE
It’s okay, don’t let it get to you!
3.
Mo checks the home made scoreboard that rests on a table

behind home plate. His team is up 4-3 in the last inning.
LEROY “MAJORS” MAJOR (12) scoops up the broomstick bat. He

takes his time with a few practice swings as he stares at Mo.
Mo fidgets on the mound as Majors keeps swinging.
MO
Let’s go!
Majors smiles.
MAJORS
Last game of the season, let me
savor this moment.
MO
The faster we do this, the less
it’ll hurt, like ripping off a band-
aid.
Mo spins the laces of the ball across his fingers. He leans

forward looking for Chuckie’s sign. Sweat beads on his face.
Chuckie points one finger down. Fastball.
MAJORS
You gonna throw it or should I just
take my base?!
Mo snaps out of his trance. He winds up and fires the ball.
Majors watches the ball go by. Strike one.
Mo’s team LAUGHS.
MO
What’re you rushin’ me for if you
ain’t even gonna swing?
MAJORS
Go ahead, throw that pitch again.
Now I’ve seen it.
MO
Do I have time to take a leak while
you warm up again?
Majors taps his sneakers again and gets back into his stance.
Chuckie points two fingers down. Curve.
Mo shakes his head “no”.

4.
Chuckie points two fingers down again.
Mo refuses again and Majors laughs.
MAJORS
He wants to throw the heat.
Chuckie reluctantly points one finger down. Fastball.
Mo nods. He winds up and throws another heater.
Majors swings with all his might and WHACKS the ball.
EVERYONE in the crowd hushes as they follow the ball over the
fence for a home run!
Mo takes off his glove and slams it onto the ground as Majors
makes his way around the bases.
Mo STORMS off of the field to the dugout where Benny stands.
BENNY
He hasn’t reached home yet.
Mo walks past Benny.
BENNY (CONT’D)
There some cute girls in the crowd?
Mo stops and looks at his father.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Just figured you had a date to get
to. Cause you’re not a sore loser,
so that can’t be the reason you’re
hurrying off the field. Let’s go
take a look together.
Benny pulls out a comb and starts fixing his hair.
Mo reluctantly heads back onto the field to line up with his

team for the post game hand shake.
As Mo approaches Majors in the line, Majors smiles.
MAJORS
Hey Mo, thanks for taking it easy
on me.
MO
You got lucky.
MAJORS
See ya around this summer.
5.
They walk by each other and the teams disperse.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - DUSK
Alone, Mo sulks on a bench away from the field.
Benny shakes hands with PARENTS, then walks over to Mo.
BENNY
Ready?
Mo stands and the two walk down the sidewalk.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Hey, cheer up kiddo. You played
hard and you played well. Winning
isn’t everything.
MO
Well losing sure does suck.
BENNY
Your team played in the
championship game. That’s
something.
MO
Whatever.
BENNY
Hey, no one’s gonna want to play
with you if you throw a fit every
time something doesn’t go your way.
They walk in silence for a ways.
MO
It was my fault.
BENNY
What was?
MO
I gave up the winning run. It was
my job to end it... they were all
counting on me.
BENNY
If it’s that bad... we better skip
town. As coach, I’m really to
blame. We’ll live in boxcars. You
know how to skin a rabbit, right?
6.
Mo hangs his head.
Benny stops to kneel down.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Hey, look at me. Don’t let people
see you with your head low.
Strength is keeping your head held
high, no matter what.
Mo picks his head up and they continue down the street.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - NEXT DAY
Mo leans against a dumpster with a fruit crate filled with

empty soda bottles at his feet.
MO
Man, I still don’t know how he hit
that heater.
CHUCKIE (O.S.)
Yep.
MO
That thing was cruising. One in a
hundred chance he’d make contact.
Chuckie pops out of the dumpster holding a glass soda bottle

and hands it to Mo.
CHUCKIE
You need to shut up about that damn
game. It’s summer now.
Chuckie dives back down.
MO
I know, it’s just that’s our last
game of the year and that’s how it
ended. Doesn’t sit right.
CHUCKIE (O.S.)
I get it. It’s the only thing your
good at and Majors proved you’re
not even that good.
MO
Better than your skinny ass.
Chuckie pops back up empty handed.

7.
CHUCKIE
Man, shut up and help me out of
this damn trash can.
Mo gives him his hand and helps Chuckie out of the dumpster.
EXT. ROADSIDE - LATER
Mo squats with a brush next to a spigot. He scrubs each

bottle and hands them to Chuckie who dries them with a rag.
CHUCKIE
Majors’ got a dish of a sister
though. Whew.
MO
You wanna swap spit with the sister
of the enemy? Besides, they live
down by the shore so her mouth
probably tastes like salt water.
CHUCKIE
You don’t know that. You’re just
scared of girls.
Chuckie holds a bottle up to the sky to examine it. He spots

a smudge and hands it back to Mo.
MO
Like you’ve ever talked to a girl.
CHUCKIE
I’ve got eight sisters. I’ve picked
up a thing or two.
MO
Like what?
CHUCKIE
Nah, that’s a secret. I don’t want
you stealing any sugar from me.
MO
Pfft. Maybe if you were a few
inches taller you’d stand a chance.
CHUCKIE
Please, I’m like Sammy Davis Jr.!
Chuckie finishes cleaning the last bottle and puts it in the

crate.
8.
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - CONTINUOUS
Mo and Chuckie carry the crate through the run down streets
of Charleston.
They soon cross a street into a nicer neighborhood. “No

Coloreds” and “White’s Only” signs begin to appear.
They lower their heads to not make eye contact with the
passersby.
As they pass a store with a television set in the window,

Chuckie stops to watch.
A WHITE WOMAN in the window front glares at Chuckie.
MO
Come on, don’t get us in trouble
before we even get there.
Mo tugs Chuckie’s shirt and they continue on.
EXT. CARSON’S CORNER STORE - CONTINUOUS
Chuckie and Mo make it to Carson’s Corner Store where in the

window a chalkboard reads “Ice Cold Coca-Cola only 5¢”.
INT. CARSON’S CORNER STORE - CONTINUOUS
Carson’s is a typical 50’s Mom & Pop shop - groceries, dried

goods, a magazine stand, and next to the stand a rack
featuring comic books and bubble gum baseball cards.
Mo and Chuckie head to the bubble gum rack.
Chuckie takes a pack and places it on his forehead. He closes

his eyes, concentrating.
MO
Whatchu doing?
CHUCKIE
It’s in here. I can feel it.
MO
You can’t feel anything but the
empty space between your ears.
CHUCKIE
You won’t be saying that when I’ve
got one of the only Jackie Robinson
cards on the planet!
9.
Mo and Chuckie walk over to the counter.
They stop and wait off to the side as MR. CARSON (Caucasian,
50’s) finishes up with an ELDERLY WHITE CUSTOMER.
Mo waits for the customer to leave and the door to close

before approaching. He places the two packs on the counter.
MO
Hey, Mr. Carson.
Mr. Carson is polite, but not necessarily friendly.
MR. CARSON
Boys. That’s twelve cents.
The boys lift their crate of bottles onto the counter. Mr.
Carson sighs. He picks up a few of the bottles from the crate
and inspects them.
CHUCKIE
No chips or cracks.
MR. CARSON
Spotless... You boy’s didn’t nick
these from anyone did ya?
CHUCKIE
No sir. Just scrubbed ‘em real
good, like you want.
He counts out the bottles, the math checks out. He slides the
packs of gum to the boys.
MO
Thank you.
MR. CARSON
Mmhm.
The boys head towards the exit just as the door opens. TOMMY
JONES (Caucasian, 12) and his TWO WHITE FRIENDS (12) walk
inside. They’re carrying gloves and look like they’ve just
come from baseball practice.
Mo tries to scoot out of Tommy’s way, but knocks into him a

little, causing Tommy to drop his glove.
Mo bends down to get it.
MO
Oh, sorry. Lemme--
10.
TOMMY
Don’t touch that.
Mo stops himself just before grabbing the glove, and stands

back up. Tommy stares at him and leans down to get his glove.
TOMMY (CONT’D)
Just because something falls on the
ground doesn’t mean you can take
it.
MO
I wasn’t trying to--
TOMMY
Oh, that’s right. You’ve probably
never seen a real ball glove
before.
He holds up the glove in a menacing manner.
TOMMY (CONT’D)
Well I’ll show ya real close if you
come around here again.
He shoves between Mo and Chuckie and walks past.
Mo and Chuckie exchange a look and head to the door.
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - DAY
The boys exit the store and run down the streets. They don’t
stop until they make it back to their side of town.
CHUCKIE
Man, if Mr. Carson hadn’t of been
there, I woulda gone one-two on
‘em.
Chuckie swings his arms like a boxer.
MO
Chuckie, they were twice your size.
CHUCKIE
Shut up. I could take ‘em. I’m like
the Galveston Giant!
MO
Watchu got in your pack?
Chuckie deftly peels open the pack as if performing a magic

trick. He expression drops as he spots the card.
11.
MO (CONT’D)
What?
Chuckie looks at the card intently.
MO (CONT’D)
No way.
He takes a look at the card. Chuckie laughs.
CHUCKIE
A Billy Martin. The one player on
the Yankees who can’t hit lick.
Mo rolls his eyes.
CHUCKIE (CONT’D)
I got you good. You shoulda seen
your face.
Mo opens his pack as well.
MO
No Robinson here either...
CHUCKIE
Why do they gotta make the popular
players the hardest to get? If I
owned a baseball card company,
every card’d be a Robinson, or a
Ruth or an Aaron. Everyone’d love
me and they’d buy my cards.
MO
Yeah, well these ain’t your cards.
No Robinson, no Ruth, no Aaron.
They pop the bubble gum in their mouths.
A church bell rings down the street.
MO (CONT’D)
Dangit, my momma’s gonna whoop me
if I am late for supper. I’ll see
you tomorrow, Chuck.
They do a secret handshake before Mo takes off.
CHUCKIE
Sure you don’t wanna trade for my
one of a million Billy Martin?
MO
Ha ha, very funny.
12.
EXT. MO’S HOUSE - EVENING
Mo reaches his family’s modest single story house with a

small front yard and a fence.
He opens the gate, and heads to the front door.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The living room is monochromatic, dull, and simple. Very

little hung from the walls, just a couch facing a table with
their prized possession - the radio - sitting on top.
RADIO (O.S.)
The rookie Koufax in the wind-up...
he delivers. The ball is hit on a
rope to Robinson, who dives and
delivers to first. OUT!
Benny runs around the house with his other two children,
MARTIN (8) and LUCY (6), playing tag.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Mo’s mother, NORMA (30’s), works on supper.
NORMA
Maurice? Is that you?
MO (O.S.)
Yes, Ma’am.
NORMA
About time. Come set the table.
Mo enters the kitchen and opens the cupboard. As he reaches

for the plates Norma SLAPS his hand with a wooden spoon.
NORMA (CONT’D)
I know you weren’t going to grab
our plates with those filthy hands.
Mo rubs his hands and goes over to the sink.
NORMA (CONT’D)
And where have you been?
MO
No where.
13.
NORMA
No where. When you say that it
makes me think you were on the
other side of town again.
Mo subtly swallows his bubble gum, but Norma notices.
NORMA (CONT’D)
Mmhmm. What I thought. You know I
don’t like you going over there.
White people don’t take kindly to
us being in their part of town.
MO
Mr. Carson likes us.
NORMA
He may like your business, but he
doesn’t like you. Trust me on that.
That’s the way it is, and
unfortunately that’s the way it’s
always gonna be.
MO
Yes, Ma’am.
Mo dries his hands and grabs the plates.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mo enters the room with the plates.
Martin and Lucy giggle incessantly as they run around Mo,

almost knocking him over. Benny swoops up Lucy in his arms.
BENNY
Alright. That’s enough now. Don’t
want to be breaking any plates.
MO
Or knocking me down!
BENNY
(To Martin and Lucy)
You two go and wash up for supper.
MARTIN LUCY
Awww! Awww!
They pout as they leave the room.
Benny sits at the table and helps Mo with the plates.

14.
BENNY
Those two wear me out!
He looks into the kitchen to see if Norma is listening.
BENNY (CONT’D)
So what’d ya get?
Mo
Gus Bell.
BENNY
Well that’s a new one!
MO
Yeah...
BENNY
Ah, don’t you worry. By the time
you’re my age, I bet you every team
will have a Negro player. You won’t
know what to do with all the cards!
Mo lets a smile slip.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Just next time, be sure get rid of
the gum before you walk in!
He stands and winks at Mo before he walks into the kitchen.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - LATER
The Singleton family sits around the dinner table. Mo stuffs

his dinner into his mouth.
NORMA
Maurice, slow down and chew your
food.
MO
I wanna listen to the game, the
Dodgers were up one in the 7th.
NORMA
I don’t care. I don’t want you
choking at the dinner table.
BENNY
Listen to your mother.
The phone rings.

15.
BENNY (CONT’D)
I should get that.
NORMA
This is family time.
The phone continues to ring.
BENNY
It may be important.
Benny gets up and leaves the room.
NORMA
Feeling any better after yesterday
Maurice?
MO
Not really.
Benny speaks into the phone in the other room.
BENNY (O.S.)
Uh huh. Yes sir, understood sir.
I’ll let you know. Have a good
evening. Good Bye.
NORMA
Now there’s no shame in losing. You
pitched a heck of a game.
LUCY
Leroy Major hit a home run.
MARTIN
That’s not a good thing, Lucy.
Benny comes back in and sits down.
NORMA
What was that about?
BENNY
That was Little League Baseball.
Seems they’re putting together a
Negro baseball team in Charleston.
MO
For kids?
16.
BENNY
Yeah, it’ll be an All-Star team to
play against the other All-Star
teams from sanctioned Little
Leagues throughout the state.
NORMA
And why did they call you?
BENNY
They’ve asked me to coach.
Mo smiles.
MO
Will I be on the team?
BENNY
I haven’t accepted the position
just yet.
NORMA
What are you going to say?
BENNY
Not sure.
MO
When does it start?
BENNY
The first game is in a month. So
practice needs to start next week.
NORMA
What would you do about work?
BENNY
That’s why I haven’t said yes yet.
MO
You need to do it! It’d be like the
big leagues! Traveling around,
playing new teams!
LUCY
Yayy!
Norma goes silent and takes a bite of her food.
Benny notices Norma’s change in mood.

17.
MO
What’re you waiting for? Call them
back!
Benny smiles at Mo.
BENNY
It’s something to think about. But
not while our food is getting cold.
He points at Mo’s plate.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Now eat your greens.
Mo groans.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - HALLWAY - LATER
Mo tiptoes down the hallway in his pajamas, stopping just

outside of the kitchen door.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - KITCHEN
Benny and Norma wash the dishes together in the kitchen.
NORMA
You’re not telling me something.
BENNY
About what?
She gives him a “you know what” look.
Benny nods and thinks about his next words before speaking.
BENNY (CONT’D)
This will be the only Negro team
playing in South Carolina.
Norma shuts off the water in the sink and turns to Benny.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Brown vs. The Board, things are
changing!
NORMA
Just because the government says
it, doesn’t mean people are gonna
change their minds overnight.
You’re asking for trouble and you
know it, Benjamin.
18.
BENNY
They’re making the team whether I
coach it or not. Wouldn’t you
rather me be looking over our boy?
Norma hesitates.
BENNY (CONT’D)
And if you’re planning to keep him
from playing, you know that boy’ll
never let you hear the end of it.
Norma lets a smile slip.
NORMA
And what about you? We can’t afford
to have you taking time off work.
BENNY
I’ll switch up my hours, go in
early - get out early enough to
coach.
He pulls his wife in for a hug and kisses her forehead.
BENNY (CONT’D)
I wouldn’t sacrifice our family’s
well-being over this.
NORMA
You made up your mind as soon as
you got that phone call, didn’t
you?
Benny looks at her.
BENNY
Not without your permission.
NORMA
You just keep those boys safe.
BENNY
Yes, Ma’am.
She leans up and they kiss.
MO (O.S.)
Yes!
NORMA
Maurice?
19.
Footsteps run down the hall away from the kitchen, followed
by a door closing.
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - AFTERNOON
Mo and Chuckie walk down the street holding their cardboard

gloves. Chuckie tosses a ball up and down.
CHUCKIE
Man, when your dad called the other
night, I thought he was pullin’ my
leg!
MO
I know, I can’t believe it either!
CHUCKIE
I spent all weekend re-stitching my
glove.
VERMONT “WHEELS” BROWN (11) runs up to them. He runs fast,

talks faster.
WHEELS
Heya-fellas? Ready t’play some
ball?
MO
Aw man, you made the team too?
WHEELS
There ‘nother center fielder you
want chasin’ down the ball when
someone gets aholda yer heater?
CHUCKIE
They don’t call him Wheels for
nothing.
WHEELS
Fast like lightnin’.
MO
Yeah, well those other teams aren’t
gonna hit off me anyway. You’ll
just be sitting around.
As they walk, they hear the crack of a bat in the distance.
MO (CONT’D)
Come on, let’s check it out.
20.
EXT. PARK - MOMENTS LATER
Mo, Chuckie, and Wheels approach a pristine little league

field. All the PLAYERS on the field are white. On the fence
is a “No Coloreds” sign.
The boys watch the team practice. Tommy Jones steps up to

home plate and takes a practice swing.
CHUCKIE
Sure is a nice field.
WHEELS
Beats asphalt.
Tommy swings and hits the ball far.
Mo follows it with his eyes as an outfielder catches it on a

one-hop and throws it to the coach on the mound - DANIEL
JONES (40’s), well kept, well built, and white.
Wheels shouts to the outfielder.
WHEELS (CONT’D)
C’mon-man, can’t be one-hoppin’! I
woulda been there n’ still had time
to tie my shoes b’fore catchin’
that!
Daniel steps off the mound and turns towards the fence.
DANIEL JONES
Can’t you boys read!?
He points to the sign.
WHEELS
Only letters needed are W’s. Ready
for the heat coach?!
DANIEL JONES
Don’t make me come over there and
teach you respect!
MO
Come on, let’s go.
CHUCKIE
We’re just watching.
WHEELS
Yeah, watchin‘em suck!
Daniel storms towards them and the boys run off.

21.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - DAY - LATER
The boys slow down as they get to the asphalt diamond. They
stop, out of breath.
MO
Why you gotta do that? What if he
caught us?
WHEELS
He wan’t catchin’ me. Maybe ol’
short-legs here.
CHUCKIE
I’m still growing!
On the field, the rest of the ALL-STAR TEAM warms up. In

particular, Mo notices Majors tossing a ball around.
MO
Great...
CHUCKIE
C’mon man, let’s go warm up.
Mo heads to the pitchers mound and throws to Chuckie.
WILLIAM “SPITS” GODFREY (12) tosses the ball with Majors on

the third base line.
He spits onto the asphalt.
SPITS
Hey Majors, check it out.
Majors turns around to see Mo on the mound.
MAJORS
What does he think he’s doing?
(to Mo)
Thanks for warming up the catcher,
I’ll be there in a minute!
CHUCKIE
Just ignore him.
Mo keeps warming up.
MAJORS
C’mon Mo, just because you’re a
daddy’s boy doesn’t mean that
you’re the ace.
Mo stops throwing.
22.
MO
Yeah, my dad’s the coach. Don’t
mean a thing, ‘cept he works me
harder.
MAJORS
Is that what he says when he tucks
you in at night?
Mo walks towards Majors.
The rest of the team stops warming up and gathers around the
confrontation. Some teammates back-up Mo, some Majors.
MO
It’s just a fact. That and he
taught me everything there is to
know about baseball.
MAJORS
He teach you how to blow a game in
the last inning? Or did you pick
that up yourself?
MO
You better shut your mouth before I
shut it for you.
Mo rips off his glove and clenches his fist.
MAJORS
C’mon, just go back to warming up.
Majors puts his hands up. Mo turns back towards the mound.
MAJORS (CONT’D)
You don’t wanna hurt those wimpy
arms before the season starts.
Mo spins back around and punches Majors across the cheek.
Majors touches his mouth and checks for blood, then leaps at
Mo and puts him into a headlock.
The two flanks of divided teammates push and jostle each

other. Insults and fists fly.
BENNY (O.S.)
THAT’S ENOUGH!
Benny and Walter Burke charge in. Benny peels Mo and Majors
apart, while Walter puts the rest of the team in line.
23.
BENNY (CONT’D)
What on earth could you be fighting
over on day ONE?
Mo points at Majors.
MO
Just cause he won the championship,
he thinks he’s better than me.
MAJORS
I am better than you.
Championship’s got nothin’ to do
with it.
BENNY
That’s what you two are squabbling
over?
Benny pushes the two in line with the rest of the team.
MO
Yeah, Dad but he--
BENNY
Listen up. This is the first year
Little League Baseball is letting
us compete on equal grounds with
the other All-Star teams.
He scans the faces of the team, and stops at Mo.
BENNY (CONT’D)
And I picked each of you because
you’re all good ball players.
Mo avoids eye contact with Benny.
BENNY (CONT’D)
But if we can’t even respect each
other as teammates, then what makes
you think that the other teams will
respect us?
The team stands silent. Benny relaxes.
BENNY (CONT’D)
It’s either we get along or... we
can sit around and practice holding
hands for the rest of the day.
The kids look awkwardly at one another.

24.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Okay, we’re all on the same team?
TEAM
Yes, Coach.
Benny pulls out his roster sheet. He scans it over and hands
it off to Walter Burke.
BENNY
Great. Assistant Coach Burke is
going to give you all your
positions.
WALTER BURKE
Alright, here we go. In the
outfield we have Vermont Brown in
left, Allen Jackson in Center, and
William Godfrey in Right.
WHEELS
That ain’t right, coach. I’m
supposed’a be in center.
SPITS
No, I’m supposed to be in center.
WALTER BURKE
It says here that Vermont, you’re
supposed to be in left.
WHEELS
Wheels.
WALTER BURKE
Excuse me?
WHEELS
M’names Wheels.
WALTER BURKE
Well “Wheels”, you’re supposed to
be in left and William, you’re in
right.
SPITS
Spits.
WALTER BURKE
Really?
Spits spits on the ground.

25.
WALTER BURKE (CONT’D)

Okay, and do you have some weird
nickname Allen?
ALLEN JACKSON (12, the biggest kid on the team) speaks up.
ALLEN
Just Allen Jackson coach.
WALTER BURKE
Excellent.
SPITS
You can’t play us like that.
WHEELS
Yeah, c’mon. Allen in center? You
need speed!
BENNY
This is what it is.
WALTER BURKE
Okay, moving to the infield. We
have Chuckie behind the plate,
Arthur Peoples at first, John
Rivers at second, Jimmy Rivers at
Shortstop--
JOHN (O.S.)
That’s not right coach.
WALTER BURKE
What is it now?
Walter looks at JOHN and JIMMY RIVERS (both 11). They’re

identical twins, with only their hats to tell them apart.
JIMMY
That’s backwards.
WALTER BURKE
What’s backwards?
JIMMY
I’m second.
JOHN
And I’m shortstop.
Walter looks to Benny who shrugs.
WALTER BURKE
Okay. Our mistake.
26.
WHEELS
Whoa! They getta swap?
Spits spits.
BENNY
Keep going.
WALTER BURKE
And last we have Mo Singleton on
Third and Leroy Major on the mound.
Mo, you’ll also fill in on the
mound as relief.
MO MAJORS
What?! Yes!
WALTER BURKE
Then we have Douglas Mack and Brick
Mason as floaters.
BENNY
Alright, you’ve got your positions,
let’s get some practice in. Doug
and Brick, you take some hits, the
rest of you, get out there.
The team runs out onto the field except for Mo, who hangs
behind to have a word with his father.
MO
Dad!
BENNY
It’s coach right now.
MO
What’s going on? Why is Majors
pitching?
BENNY
I did what I feel is best for the
team.
MO
But I’m supposed to be pitching!
BENNY
You’re supposed to be playing
third. A pitcher needs to keep a
level head, not fly off the handle
over something so small.
27.
MO
But I--
BENNY
--will respect my decision.
Benny walks away from Mo.
Mo sulks over to third base.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - LATER
Brick steps up to the plate.
Majors throws a fastball, but misses on the inside. Brick

drops to the ground to dodge the pitch.
BENNY
Leroy, take it down a notch. We
don’t need any injuries on the
first day. Focus on control for
now, then we’ll work on bringing
the heat.
MAJORS
Alright.
BENNY
Alright, what?
MAJORS
Alright, Coach.
BENNY
Better. Now let’s try it again.
Majors paces himself and throws one over the plate. Brick
makes sharp contact sending a fly ball to center. Allen comes
in to catch the ball.
ALLEN
I got it! I got it!
Wheels races in front of Allen and makes a great diving

catch.
WHEELS
No, I got it.
Wheels throws the ball back to the pitcher’s mound.

28.
ALLEN
What the heck, man? That was hit
straight to me.
WHEELS
Gotta be faster.
Another ball is hit to center.
Allen checks on Wheels before he calls out.
ALLEN
I got it!
This time Spits makes a leaping catch, right in front of

Allen.
ALLEN (CONT’D)
I’m center. Stay in right field.
SPITS
Then you better start playing
center.
BENNY
C’mon guys. You’re on the same
team!
Another pitch. Crack. Right to center again.
Spits and Wheels both sprint toward the ball. Allen stands
back and watches them CRASH into each other.
The ball bounces on the ground next to them as Allen casually

picks it up and throws it in.
Benny rubs his temples.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Alright, Doug you’re up.
Doug steps up and hits a grounder to first base. Arthur tries

to grab the ball, but it goes right through his legs.
Jimmy backs up Arthur and snags the ball, then runs and tags
first base.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Good back up Jimmy! Arthur, gotta
get lower than that!
Another ball is hit, this time to third.

29.
Mo makes a clean play, and whips it over to first - but

dangerously close to Majors’ head in the process.
MAJORS
Hey! Watch it!
MO
Get out of the way then!
Benny turns to Walter.
BENNY
This is going well.
Walter shakes his head.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Okay! On this one turn two!
A ball is hit hard to short stop. John makes a diving catch,

flips it up to his brother who tags second, turns in mid air
and throws it hard to first.
Arthur is caught off guard. The ball flies past him, before
he gets to the bag.
JIMMY
Arthur! What’re you doing man? You
gotta be ready for that!
ALLEN
Hey! Don’t yell at him, he’s not a
first baseman. He’s supposed to be
catching!
SPITS
Well I’m not a right fielder!
WHEELS
Yeah, this sucks!
MAJORS
Guys! Cut it out!
MO
Shut up Majors! You shouldn’t be on
the mound and you know it!
The entire team yells at each other.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - LATER
Benny and Mo enter the house.

30.
NORMA
How was practice?
Mo runs right past her and into his room.
NORMA (CONT’D)
I take it not too great.
BENNY
We’ve got a long way to go.
NORMA
Why is he so upset?
BENNY
He just needs to learn that things
aren’t always going to go his way.
NORMA
Good luck with that.
Norma kisses Benny on the cheek.
Majors stands on the pitcher’s mound. Wheels takes a practice

swing in the batter’s box.
Majors throws. Strike.
WHEELS
Now I seen-it. Not gonna get me
again.
Majors delivers another pitch. Strike.
WHEELS (CONT’D)
Think you’re hot-stuff!?
Third pitch. Wheels goes down swinging.
WALTER BURKE
Strike Three. Next Batter!
John steps up to the plate. It’s a quick one, two, three

strikes.

Next!
Mo steps up.
31.

Strike three!
Benny comes over and stands next to Walter.
BENNY
Do we have really good pitching? Or
are we terrible at batting? It’s
hard to tell.
WALTER BURKE
Not sure.
Allen steps up to the plate. On the first pitch he swings and

hammers the ball over the fence.
BENNY
Wow.
Allen steps away and hands the broomstick to Arthur. Arthur

looks at the broomstick in amazement.
EXT. STREETS - EVENING
Chuckie and Mo walk down the street.
CHUCKIE
I have to say, the kid can pitch.
MO
You’ve been spending too much time
in the heat.
CHUCKIE
Hey, he struck you out too.
MO
He should be on third, I should be
pitching!
CHUCKIE
That ain’t gonna happen if he keeps
striking everyone out.
MO
Except Allen.
CHUCKIE
Yeah, except Allen.
(beat)
Wait, I got an idea.
32.
MO
What’s that?
CHUCKIE
I know how to mess up his game.
MO
How?
CHUCKIE
I’m the catcher!
Mo readies near third base. He looks to Chuckie, who squats

down behind the plate. He nods to Mo.
Chuckie signals to Majors. Majors nods and Chuckie puts his

glove out. As Majors pitches, Chuckie moves his glove away.
The pitch goes wide and flies against the back stop.
Majors throws his arms up in frustration. Chuckie shrugs.
Chuckie holds up his glove again and just as Majors pitches,

he moves it. The ball goes high.
Walter pokes Benny and points to the mound.
Majors throws another, again Chuckie plays it up as if it

were a wild pitch.
BENNY
Settle down now.
Majors takes a deep breath. He throws the ball, but it drops

into the dirt before home plate. The batter walks to first.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - DUGOUT - CONTINUOUS
Benny turns to Walter and shakes his head.
BENNY
I feel like we’re getting worse.
They’re playing like they’re still
on separate teams.
Walter looks out at the field.
WALTER BURKE
Maybe we need something that can
bring us together...
33.
BENNY
Like what?
WALTER BURKE
I don’t know, is there any budget
for uniforms?
BENNY
There isn’t any budget for
anything.
WALTER BURKE
It was just a thought.
Benny watches the kids play in their mismatched t-shirts and

hats.
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - EVENING
Benny exits the barbershop with a clipboard. A BARBER

(African American, 50’s) closes the door behind him. Benny
makes a mark on the clipboard.
Benny walks down the street and knocks on the door of the
butcher shop. VICTOR HURLEY (African American, 40’s) opens
the door wearing an apron covered in blood stains.
VICTOR
Benjamin! How are you? You looking
for something? We’re closed right
now but I can probably get you a
quick cut if--
BENNY
No, I’m good. Thank you Vick.
VICTOR
Then what can I do for you?
BENNY
Well did you know that this is the
first year the Cannon Street YMCA
is allowed to compete in the South
Carolina Little League?
VICTOR
I heard something about that, yeah.
BENNY
Good! And even better for you - we
don’t have a sponsor yet!
(MORE)
34.
BENNY (CONT'D)
Imagine your name on our jerseys as
we travel across the state. Pretty
fantastic, right?
VICTOR
Benjamin... you must be desperate
if you’re coming to me, huh?
BENNY
No, I wouldn’t say--
VICTOR
How many people did you go to
before me?
Benny tries to hide his clip board which is filled with

crossed out business names.
BENNY
... A few...
VICTOR
You know I’d love to help, but I
can barely stay in business as it
is!
BENNY
I know, but really, anything--
VICTOR
I’m sorry Benjamin, I just can’t.
But you wish those boys the best of
luck for me.
BENNY
Will do. Thanks, Vick.
Benny walks away from the door and crosses off the final name
on his list. He sighs.
He walks down the street and approaches Vernon’s Funeral

Home.
EXT. VERNON’S FUNERAL HOME - CONTINUOUS
Outside of the home MIMI VERNON (African American, Late 60’s)

locks the door.
BENNY
Evenin’ Mrs. Vernon.
35.
MIMI VERNON
Oh, hello there Benjamin. How are
you doing tonight?
BENNY
I’m alright, just heading home.
Long day.
MIMI VERNON
I’m heading home as well, mind
escorting an old woman along the
way?
BENNY
Of course.
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - DUSK - LATER
The sun gives off the last bit off light as Benny and Mimi
turn onto a suburban street.
MIMI VERNON
So how’s that boy of yours?
Maurice? I used to see him going up
and down the street collecting
bottles all the time, but I haven’t
seen him in a bit.
BENNY
That’s probably because he’s been
playing so much baseball.
MIMI VERNON
That’s right. Y’all gonna be
playing the white teams coming up,
aren’t you?
BENNY
Yes ma’am.
MIMI VERNON
Mmmhmmm. Sounds like a bit of
trouble if you ask me.
BENNY
No, the Little League has stated--
MIMI VERNON
You get me wrong. I like trouble.
Trouble keeps things moving in the
right direction.
(Beat)
You any good?
36.
BENNY
Excuse me?
MIMI VERNON
The team. You any good?
BENNY
We’ll get there.
MIMI VERNON
I think I’d like to come by and
watch a few of those games if it’d
be alright with you. Haven’t seen a
good baseball game in some time.
BENNY
That’d be nice. We could use all
the support we can get.
They arrive at Mimi’s house.
MIMI VERNON
Thank you for the escort Benjamin.
So nice to catch up with you.
BENNY
Pleasure is mine, Mrs. Vernon. Give
my regard to Mr. Vernon, would you?
MIMI VERNON
I certainly will.
BENNY
G’night.
MIMI VERNON
G’night.
EXT. DRIVE-IN THEATER - NIGHT
On the huge drive-in screen, Lori Nelson raises her hands to

her face and screams in a scene from “Revenge of the
Creature.” Under the screen, cars line the lot all the way to
the back fence.
On the other side of the fence, Mo, Chuckie, Doug, John,

Jimmy and Wheels attempt to watch the movie. Some stand on
fruit crates, while others look through holes in the planks.
WHEELS
That monster’s so fake.
37.
JIMMY
Shhh!
JOHN
Shut it!
WHEELS
C’mon man, cantchu see the guy in
the rubber suit!?
JOHN
Some of us are trying to watch the
movie.
WHEELS
Why? Go watch Chuckie’s mom. She’s
just as ugly!
Chuckie goes over and kicks out the fruit crate from under
Wheels. He falls to the ground hard.
The rest of the guys laugh hysterically.
DOUG
Now that is entertainment!
Majors walks up with Spits.
MAJORS
You think you’re funny, huh?
Majors shoves Chuckie.
CHUCKIE
I mean, I crack a joke now and
then...
MAJORS
So it’s funny to make me look bad
in front of the coaches?
CHUCKIE
You didn’t need any help from me,
you were looking pretty crappy all
on you own.
MO
Back off, Majors.
MAJORS
I know you got somethin’ to do with
it too. You’re still mad your daddy
picked me instead of you.
38.
MO
I’m not upset. After seeing you
today, I’m actually happy.
MAJORS
Well if your friend would stop
moving the glove around I’d have
something to throw at!
MO
He’s got the shakes, what can I
say?
Chuckie shakes dramatically.
MO (CONT’D)
It’s a sad case. Better get used to
it I suppose.
As the rest of the boys laugh, Tommy Jones and two of his
friends walk up.
TOMMY
What’re you doing back here?
MO
Oh, great.
MAJORS
Who’s this?
MO
Tommy Jones. He’s on the other
Charleston All-Star Team.
TOMMY
The only Charleston All-Star team.
You guys are nothing but street
dogs playing with sticks.
Tommy’s friends bark at the black boys.
TOMMY (CONT’D)
So shoo dogs before I call Mr.
Freeman on you.
All of the black boys step back except for Mo and Majors.
Mo clenches his fists, but before he can do anything, Majors

steps forward.
39.
MAJORS
You gonna run off and tattle on us?
Deal with us face to face - and
don’t talk to us like we ain’t
people.
Tommy steps closer to Majors.
TOMMY
Lookie here boys, this dog’s got
some bark.
MAJORS
Dogs bark and roll over. I’m
standing right here. What are you
gonna do?
Majors goes eye to eye with Tommy.
Mo and the rest of the boys watch intensely.
After a long beat, Tommy turns away from Majors and Mo.
TOMMY
You know what, you keep your seats
out here. We’re gonna head inside
and watch the movie.
Tommy holds up three tickets. He turns to his friends and

they walk away.
DOUG
That was pretty awesome, Majors!
WHEELS
Thought he was gonna sock-ya in the
mouth!
Mo looks to Majors.
MO
We got rid of him, huh?
Majors ignores Mo and turns to walk away. Spits follows.
JOHN
You don’t wanna stay and watch the
movie?
MAJORS
I’ll see you on the field. Chuckie,
better watch them shakes tomorrow.
40.
The team is on the field, Majors pitches to Doug.
Chuckie still moves his glove every time Majors throws,

continuing the streak of wild pitches.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - BACKSTOP - CONTINUOUS
The boys practice in the field as Benny and Walter lean

against the fence watching them.
VOICE (O.S.)
Benjamin!
Benny turns around to see Mimi walking up to the field

holding a BOOK. The two coaches straighten up.
BENNY
Mrs. Vernon! What’re you doing
here? The games don’t start for a
few weeks!
MIMI VERNON
Oh, I was just doing a little house
work last night when I came across
this old thing and thought that
maybe you could use it.
She hands him a SCORE BOOK.
BENNY
That’s very thoughtful of you. I
really appreciate it.
MIMI VERNON
So what do we have going on here?
She leans on the fence and looks out to the field.
WALTER BURKE
The boys are just warming up, we’re
gonna do some hitting drills in a
few minutes.
MIMI VERNON
What’re those things on their
hands?
WALTER BURKE
Their gloves?
41.
MIMI VERNON
Gloves?! I can knit better gloves
than that!
BENNY
They play very--
MIMI VERNON
And what’s that thing that boy over
there is holding? How’s he supposed
to hit a ball with that! He’s
better off whacking a hornet’s nest
and tryin’ to get honey!
BENNY
It’s all we can afford Mrs. Vernon.
Sorry to say. I’ve been going
around town looking for sponsors
for the past week, but couldn’t
find any willing.
MIMI VERNON
Benjamin. You can NOT go and play
like this. Even if you play well,
no one will ever respect you. No no
no, Benjamin. This won’t do at all.
BENNY
We don’t really have any other
options.
MIMI VERNON
No no no, not good. No no no.
Mimi walks off.
Walter looks to Benny
WALTER BURKE
She’s a couple-a balls short of a
full count.
A ball flies and hits the fence, startling Benny and Walter.
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - MOMENTS LATER
Benny stops the practice and approaches Majors on the mound.
As he walks towards Majors, Chuckie and Mo look to one

another worried.
BENNY
Hey, Leroy - you alright?
42.
MAJORS
I’m fine coach.
BENNY
What’s going on? You’ve been
throwing wild balls for days.
MAJORS
I know, it’s just in my head.
BENNY
Anything I can help with?
MAJORS
I’m good. Really... I’ll get it.
BENNY
Okay then.
He pats Majors on the shoulder and walks away, not looking

towards Mo or Chuckie.
Mo lets out a sigh of relief.
Majors throws his next pitch, another ball.
Laughter echoes from the stands where Tommy and his friends
watch them practice. They hold up DOG COLLARS.
Mo clenches his teeth.
Majors gets the ball and sets up for another pitch while
trying to ignore them.
TOMMY
C’mon you gonna throw the ball or
are you just waiting to chase it?
Another pitch flies over Chuckie’s head.
The white boys laugh louder.
WALTER BURKE
Are you gonna do anything about
them?
BENNY
They’re gonna have to deal with it
come game time. Might as well get
used to it now.
Majors throws another passed ball, and another, and another.
The white kids bark and howl.

43.
Mo rips off his glove, clenches his fist, and turns towards
the white boys.
He stops, takes a breath and walks towards Majors instead.
MO
Majors, hold up a second.
Mo signals the rest of the team to come in.
Walter turns to Benny.
WALTER BURKE
What’s this?
BENNY
I don’t know.
The team gathers around the mound.
MAJORS
You’re not taking my position.
MO
No. I know that. Look--
He motions to Tommy and his friends.
MO (CONT’D)
We need to do something. They’re
taking this too far.
Several players agree with him, but Majors interjects.
MAJORS
All we need is to play better.
MO
How will that teach them anything?
They’re coming here and
disrespecting us--
MAJORS
If we play good ball, they won’t
have anything to say.
Mo ponders this for a moment.
TOMMY
We’re waaaaiiitttingggg!
MO
Okay. Let’s play like a team.
Chuckie... give him a target.
44.
Chuckie nods his head.
MO (CONT’D)
(to the team)
We know how to play our positions,
so let’s do it right. Cool?
Mo looks to Majors.
Majors looks from Tommy back to Mo.
MAJORS
Cool.
The team nods their heads in approval.
TEAM
Cool.
Mo takes the ball from Chuckie and puts it in Majors’ glove.
MO
Light it up, pitch.
The team runs back to their positions.
Majors readies and nods to Chuckie, who gives him a steady

target. Majors throws the heat right over the plate.
Tommy and the other boys are stunned silent.
-- BEGIN MONTAGE --
EXT. ASPHALT DIAMOND - 1
Majors smirks. He throws another ball.
Series of pitches:
1. Doug swings and misses
2. Spits strikes out looking at a curve ball.
3. Arthur swings and misses.
Brick hits the ball to third. Mo scoops it up and throws a

bullet to first.
Arthur reaches out keeping his foot on the bag and catches
it. He looks at the ball in his gloves and nods.
45.
ARTHUR
Alright.
EXT. ASPHALT DIAMOND - NEXT DAY - 3
Series of double plays:
1. Jimmy fields a ball and tosses it to John, who flips it to

Arthur.
2. Mo gets a grounder and throws it to Jimmy. Jimmy turns to

throw to first.
3. John dives for a ball. He flips it from the ground to

Jimmy, who throws it to Arthur.
Series of outfield plays:
1. Wheels charges after a fly ball. Allen calls him off to

make the play. Wheels listens and drops behind him to back
him up.
Allen throws it to John, who whips it to Chuckie behind the

plate.
2. Jimmy runs backwards to catch a shallow pop up. It goes

over his head.
Spits slides down low and makes the catch behind him.
3. A ball is hit hard and deep. Wheels chases it down. He

runs up the fence and snags the ball before it drops over the
other side.
EXT. ASHPALT DIAMOND - NEXT DAY - 5
Series of hitting:
1. Allen hits the ball.
2. Jimmy hits the ball.
3. Majors hits the ball.
Same series in the field:
1. Ball soars over the fence. Home Run.
2. Ball flies over Allen’s head

46.
3. A ground ball hops down the third base line past Mo.
Mo hits it deep. Wheels chases it towards the fence. It goes

over the fence and Mo runs around the bases.
He jumps on home plate and chest bumps with Chuckie.
-- END MONTAGE --
EXT. ASPHALT DIAMOND - CONTINUOUS
Benny waves the boys in off the field. They circle up and
take a knee.
BENNY
Boys, I gotta say on our first
practice I didn’t know whether
you’d ever get along.
(beat)
But seeing how you’ve learned to
play together, I think every team
in the state better watch their
backs.
The team nods. Spits spits.
ALLEN JACKSON
But coach, how’re we gonna stand a
chance without real gloves and
bats?
Benny looks to Walter, who smiles.
INT. VERNON’S FUNERAL HOME - DAY
The All-Star team is lined up wearing their Sunday’s best in

the funeral home.
ALLEN JACKSON
We’re sponsored by dead people?
There’s a row of caskets against a wall - all of them open

with the exception of one.
JIMMY
You think there’s a dead body in
there?
He motions to the closed casket.

47.
CHUCKIE
Gotta be. Probably what smells so
weird.
SPITS
I dare you to open it.
CHUCKIE
No way. You do it.
SPITS
I ain’t going near that thing.
WHEELS
I’m not scared of some stupid dead
person.
SPITS
Then go touch it.
WHEELS
Fine.
Wheels gets up and walks over to the casket. As he gets

close, he turns around and looks back to his teammates who
are all staring at him in anticipation.
Wheels starts sweating.
SPITS
Just do it already!
Wheels slowly reaches out his hand and places it on the

casket. He grabs the handle to open it when--
VOICE (O.S.)
BOO!
WHEELS
AHHH!
Wheels falls over screaming and looks to Mimi, who laughs.
MIMI VERNON
You know you’re not supposed to
touch things that aren’t yours...
Wheels runs back to the rest of his team.
BENNY
Okay boys, Mrs. Vernon here--
MIMI VERNON
Call me Mimi, please.
48.
BENNY
Very well, Mimi has agreed to be
our new sponsor.
The boys do not look excited.
MIMI VERNON
I get it, don’t you worry... but
this may help to change your minds.
Two LARGE WORKERS come out of the back room holding boxes.
They walk to the middle of the room and dump them out in
front of the boys revealing - bats, gloves, balls, and all
other baseball equipment the team needs.
TEAM
WOW!
They all rush in to inspect the equipment.
MAJORS
This is for us?
MIMI VERNON
It is. Now it’s not brand new, but
it’ll still be better than the
stuff you’ve been playing with.
Mo picks up a GLOVE and looks at it. He turns it over,

inspecting every detail before he slips it on his hand.
He looks up at his father who beams as he watches the team

pick out their new gear.
MIMI VERNON (CONT’D)

I also have jerseys on the way,
they’ll arrive tomorrow, just in
time for the first game.
BRICK
Are we gonna have a cool mascot
like a tiger!?
WHEELS
Or sweet pinstripes like the
Yankees? Then we’d turn some heads.
He does a little pose for the team.
MIMI VERNON
Nope. Grey jerseys with green
writing! We’re going to be the
Cannon Street Zombies!
49.
The boys all stop and stare at her.

I’m kidding.
The boys laugh.
Benny walks next to Mimi.
BENNY
This... this is too much. Are you
sure that Mr. Vernon is alright
with all this?
MIMI VERNON
Please. Lionel sits at home in
front of the television all day.
I’ve been running this business for
the past five years on my own, I
don’t need his permission to help
out our community.
BENNY
Well thank you. You’ve really
outdone yourself.
MIMI VERNON
There’s one more thing...
The team watches as a small work crew fixes up their field.
MIMI VERNON
New bases, a proper back stop and
no more gravel.
TEAM
Wow!
BENNY
Mrs. Ver--
Mrs. Vernon wags her finger.
MIMI VERNON
Ah ah ah, it’s Mimi.
BENNY
Mimi, this is so generous. I don’t
know how to ever thank you.
50.
MIMI VERNON
I’ll take a coaching position.
Benny laughs.
Mimi doesn’t respond with laughter.
BENNY
You’re serious?
MIMI VERNON
It was my dream to play for the
Chicago Cubs. Being black and
female, it wasn’t in the cards.
This is the closest that I’ll come
to that dream. So yes, I’m serious.
He thinks for a moment then holds out his hand.
BENNY
Welcome to the team!
She shakes it graciously.
Mimi pulls out a whistle from under her blouse and BLOWS it.
MIMI VERNON
Alright team, let’s work on those
bunts!
INT. MO’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Benny sits on the couch with a notebook filled with scribbles

and crossed out names on his lap.
Norma enters the room.
NORMA
You coming to bed?
BENNY
Soon.
NORMA
Nervous?
BENNY
I just can’t get this batting order
right. It’s there but I can’t--
Norma walks up and takes the notebook from Benny.

51.
NORMA
You can and you will. But right
now, you need to get some rest.
Benny rubs his eyes and stands.
BENNY
You’re right. I know.
NORMA
It’s only the first game. After
tomorrow, it’ll be easy.
He follows Norma down the hallway, but stops as he passes

Mo’s room.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - BEDROOM
Mo folds his uniform neatly on his chair and places his cap
and glove on top of it.
In the doorway, Benny watches and smiles.
INT/EXT. BUS - DAY
The team is on the bus on the way to Mount Pleasant, all

excited in their new jerseys.
They cross over the Cooper River.
WHEELS
I ain’t ever crossed the Coop’
b’fore!
JOHN
I have, it’s not that great.
JIMMY
No you haven’t!
JOHN
Yes, I have! With Dad!
JIMMY
No way, quit lying.
The two wrestle in their seat.
BENNY
Hey! Come on guys, save it for the
game! It’s a ten minute bus ride,
don’t get injured before we arrive!
52.
The boys settle down.
MIMI VERNON
They’re just excited, nerves are
high.
BENNY
Mine too.
EXT. MOUNT PLEASANT BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
The bus pulls up to the baseball field in Mount Pleasant.
The team steps off the bus and stares at the lush, manicured
grass. A stark difference to their asphalt field.
MO
We get to play on that?
BENNY
Yes we do. Now let’s play hard,
play with respect and have fun!
MIMI VERNON
And kick their butts!
The team laughs and runs onto the field to warm up.
Benny and Walter carry the equipment behind them, lagging

with Mimi.

Aren’t there supposed to be two
teams to play a game?
The home team dugout is empty, as are the stands.
Benny checks his watch.
BENNY
We’re here pretty early... I’m sure
they’ll be along soon enough.
EXT. MOUNT PLEASANT BASEBALL FIELD - LATER
The stands and home dugout remain empty with the exception of
a lone UMPIRE who watches the warm-ups from the bench. Benny
checks his watch once again.
WALTER BURKE
Whatchu got?
53.
BENNY
Quarter after. Something’s up.
WALTER BURKE
You sure you got the time right?
Benny unfolds a sheet of paper in his back pocket.
BENNY
Yeah, 11 AM, Saturday June 18th.
They’re late.
Benny turns to the Umpire.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Any idea what’s going on, sir?
The umpire shrugs.
A lone car pulls into the parking lot. Daniel Jones and MOUNT
PLEASANT COACH get out of the car and walk towards the field.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Coach?
The two men don’t respond, but keep walking towards them.
The umpire rises and walks to them as well.
MOUNT PLEASANT COACH

You boys ain’t supposed to be here.
BENNY
Are you the Mount Pleasant Coach?

I am.
BENNY
My schedule says we’re supposed to
play your team today at 11 AM.

That’s interesting, because we
don’t play with coloreds.
Benny grits his teeth.
BENNY
Look, we’re just here to play some
baseball. We drove here from
Charleston and...
54.

Well this here is Daniel Jones.
He’s the coach of the Charleston
All-Star Team and South Carolina’s
director of Little League Baseball.
BENNY
You’re not gonna play us?
UMPIRE
They’re a sanctioned team coach,
you’re going to have to field a
team or forfeit.
The team pauses warming up and slowly makes their way over.
DANIEL JONES
We don’t give a damn what the bozos
up in Pennsylvania say.

You can’t make us play them.
UMPIRE
No, I can’t. But I can give you a
loss. The Cannon Street All-Stars
have their first win.
The Umpire makes a mark in his notebook.

This is crap!
DANIEL JONES
Don’t think this will be allowed
going forward!

You Negroes shouldn’t even be
allowed to play baseball!
BENNY
I’m sorry you feel that way, Coach.
We didn’t want to win like this.
The Mount Pleasant Coach clenches his fists and moves towards
Benny, but Daniel Jones grabs him and pulls him back.
DANIEL JONES
Let’s go, George. Don’t worry,
we’ll take care of this.
The two get back in the car and drive off.

55.
Benny turns to the umpire.
BENNY
Thanks for that, ump. Appreciate
you sticking up for us.
The Umpire walks off without responding.
Benny turns around to see the whole team looking at him. He

forces a smile.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Hey guys, it looks like the other
team forfeit. That means we win!
The team doesn’t celebrate with him.
MAJORS
They wouldn’t play us?
BENNY
No, but it uh... it was just a mix
up. No need to worry. The Little
League is on our side. We’ll play
our next game.
The boys shuffle into the dugout and gather their stuff. They
silently get back onto the bus.
INT/EXT. BUS - DAY
The team sits in silence on the bus ride home.
MIMI VERNON
This sucks. What happened to love
of the game?
BENNY
Yea...
He looks at the boys who blankly stare out the windows.
Benny leans over to Walter, who’s driving the bus, and

whispers to him.
Walter smiles and turns off the highway.
EXT. SMALL RIVER BRIDGE - DAY
The bus pulls over on an old dirt road where a short bridge
crosses a smaller portion of the Cooper River.
56.
ARTHUR
Why are we stopping here?
BENNY
C’mon, everyone out!
The team files out of the bus and walks up the bridge.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Now, just because we’re not playing
a game today doesn’t mean we can’t
have fun, right?
BRICK
What? Are we fishing? We don’t have
any gear!
BENNY
No, we’re not fishing. This is a
spot that we used to come to when I
was a boy.
SPITS
For what?
Benny takes off his shirt and jumps off the bridge into the
water.
The boys’ faces light up. Immediately they all strip down to
their baseball pants and dive in after him.
EXT. SMALL RIVER BRIDGE
The boys show off with flips and dives off of the bridge.
They splash each other in the water.
Mimi pushes one of them into the water. Walter and Mimi laugh
together.
The boys retaliate by giving Mimi a big wet hug, leaving a

wet mark across her.
FADE OUT.
EXT. CARSON’S CORNER STORE - DAY
Mo, Chuckie, Majors, Wheels, Allen, and Spits walk into

Carson’s carrying three crates of empty bottles.
57.
INT. CARSON’S CORNER STORE - CONTINUOUS
The boys walk into the store and SLAM the crates on the
counter before they run over to the bubble gum cards.
Mo and Chuckie follow the rest of them and place their crate
on the counter.
Mr. Carson walks over and looks at the crates, then the boys.
MO
Hey, Mr. Carson!
Mr. Carson looks to Mo, then up at a few WHITE WOMEN who are
in the store, watching the four rambunctious children.
MR. CARSON
What’s all this?
MO
What do you mean?
MR. CARSON
This isn’t a free for all. You
ain’t even payin’ customers.
MO
But we had a deal. Trade in clean
bottles for baseball cards.
The White Women turn to each other and whisper.
The rest of the boys run over and throw six packs of cards on
the counter.
SPITS
What’s going on?
MR. CARSON
You boys are out of control. Now
I’m progressive as they come, but
now you boys are stirrin’ trouble
all around town!
MO
Where else are we supposed to get
our cards?
MR. CARSON
Not my problem.
Mo reaches to grab a crate of bottles, but Mr. Carson grabs

them first and pulls them behind the counter.
58.
CHUCKIE
Hey, what’re you doing? Those are
ours!
MR. CARSON
This is my shop, and these belong
to me now.
CHUCKIE
What about the cards??
MR. CARSON
Those are mine as well.
ALLEN
Hey, that’s not fair!
SPITS
This is robbery!
WHEELS
Took us all day to collect ‘em!
MR. CARSON
Get out!!
Mr. Carson shoos them out of the store.
EXT. CARSON’S CORNER STORE - CONTINUOUS
As the boys walk out of the store, Mr. Carson appears in the
window and writes on his hanging chalk board “No Coloreds”
EXT. CHARLESTON STREETS - LATER
The six boys walk down the street, their heads hung low.
MO
I guess no more baseball cards for
us.
CHUCKIE
Why doesn’t anyone else around here
sell them?
WHEELS
Was feelin’ a Robinson too.
CHUCKIE
I’ve been feeling it for years.
Never got one though.
59.
MO
And now we never will...
Majors looks around to make sure no one is watching them.
MAJORS
Hey guys, check it out.
ALLEN
What is it now?
Majors pulls out of his back pocket six packs of baseball

cards.
MAJORS
I wasn’t letting him rip us off
like that.
ALL
WOW!!!!
Majors hands out the cards to everyone.
MAJORS
Just wait til you get home. I don’t
wanna get pinched... my house is
this way though. I’ll see you
tomorrow.
Majors goes around and shakes hands with all the guys, he
pauses when he gets to Mo.
MO
That was a cool move, Majors.
MAJORS
Don’t sweat it.
ALL
See ya!
Majors and Spits head off in a different direction.
EXT. MO’S HOUSE - LATER
Mo and Chuckie turn onto Mo’s street. Chuckie is fiddling

with his bubble gum pack.
Chuckie peels the corner open.
CHUCKIE
Baseball cards ain’t supposed to
stay closed this long!
60.
MO
Majors said wait til we get home.
Chuckie chuckles.
CHUCKIE
Since when d’you listen to Majors?
Mo shrugs.
Chuckie looks up at Mo’s house.
CHUCKIE (CONT’D)
C’mon, you’re home! We’ll open them
together.
Mo looks at his house.
MO
Fine. Besides my momma is gonna
whoop me if she finds out we went
to the other side of town again.
Chuck tears open his pack.
CHUCKIE
C’mon, baby.
(Beat)
...Willie Mays.
MO
He’s pretty good.
CHUCKIE
Yeah, I guess.
Mo opens his and stops.
CHUCKIE (CONT’D)
Man, don’t pull that trick on me, I
invented that one.
Mo turns the card around. It is a genuine JACKIE ROBINSON

CARD.
MO
It’s him...
CHUCKIE
Lemme see, lemme see!
They both bask in the glory of the photo of the player.

61.
INT. MO’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mo’s uniform is laid on a chair, with his glove ready to go.
Mo’ climbs into bed with the card as Benny enters.
BENNY (O.S.)
What do you have there?
Mo holds up the card to his father. Benny examines it.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Would you look at that.
Benny hands the card back.
BENNY (CONT’D)
If you mother asks, I bought a pack
for you, got it? I know she doesn’t
like you going over there, and
honestly I’m not the biggest fan of
it either... but as long as you
stay out of trouble...
MO
Don’t worry. We won’t be going
back. We’re not allowed anymore.
Benny nods his head in understanding.
BENNY
Life’s unfair sometimes, huh?
MO
We weren’t doing anything wrong.
BENNY
That’s the case most of the time.
Benny looks around the room and sees the glove and uniform
hanging over the chair.
BENNY (CONT’D)
You know, Jackie Robinson went
through some tough times when he
started. Matter of fact, he still
does.
MO
I know.
62.
BENNY
You just remember that. What
happened the other day, that’ll
happen, but tomorrow should be
different. They don’t want to lose,
same as us... and they have to play
us to get the win.
Mo smiles at Benny.
MO
Yeah. But we won’t let that happen
either.
BENNY
You betcha. Now, get some rest.
Benny leaves the room and turns off the light.
Mo places the Robinson card on his night stand facing him and
closes his eyes.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Mimi and Norma walk through a nice neighborhood with Martin

and Lucy. In the distance they see the Charleston Little
League field.
NORMA
I always get uneasy walking over
here.
MIMI VERNON
Nonsense. It’s baseball and we have
a scheduled game. Nothing is going
to go--
She stops and looks ahead to where a crowd has formed around
the baseball field.
A group of POLICE OFFICERS have formed a blockade outside of

the field, preventing the Black Community from proceeding
onto the field or into the stands.
Behind them, the white community stands in protest of the

Cannon Street All-Stars.
On the field, the white team warms up.
Benny pleads with Daniel Jones and the accompanying officers

who stand side by side.
63.
DANIEL JONES
Rules are rules. The sign says it
all, coloreds ain’t allowed on the
field.
BENNY
You can’t do this! We have every
right to be here!
The police officers don’t budge.
Norma turns to Mimi.
NORMA
He promised me. He promised this
wouldn’t...
MIMI VERNON
Hush, let me get to the bottom of
this.
Mimi pushes her way through the crowd until she reaches
Benny. She spots Daniel Jones.

You again! What is the meaning of
this?!
DANIEL JONES
Listen Mammy, just head on home,
this doesn’t concern you.
MIMI VERNON
I’m a coach and the sponsor of this
team, I belong right where I am.
Daniel Jones and some of the other white folk laugh.
DANIEL JONES
Okay “coach”. Like I told your
partner here, Negroes ain’t allowed
on this field. Not now, not ever.
BENNY
C’mon Mimi, let’s just go.
MIMI VERNON
No, Benjamin. The world is
changing. Negroes now play in the
Major Leagues, and the Little
League says we have the right to
play here too.
(MORE)
64.
MIMI VERNON (CONT'D)

These men will have to knock me to
the ground and drag me away from
here before we’re not allowed on
that field.
Mimi steps towards Daniel Jones and the Officers. The

officers look at each other, unsure of what to do.
She continues towards them, and they place their hands on

their batons in anticipation.
A voice yells out from the crowd.
VOICE (O.S.)
STOP IT THIS INSTANT!
PETER MCGOVERN (60) pushes his way through the crowd. He

straightens his suit coat and baseball cap, smoothing his
silver hair before replacing his cap.
PETER MCGOVERN
That’s enough. Let these boys onto
the field!
Peter pushes his way in between Daniel Jones and Mimi.
PETER MCGOVERN (CONT’D)

I can’t believe I had to come all
the way down from Pennsylvania.
What is the meaning of this, Jones?
A POLICE SGT. approaches him.
POLICE SGT.
And who are you?
PETER MCGOVERN
Peter McGovern. Commissioner of the
Little League Baseball.
DANIEL JONES
Sir, with all due respect. This is
a city owned field. The Little
League doesn’t own it.
PETER MCGOVERN
Maybe not. But it does pay the city
a nice price to use these
facilities for commissioned games,
this being one of them. Now let
them onto the field, or your team
will take a forfeit.
65.
POLICE SGT.
I’m sorry Mr. Jones, but if the
Little League has the right to use
the field, they have to have the
right to determine who uses it.
(to his officers)
Stand down!
The officers hesitate, then obey the order.
The Cannon Street team heads onto the field. The white boys
all stop playing as they watch the black kids file in.
DANIEL JONES
This is absurd! Read the sign!
PETER MCGOVERN
I can take it down if it makes a
difference to you, but these boys
will be allowed to play.
(to Benny)
Please, Mr. Singleton - I apologize
for the inconvenience.
To Benny’s astonishment, Peter McGovern reaches out to shake

his hand.
BENNY
I uh, well, thank you Mr. McGovern,
sir.
PETER MCGOVERN
Please, call me Peter. And it’s an
honor to have your team be a part
of our organization.
Daniel Jones gapes in disbelief. He turns to the white crowd

who have started grumbling.
DANIEL JONES
Well, they may be allowed on the
field... but that doesn’t change
the fact that we aren’t lowering
ourselves to play with them!
He turns to the field.
DANIEL JONES (CONT’D)

Come on, boys! We’re going home!
PETER MCGOVERN
You do this and you understand you
are officially conceding this game.
66.
DANIEL JONES
I don’t care. This ain’t right.
He storms off.
PETER MCGOVERN
Well, Mr. Singleton,
congratulations on another fine
win. At this rate, you’re going to
have a hell of a season.
He smiles at Benny and pats him on the shoulder, before

walking away.
Benny watches him walk off, through the visibly shaken black
community.
EXT. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTON - CHURCHYARD
A line forms at a table full of food where Norma, CHUCKIE’S

MOM (40’s), and ARTHUR’S MOM (50’s) serve the congregation.
LIONEL VERNON (Late 60’s) and Mimi approach the three women.
Lionel scoops a large amount of potato salad onto his plate.
Mimi swats her husband.
MIMI VERNON
Are you going to leave any for the
rest of the people?
Lionel scrapes some of the potato salad back into the bowl.
They both walk off.
Benny steps up next and fills his plate. He kisses Norma on

the cheek before he walks away.
CHUCKIE’S MOM
He seems like he’s holding up.
NORMA
He doesn’t show it, but it’s
getting to him.
ARTHUR’S MOM
He’s in over his head if you ask
me.
CHUCKIE’S MOM
Silvia!
67.
ARTHUR’S MOM
I don’t like it. I never liked it.
And now it might be putting my boy
in harms way.
NORMA
So what’re you gonna do? Take him
off the team? They’ve got the
Little League’s support.
ARTHUR’S MOM
We’ll see how far that goes. First
sign of real danger and this is
over.
Mo, Chuckie, and Wheels sit in a tree wearing their church

clothes.
Arthur comes to the trunk holding four Coca-Cola bottles and

hands them up to the boys before climbing after them.
CHUCKIE
Thanks Peoples.
ARTHUR PEOPLES
Next time it’s your turn.
Arthur slips a little as he climbs.
ARTHUR PEOPLES (CONT’D)

Oh shoot!
He looks down at a little tear in his pants.
ARTHUR PEOPLES (CONT’D)

My mom’s gonna kill me!
The other boys mock him, except Mo.
CHUCKIE WHEELS
“My mommy’s gonna kill me!” “Not my good pants!”
ARTHUR PEOPLES
Shut up. You don’t know my mom.
WHEELS
Oh, we know you’re mom.
CHUCKIE
Yeah, she’s scary all right.
68.
They turn to Mo to join in, but he remains silent.
WHEELS
What’s eatin’ at you, Mo?
MO
Nothing.
CHUCKIE
Come on, man. Nobody likes losing,
which means they’ve gotta play us
eventually. Just wait, soon we’ll
be playing so much you’ll get tired
of it.
Chuckie leans back and sips his Coca-Cola.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
The team’s bus rambles down past some farms, arriving at a

little league field.
EXT. COUNTRY LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD - LATER
The team warms up, but again the stands and opposite dug out
are empty.
Benny checks his watch. He looks to the umpire. The umpire

shakes his head and makes a mark in his notebook.
EXT. SMALL TOWN - EVENING
The bus pulls down a main street of a quiet town.
EXT. SMALL TOWN LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD - LATER
The field is deserted, except for the Cannon Street team.
The kids stand in their positions, but they are goofing off.
Mo looks to Benny with a big sigh.
Benny puts his head down and waves the team in off the field.
EXT. CHARLESTON LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD - MORNING
Some of the kids’ parents sit in the stands, but the dugout
remains vacant.
69.
Wheels sits in the outfield, glove on his head, picking

weeds.
Jimmy and John stand around second base. They play a game
where they hold their hands over the other’s while trying to
avoid getting their hands slapped.
Mo and Chuckie kick a baseball up and down the third base

line.
Majors shows up late with his shirt untucked and hat on

backwards. He trots on to the field.
Benny takes notice and stands up off the bench.
BENNY
Leroy, what are you doing?
MAJORS
Going to the mound, Coach.
BENNY
You’re late, and you show up like
this? Tuck in that shirt and turn
your cap around, before you run on
to my field. Show some respect.
MAJORS
What’s the point?
Majors gestures to the stands and the dugout.
MAJORS (CONT’D)
Ain’t no one comin’, Coach.
Benny looks at the rest of the team.
The team stops what they’re doing and they all look to him.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Mo tip toes into the room, so as not to disturb his father on

the phone.
BENNY
Every single team?! They all quit?
PETER MCGOVERN (V.O.)

Not just in South Carolina, Five
other states too. They all left to
join Dan Jones’ new league. He’s
calling it The Little Boys League.
70.
Benny shakes his head, speechless.

I don’t have to say what their
policy on Negroes is.
BENNY
So there’s no one else to play?

I’m sorry, Benny. I can’t bring
them back and I certainly can’t
force them to play.
Benny looks to the ceiling for an answer.
BENNY
I understand. We appreciate the
opportunity. Take care,
Commissioner.
Benny hangs up the phone and sighs.
BENNY (CONT’D)
You still there, Mo?
Mo comes out from around the corner.
MO
Yes, sir.
BENNY
Let’s take a walk.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
Packed stands cheer as two white teams play on the pristine

field, illuminated under the stadium lights.
Benny and Mo walk around the edge of the outfield.
BENNY
I had to see it for myself.
MO
I don’t get it... they hate us so
much they started their own league?
BENNY
Don’t look at it as hate, son. If
you do that then you’ll hate as
well... and that won’t solve a
thing.
71.
MO
Then what is it?
Benny watches a play on the field in silence.
BENNY
Fear. Fear of change. Maybe they’re
afraid that they’re not as in
control as they’d like.
Mo nods his head as if he understands.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Fear and hate can be easily
confused. It takes strength, but
make sure you never jump to hate
too quickly.
He puts his hand on Mo’s shoulder.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Remember, real strength is keeping
you’re head held high, no matter
what.
MO
Yes, sir.
Mo’s eyes drift back to the field, as the crowd cheers.
BENNY
Come on, let’s go.
They both walk away into the night.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - EVENING
Benny stands in the line at the butcher shop. He still wears

his work clothes and carries his lunch pail.
He steps up to the counter.
BENNY
Hey Vick, can I get two pounds of
that roast and three of smoked ham?
Victor goes to work making the cuts.
VICTOR
Heard about what happened to your
team.
72.
BENNY
Yeah, real shame.
VICTOR
Well, I didn’t want to say anything
when you’s was comin’ round last
time, but this is for the best.
BENNY
What do you mean?
VICTOR
It was stirrin’ more trouble that
was worth is all. That’s why none
of us wanted to get involved.
Benny looks around to the rest of the customers in the shop.

None of them look him in the eye.
BENNY
You all feel this way?
Still no one will meet his glance.
BENNY (CONT’D)
They’re kids!... It’s baseball!
VICTOR
And that’s the only reason we
wasn’t outwardly opposed. But we
knew it had to end sooner or later.
BENNY
You know, I thought it was just the
white folk who were afraid of
change. It hurts to see it right
here in our own community.
Benny takes the meats from Victor and leaves some money on
the counter as he walks out.
He stops in the doorway.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Y’all act like progress always
means trouble or violence. But when
you have an opportunity to make a
difference, through sport, you
cower like you’re okay with the way
things are.
VICTOR
The world is the way it is, Benny.
73.
BENNY
It doesn’t have to be.
He walks out.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - LATER
Benny walks into the house.
BENNY
Norma! You wouldn’t believe what
just happened down at--
He stops and sees Peter McGovern drinking tea with Norma at

the dining room table.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Commissioner... I... Since we last
spoke a few weeks ago I thought...
Um... What are you doing here?
NORMA
Benjamin!
BENNY
I mean, good to see you sir. How
are you?
Peter stands and shakes Benny’s hand.
PETER MCGOVERN
I’m fine, thank you very much. And
I must say, you have a lovely home
and family.
Benny sits across from him.
BENNY
Thank you, Commissioner.
PETER MCGOVERN
Peter.
BENNY
Right, Peter.
PETER MCGOVERN
I wanted to come down here in
person to tell you the news.
(MORE)
74.
PETER MCGOVERN (CONT'D)

Because the Cannon Street All-Stars
have gone undefeated this season,
they’ve been extended an invitation
to the Little League World Series
in Williamsport.
BENNY
Williamsport... Pennsylvania?
PETER MCGOVERN
The one and only.
Benny looks to Norma who coyly sips her tea.
BENNY
I don’t understand... we didn’t
even play a game.
PETER MCGOVERN
You also didn’t lose a game. And as
the only team left in South
Carolina, you’ll represent the
state. How do you feel about that?
BENNY
I feel... this is amazing. The boys
will be thrilled!
(beat)
Wait, is Little Boys Baseball going
to be there as well?
PETER MCGOVERN
I’ve already had a conversation
with Daniel Jones. Because his
league has no affiliation with
Little League Baseball, none of the
withdrawn teams will be allowed to
attend.
BENNY
I’m sure he didn’t take that too
well.
PETER MCGOVERN
I’d rather not repeat what he said
specifically, but no, it wasn’t
pleasant.
(beat)
So what do you say?
Benny hesitates as the front door bursts open and Mo and

Chuckie rush in.
75.
MO
Dad! You have to come, quick!
EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - NIGHT
Benny and his family run to the baseball field where a large
crowd has gathered. They push themselves through the crowd
and get to the field to REVEAL:
The dugouts and backstop are in a wild blaze of fire, as well

as a large cross which stands on the pitcher’s mound.
Benny looks at the fire, and then back to the Negro community
who watch in horror. Some parents cover their children’s
eyes, others just stand and watch the devastation.
In the distance fire sirens wail.
INT. YMCA - LATER
The crowd from the baseball field gathers inside the YMCA and
rambunctiously argues over what has just happened.
DOUG'S DAD
It’s the whites!
ARTHUR'S MOM
But why!? We haven’t done anything!
DOUG'S DAD
They targeted the baseball field!
CHUCKIE'S MOM
Baseball season is over!
Benny looks to the Commissioner and then to his family. He

slowly makes his way to the front of the crowd.
He raises his hands and yells to the crowd.
BENNY
Excuse me.
The crowd doesn’t hear him
BENNY (CONT’D)
Excuse me!
Again, they ignore.
Mimi steps in.

76.
MIMI VERNON
Hey all of you! Shut up!
The crowd quiets and looks to the small, but very loud woman.

Benjamin has something to say.
BENNY
Thank you, Mimi.
(to the crowd)
I believe that those behind this
heinous act, were trying to
sabotage and scare our boys from
playing baseball.
The crowd asks questions all at once.
BENNY (CONT’D)
I know, I know. The season is over.
But this evening, Commissioner
Peter McGovern stopped by...
He gestures to the Commissioner standing near the wall.
BENNY (CONT’D)
He told me that our boys have been
invited to the Little League World
Series in Pennsylvania.
ARTHUR'S MOM
This game is stirring up more
trouble than it’s worth!
CROWD
Yeah!
Mimi shushes the crowd.
PETER MCGOVERN
This is the highest level of
baseball. The boys would be the
first all black team to ever play
in the series.
CHUCKIE’S MOM
That’s all fine and dandy, but I
don’t see why our community should
be endangered over some game.
Benny looks to Mo and Chuckie with a forlorn frown.

77.
BENNY
I understand your concerns, but
what about the boys?
DOUG'S DAD
You do what you want with your boy,
but mine’s not playing!
The crowd rabbles in agreement.
Norma comes up to Benny and speaks calmly in his ear.
NORMA
Benny, this isn’t some political
matter or some stand to make
change. These are boys, our
children and them playing is
putting them in harm’s way.
Benny and Norma don’t break eye contact, until Benny hangs
his head.
Mo watches his father’s reaction, then runs out the door of

the YMCA with Chuckie following behind.
Majors and Spits watch as Chuckie and Mo leave, and rush out
the door after them.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
Two Little Boys Baseball teams gather their equipment after a

game.
Mo, Chuckie, Spits and Majors stand in the back of the

outfield away from the crowd.
SPITS
What’re we doing?
CHUCKIE
Yeah, we shouldn’t be here.
MO
I got this.
MAJORS
What’re you gonna--
Tommy and his friends file out of the dug out.
Mo heads towards them, fists clenched, his teammates in tow.

78.
MO
Hey!
TOMMY
What do you want?
MO
What’s your problem? You’re so
scared of us winning that you have
to burn our field?
TOMMY
I don’t know what you’re talking
about.
CHUCKIE
Don’t act dumb. We know you did it.
TOMMY
I didn’t burn any field. And I sure
as hell ain’t scared of playing any
Negroes in baseball.
Tommy’s friends laugh.
SPITS
Well someone did. Big burning cross
in the middle of the field.
MO
Seems like you’re jealous that we
got invited to the World Series.
TOMMY
You don’t deserve to go to the
World Series and you know it. You
got there by default. Negroes
aren’t ball players.
Mo readies himself to fight, but Majors puts his hand on Mo’s

shoulder. Mo calms himself and relaxes his hands.
MO
Then play us.
TOMMY
What?
Mo’s friends look to each other in accordance.
MAJORS
Yeah, if you ain’t chicken, play us.
79.
TOMMY’S FRIEND
You think you could beat us?
SPITS
Oh, we will whoop you harder than
your momma ever could.
CHUCKIE
Pick the time and place.
MO
No grown-ups.
Tommy looks to his friends.
TOMMY
Alright. You got it. This Sunday,
after church. Right here.
MO
We’ll be here.
INT. TOMMY’S HOUSE - MORNING
Tommy enters the foyer of his elegant home. He opens the

closet under the stairs and takes out his bat and glove.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
Benny and Norma gather up their children for church, Mo tucks

his glove into his pants behind his jacket.
Lucy watches him. Mo winks and puts his finger to his lips.
EXT. TOMMY’S FRIEND’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
Tommy’s friend and his family get into a brand new Cadillac.
INT. MAJOR’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
Majors fixes his tie in the mirror of the living room. The
house is a disaster, his family clearly lives in squalor.
In the background, his FATHER and MOTHER aggressively argue.
INT. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTON - LATER
The BLACK PASTOR hands out communion to the parishioners.

80.
The boys stand in line with their families, wearing proper

Sunday attire. They look to each other and nod knowingly.
INT. WHITE CHURCH - LATER
The WHITE PASTOR gives his sermon at the altar to the white
community.
In the pews, Tommy and his friends sit with their families,
also dressed in their Sunday best. They look to each other in
anticipation.
EXT. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTON - LATER
The church bells ring and the mass has ended. The Cannon
Street team runs out the door and over to some bushes where
they’ve hidden their equipment.
They gather up their stuff and run down the street.
EXT. WHITE CHURCH - LATER
The bells ring and the parish slowly exits the church. The
boys run around them and out the door.
They run over to a fence which they’ve hidden their bats and
gloves behind. They grab their gear and take off down the
street.
EXT. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTON - CHURCHYARD - LATER
The parish congregates outside, enjoying their weekly

barbecue.
NORMA
So how is Arthur reacting to this
whole situation?
ARTHUR'S MOM
Oh, he’s fine. Honestly I thought
he’d be more upset.
NORMA
Same with Maurice. Normally he’d be
in a funk for weeks over something
like this.
CHUCKIE'S MOM
Maybe they’re maturing?
81.
The moms all laugh.
ARTHUR'S MOM
Please, if Arthur is anything like
his older brothers, it’s only going
to get worse.
Benny approaches the women.
BENNY
Pardon me ladies, but you haven’t
happened to see the boys around
have you?
CHUCKIE'S MOM
I haven’t seen any of them since
mass let out.
NORMA
Me neither.
ARTHUR'S MOM
As long as they’re not in that damn
tree again. Every week I need to
mend his good pants.
EXT. PARK - SAME TIME
Arthur slides into second base. He is still wearing his

Sunday best.
The Cannon Street All-Stars are playing Charleston’s Little

Boys Baseball team, and in fact all of the boys on both sides
are still wearing their church clothes.
Cannon Street watches from their dugout.
CHUCKIE
Whoa! Nice base runnin’, Peoples!
Arthur gives a thumbs up from second base.
Mo steps up to the plate.
MO
C’mon pitch, let’s see what you
got!
Tommy throws the ball and Mo crushes a ball into right field.
Arthur scores. Mo holds up at first.
He takes a couple steps off the bag.

82.
MO (CONT’D)
That’s it? My sister throws harder
than you!
Tommy turns and throws the ball the FIRST BASEMAN, but Tommy
throws it over the his head.
Mo runs to second.
MO (CONT’D)
The catcher is that way!!
He points to home plate.
The Cannon Street team laughs in the dugout.
The parents stand under the tree in the church yard.
NORMA
Where could they be?
Lucy tugs on her mother’s dress.
NORMA (CONT’D)
Not now, baby.
CHUCKIE’S MOM
Do you think they went down to
Carson’s again?
LUCY
Mama...
NORMA
Hang on sweetie.
(To Chuckie’s Mom)
No, Maurice knows he’d get a
whoopin’ if we went down there
again. From Mr. Carson and then
from me.
LUCY
Mama, they’re playin’ baseball.
The mothers stop. Benny joins the group.
BENNY
They’re not inside...
NORMA
They’re doin’ what?
83.
LUCY
They brought their baseball stuff
and left after church.
Norma looks to Benny.
BENNY
The field's destroyed, they
wouldn’t play there.
NORMA
Then where would they go to play?
Benny takes a moment. His eyes go wide.
BENNY
Oh no.
EXT. PARK - DAY
WHITE PLAYER #1 swings and misses.
CHUCKIE
Strike 3, go sit down!
(beat)
Man, now I see why you guys didn’t
want to play us!
Tommy, frustrated, grabs a bat and heads to the plate.
TOMMY
I’ll show you who’s here to play.
Majors pitches and Tommy hits a line drive to left field.
Wheels runs and grabs the ball as it bounces off the field.
Tommy turns from first base and runs towards second.
JIMMY
He’s turning! He’s turning!
Wheels fires the ball to Jimmy, who catches it and tags Tommy
out before he gets to the base.
MO
There we go! That’s what I’m
talking about!
Tommy storms off the field.

84.
CHUCKIE
Look at him, he’s not white
anymore, he’s RED!
INT. WHITE CHURCH - RECREATION ROOM - DAY
The white parish gathers for a more formal pot luck lunch
inside the church recreation room.
Daniel Jones talks with several other men.
DANIEL JONES
We have four other states joining
up with us already! I would say by
the end of the year, we could have
the entire South!
TRISHA JONES (30's) walks up to her husband.
TRISHA JONES
Daniel, have you seen Thomas? He
ran off without having lunch...
DANIEL JONES
He’s playing ball with the rest of
the boys. If he’s hungry he’ll come
eat.
(turns back to the men)
Sorry about that gents. So, like I
was saying...
Trisha walks away.
EXT. PARK - BLEACHERS - DAY
Benny and Norma, along with many of the other black parents,
make their way to the field.
NORMA
What are they thinking?!
BENNY
I don’t know, we’ll...
They stop in their tracks.
Laughter can be heard amongst the boys.
ARTHUR'S MOM
They’re playing with the white
boys?
85.
The crowd slowly makes their way to the fence, but instead of
stopping the game, they watch.
EXT. PARK - CONTINUOUS
Spits is on first base. He spits into the ground. The First

Baseman looks at him.
SPITS
What?
The First Basemen hawks a bigger loogie and spits on the

ground next to him.
SPITS (CONT’D)
Nice.
John steps up to the plate.
He hits a ball to the SHORTSTOP who grabs it and tosses it to

the SECOND BASEMAN, who turns and throws it to the first
baseman. Double Play.
Tommy’s team cheers.
John nods to the Shortstop.
JOHN
Hey, nice play! Way to turn it.
Tommy’s team stops cheering and turns to the Cannon Street

Team who clap in approval. They are confused.
EXT. PARK - BLEACHERS - CONTINUOUS
Benny and Norma sit in the bleachers with the rest of the
crowd, watching the game. Mimi sits next to them.
MIMI VERNON
Now this is a game!
CHUCKIE’S MOM
It’s exciting! I had no idea they
were this good.
ARTHUR'S MOM
And they play so well together!
MIMI VERNON
Wish they were wearing my jerseys.
She looks to Benny and winks.

86.
INT. WHITE CHURCH - RECREATION ROOM - DAY
Daniel Jones still chats with the other men when a RANDOM GUY
runs up to him and whispers in his ear.
Daniel Jones’ face sours quickly and he rushes out of the

recreation room.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Allen steps up to the plate.
TOMMY
Uh oh! Alright guys, here’s the
slugger! Back it up!
Tommy’s team listens and everyone backs up.
Tommy throws a ball and Allen smacks it out of the park.
Tommy tips his hat to him out of respect, as Allen rounds the
bases.
Allen turns from second base to third--
DANIEL JONES (O.S.)

What is going on here!?!?
Daniel Jones storms onto the field.
TOMMY
We’re just playing some ball.
Benny stands up and runs onto the field.
DANIEL JONES
You’re playing with a bunch of
Negroes! They’re not allowed to
play here!
TOMMY
It’s just for fun...
Benny makes his way over to them.
DANIEL JONES
You! This was your doing!
BENNY
No, sir. I was just as surprised as
you. The boys went missing and we
found them here. We’ve just been
watching from the bleachers.
87.
Daniel Jones looks into the bleachers to see the black crowd.
DANIEL JONES
All of you! Get out of here! You
don’t belong here!
Benny turns to the boys and hesitates. He looks from one to

the next until he lands on Mo who stands in his dirty church
clothes with his baseball glove.
He turns back to Daniel.
BENNY
No. These boys finally get a chance
to play ball without you getting in
the way, so we’re not going
anywhere until the game is over.
Mo looks to his father and beams.
DANIEL JONES
(to Tommy)
Come on, we’re leaving.
TOMMY
But we need to finish the game!
DANIEL JONES
You will do no such thing. They’re
not good enough to play you!
TOMMY
But they’re winning... we need to
keep playing if we wanna--
Daniel Jones grabs Tommy’s arm and pulls him off the field.
The rest of Tommy’s team look to each other and trudge off
the field.
Benny heads over to the dugout where the Cannon Street team
still sits.
BENNY
That was a heck of a game, guys. I
have to say. You guys played hard
and showed respect.
The team nods and high five each other.
BENNY (CONT’D)
And it didn't hurt that you kicked
their butts!
88.
The team laughs and cheers.
EXT. PARK - BLEACHERS - CONTINUOUS
The team exits the dugout to find the entire black community
standing, clapping and cheering for them.
Norma runs over and hugs Mo.
NORMA
You did good, baby.
The crowd continues to cheer and transitions into:
EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY
The crowd cheers as the boys pull away in a bus. The team
wears their jerseys and waves to their families as they drive
off.
CHUCKIE’S MOM
Don’t forget to brush your teeth,
Charles! I love you!
CHUCKIE
(embarrassed)
Maaaa, okay jeez!
MO
“I love you, Charles!”
CHUCKIE
Shut up.
INT/EXT. BUS - CONTINUOUS
The boys all sit in their seats as the bus drives away.
Benny stands and looks back at the boys.
BENNY
Alright boys, listen up.
They all go silent.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Now this is the first time most of
you have gone out of the state, so
I just want to make sure that
everyone is on their best behavior.
89.
Mimi stands behind Benny and starts miming him in a silly

way.
BENNY (CONT’D)
We are guests at the World Series
and we need to make sure we act
like it.
The boys laugh at Mimi.
BENNY (CONT’D)
It’s not funny. We’re representing
our state and our community...
The boys continue to laugh.
Benny finally looks around and catches Mimi in the act.
She sheepishly shrugs and sits down.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Alright, how about this - lets have
fun!
TEAM
YEAH!!!
EXT. BUS - COUNTRY SIDE - DAY
The bus travels along the highway.
INT/EXT. BUS
Wheels and Spits toss a ball back and forth across the aisle.
WHEELS
You think any pros gonna show?
SPITS
Dunno, maybe. But scouts for sure.
DOUG
From what teams?
Doug Mack opens a container of peanuts. John reaches over his

shoulder and grabs some before he can notice. Doug looks up
to him, but as he does Jimmy reaches over from the side and
grabs some as well.
JIMMY
All the majors. I heard last year
some kid got signed.
90.
JOHN
Yeah, to the Braves.
Arthur signals to a truck to honk it’s horn. The TRUCK DRIVER

ignores his request. Chuckie and Brick “moon” out the back
window at the truck driver.
CHUCKIE
There ain’t no kids playing in the
big leagues. You’re all full of it.
Mo, Majors, and Allen play cards in one of the seats.
MO
But how cool would it be to get
signed by Brooklyn? A chance to
play with Robinson.
Majors puts down his cards.
MAJORS
Two pair. I win.
EXT. BUS - WILLIAMSPORT, PA - SUNSET
The bus pulls into Lycoming College.
EXT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - NIGHT
The boys all exit the bus with their bags. Walter walks off
the bus and stretches.
WALTER BURKE
Remind me not to volunteer to drive
next time.
Commissioner McGovern approaches.
PETER MCGOVERN
Ah, you made it!
BENNY
Peter. Glad to be here!
They shake hands.
PETER MCGOVERN
If you follow me, I’ll lead you to
the dorms you’ll be staying in.
Then, I’m sure you’re all hungry!
91.
BENNY
That would be great, thank you.
He motions for the boys to follow.
EXT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - CAMPUS - NIGHT
The boys walk through the campus and are amazed by groups of
students, white and black, socializing together.
SPITS
What’s going on?
ALLEN
My dad always said people think
differently in the North...
They continue on until they get to their dorm building where

a WHITE STUDENT holds open the door for them.
The boys all stare at him in amazement.
INT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - DORMS
Peter McGovern leads them to a common room with doors

connecting to bunk rooms.
PETER MCGOVERN
Alright boys, this is where you’ll
be staying. Four to a room.
The boys rush into the different rooms.
WALTER BURKE
Hey! No pushing! No pushing!
Only Peter, Walter, Benny and Mimi remain in the common room.
PETER MCGOVERN
Benjamin, do you have a minute? I’d
like to have a quick word.
Benny looks to his assistant coaches.
MIMI VERNON
We can handle the boys.
BENNY
Great. Lead the way.
Benny and Peter walk off.

92.
MIMI VERNON
So how do you think their barbecue
is around these parts?
INT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - CAFETERIA - LATER
The team stands in line for food. Their eyes are wide.
SPITS
Can we take whatever we want?
MAJORS
I’m gonna take as many cookies as I
can fit on the tray!
WALTER BURKE
Hey now, you’re under my watch and
I’m not going to have to tell your
parents you got sick because--
Mimi rushes up to them, excited. She has a large bowl of

chocolate pudding on her tray.
MIMI VERNON
Look! They have pudding! All you
can eat!
The boys scatter to the different food sections.
WALTER BURKE
...you weren’t eating right.
Walter shakes his head.
INT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - COMMISSARY - LATER
The boys have their trays overflowing with sweets as they

walk through the commissary doors.
They stop when they enter, stunned.
The tables are all filled with BALL PLAYERS, about ten teams.
CHUCKIE
Where do we sit?
MO
I don’t know. There ain’t no signs.
CHUCKIE
Are we supposed to sit with the
white boys?
93.
WHEELS
Look over there!
He points to a BLACK BALL PLAYER sitting with his team of all

white players.
MO
Yeah, they’re just sitting where
they want.
He points to a few more BLACK BALL PLAYERS sitting with their

white teams.
MAJORS
Let’s not stand here looking dumb.
There’s a table over there.
The boys move to an empty table in the middle of the room.
No one seems to notice, let alone care about them being

there. Supper carries on as normal.
CHUCKIE
So those kids play on the same
team?!
Mo shrugs.
MO
Looks that way.
WHITE BALL PLAYER (O.S.)

Hey! Are you guys ball players?
The boys freeze as if they were caught breaking the law.
The WHITE BALL PLAYER (12) stands from a nearby table and
walks over to them. Some of his teammates follow and they
encircle the Cannon Street team.
WHITE BALL PLAYER (CONT’D)

What’s wrong with you? Cat caught
your tongue? I asked if you guys
play ball.
MO
Yeah...
The boys wince in anticipation of their inevitable scolding.
The white boy sticks out his hand.

94.
WHITE BALL PLAYER

The name’s Buster. I’m on the
Pennsylvania team.
Mo sticks his hand out. BUSTER grabs it and shakes it.
MO
We’re the Cannon Street All-Stars
from Charleston, South Carolina.
BUSTER
That’s cool. Over there is
California, they got some heavy
hitters. That’s New York and
Massachusetts. Alabama and
Louisiana...
Two tables with all white teams, a few players staring at the
Cannon Street team.
BUSTER (CONT’D)
Over there is Michigan. Don’t worry
about Michigan.
Buster nudges Mo and winks. They laugh together.
Mimi and Walter enter from the cafeteria to see their boys
laughing with Buster and his friends. They spot the adult
table of all white coaches. They hesitate, but a white coach
waves and clears a space for them to sit.
BUSTER (CONT’D)
And there is New Jersey. They’re
the ones to beat. Their catcher
swings for the fences and their
outfielder’s got some wheels.
WHEELS
Oh yeah?
BUSTER
Yeah. Then there’s my team. We’ve
got the best pitching by far.
Buster puffs up his chest and flexes his throwing arm.
WHEELS
How do you know all that?
BUSTER
Got scouting reports on every team.
He eyes the boys.

95.
BUSTER (CONT’D)
Except you guys. What do you got?
Mo smiles and looks to Majors.
MO
We got the best pitcher in all
baseball.
BUSTER
Oh yeah?
Buster picks up an orange off of Allen Jackson’s tray and

tosses it to Majors.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - NIGHT
Peter McGovern and Benny walk along the inside of the empty
little league field with the stadium lights shining down.
BENNY
How can this even happen?
PETER MCGOVERN
It’s an unfortunate circumstance,
there’s not much we can do about
it.
BENNY
But we drove all the way up here!
PETER MCGOVERN
I know, and I feel terrible. But
the rules are the rules. Only State
Champions can play in the Series,
and because you never officially
won a game, you aren’t actually the
South Carolina State Champions.
BENNY
So what’re we going to do?
Peter doesn’t know how to respond. He looks around the field

as if searching for an answer.
PETER MCGOVERN
The league still stands behind the
validity of your team. You do
belong here. Hell, I drove down to
South Carolina to tell you that.
96.
BENNY
But the boys still don’t get to
play.
PETER MCGOVERN
I’ll tell you what. How about if
your team warms up the field
tomorrow? They’ll get to be on the
field, hit some balls in front of
the crowd... they’ll love it. It’s
every kid’s dream to be on a field
in a situation like that.
BENNY
It’s every kid’s dream to play a
game in a situation like that.
PETER MCGOVERN
It’s the best I can offer Benny.
I’m trying here.
BENNY
I know. Let me run it by the boys
and see what they say.
EXT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - CAMPUS - NIGHT
All of teams have gathered outside around a statue. The base

of which is roughly the size of a strike zone.
Majors, Buster, and pitchers from all the other teams stand a
few yards away. A pile of oranges sits on a cafeteria tray.
CALIFORNIA PITCHER steps up to the tray.
CALIFORNIA PITCHER
You’ve heard of a splitter? How
‘bout a spitter.
Spits spits.
California Pitcher picks up an orange and spits on it. He

sets his fingers on the fruit, winds up and delivers.
SPLAT. The orange splits open against the base of the statue.
Kids awe at the carnage.
NEW YORK PITCHER steps up.
NEW YORK PITCHER

Oh yeah? How ‘bout my no spit
spitter?
97.
He grabs an orange and breathes on it. He winds and throws.
SPLAT. The orange sticks in the dead center of the stone.
BUSTER
What you got, Majors?
Majors steps up and Mo tosses him an orange.
MAJORS
I don’t have a fancy name for this,
but...
He sets up, and whips the ball with lightning speed. Faster
than the kids can see.
BLAM. The orange explodes against the stone. Juice, pulp and
peel spray on to the crowd of kids. They erupt in cheers.
EXT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS
The cheers echo across the field and the parking lot.
Daniel and Tommy Jones walk from their car in the parking lot
towards the campus.
Tommy stops walking with his father to see the kids, of both
races, cheering together.
Daniel Jones yanks on Tommy’s arm to keep moving.
INT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - MO’S DORM - NIGHT
Chuckie brushes his teeth and Mo gets ready for bed.
Mo lays out his uniform with care and then places his Jackie
Robinson card on top of it.
He steps back and admires the sight.
INT. LYCOMING COLLEGE - COMMON ROOM
Walter and Mimi sit in the common room as Benny enters.
MIMI VERNON
Was beginnin’ to think you started
the tournament without us.
Benny doesn’t respond. He plops onto a chair.

98.
WALTER BURKE
What’d the Commissioner have to
say?
Benny shakes his head. Walter’s smile fades.
Mo comes out of his room and spots his dad.
MO
Dad! You missed it. We met the
other teams. They were almost all
white, except for some kids. They
play on the same team!
Chuckie, Wheels and Majors come out of their rooms.
CHUCKIE
We ate in the same room with them
WHEELS
They weren’t even mad.
MO
There was one kid, Buster, who was
really nice to us.
CHUCKIE
He plays on the Pennsylvania team.
WHEELS
They challenged Majors to a
pitching contest.
MAJORS
I smoked ‘em, Coach. I really did.
Benny raises his hands.
BENNY
Hang on a sec. I’m calling a team
meeting.
(to the team)
Boys, come on out here. I got
something to tell ya.
The boys file out of their rooms in various states of dress

for bed.
Benny stands in front of them, trying to force a smile.
BENNY (CONT’D)
From what these boys are telling
me, you guys had a pretty exciting
night...
(MORE)
99.
BENNY (CONT’D)
You boys should be proud of how far
you’ve come. I know we’ve all been
through a lot to get here. I sure
am proud of each and every one of
you...
Benny looks down at his feet.
BENNY (CONT’D)
But the Commissioner told me that
we won’t be allowed to play in the
tournament.
TEAM
What?!
BENNY
It’s not fair, I know. I argued
with him--
WHEELS
Why not?
SPITS
What about the scouts!?
CHUCKIE
Why would he invite us, but not let
us play?
MO
Is it because we’re black?
BENNY
No. He made it very clear that it
is regulations barring us from
playing, not the color of our skin.
The team argues over one another. Even Mimi gets into it.
Benny raises his hands.
BENNY (CONT’D)
At this point there isn’t much we
can do. We will still get to warm
up on the field and participate in
opening ceremonies, but that’s it.
MO
But we can take those other teams.
We can beat ‘em.
100.
BENNY
I’m sorry boys. I let you down. We
won’t get to play. Now let’s just
go to bed. We have a long drive
tomorrow.
The team disperses, heads hanging low.
Mo approaches Benny.
MO
Coach, you gotta talk to the
Commissioner again. We gotta play.
At least one game.
BENNY
Mo...
MO
Please Dad. We can win.
Benny gets down on his knee.
BENNY
Show them. Go out there and show
them you can win. Make them see
that you deserve to be there.
Mo nods in agreement to his father and then hugs him.
BENNY (CONT’D)
I’m proud of you, Maurice. Always
know that.
Mo hugs his father tighter to hide his tears. Benny releases

his son. Mo walks towards his room, fighting back tears.
BENNY (CONT’D)
Strength is keeping you’re head
held high.
Mo stops. He doesn’t turn around. He takes a deep breath and

straightens up.
MO
...no matter what.
Mo walks into his room.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - DAY
Flags whip in the mild winds. PA speakers hang over every

corner of the stadium.
101.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Greetings Baseball fans. Welcome to

the ninth annual Little League
World Series.
Hot dogs cook at snack bars. Baseball fans mull about from
stand to stand looking at souvenirs and junk food. The
stadium is alive with excitement.
INT. ANNOUNCER’S BOOTH - CONTINUOUS
The ANNOUNCER (40's) sits overlooking the illustrious stadium

as people shuffle into their seats down below.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
What a tournament it is going to
be. We’ve got teams from right here
in good ol’ PA, from New York, Mass
and even from way out in sunny
California.
The Announcer checks his prompt sheet.
ANNOUNCER
But we will only crown one team the
champions. Yes, Sir-ree. Let’s get
ready for some baseball.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - MAIN GATE - CONTINUOUS
The Cannon Street All-Stars enter the main gates of the

stadium. They are in full uniform, jaws gaping at the size of
the ball park.
Through the loud speakers plays “The Little League Pledge”.
CHUCKIE
Mo, you ever seen a field this big?
MO
Not even in my dreams.
WHEELS
It’s like a church for baseball!
A few other teammates nod in agreement but Majors doesn’t

respond.
They are met by a TOURNAMENT PROGRAMMER, wearing a visor and

carrying a clipboard.
102.
TOURNAMENT PROGRAMMER
Cannon Street. You guys follow me.
He starts leading them through the crowd of people.
TOURNAMENT PROGRAMMER (CONT’D)

You guys will warm up after
Pennsylvania. New York is up right
now. Then the tournament will
commence.
Mo gives Benny a look.
Benny moves to the front of the group, next to the

Programmer.
BENNY
Before we go on, I need to speak
with the Commissioner.
He’s a busy at the moment, I would
wait until after the tournament
starts.
BENNY
It’s urgent.
The Programmer stops.
You need to head back that way,
find staircase C and head up to the
announcers booth. Good luck trying
to get his attention. He’s been all
over the place this morning.
Benny turns to the team.
BENNY
Boys, I’ll be back. Don’t go
causing any trouble while I’m gone.
Benny smiles and darts back the way they came.
Alright, let’s keep moving. We
can’t be late.
The team walks towards a tunnel to the field.

103.
INT. MO’S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
Norma turns on the radio as Lucy, Martin and Chuckie’s mom

gather around the table.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
And there’s New York on the field
right now. They’re showing off
their skills, hope they save a some
for the games.
NORMA
Oh good, we haven’t missed them!
INT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
The programmer lines the team up behind the Pennsylvania

team.
You guys will go on after they
announce your team name. Just march
onto the field and do your warm up.
Then when they call you off, head
to your seats in the stands.
The programmer darts off into the ball park.
BUSTER (O.S.)
Hey guys!
The boys looks in front of them. Buster and his teammates

smile and wave. They too are in full uniform.
BUSTER (CONT’D)
We’re up against New York first.
How ‘bout you guys?
MAJORS
We don’t get to play.
BUSTER
What?!
PA TEAMMATE #1
That stinks! Why not?
MO
Regulations. We won all our games
by forfeit.
104.
MAJORS
All we get to do is warm up. It’s
bullshit.
BUSTER
Man, I was excited to try to catch
you on that fastball Majors. That
pitch is crazy.
TOURNAMENT PROGRAMMER (O.S.)

Alright, Pennsylvania. You boys are
up!
The team marches out onto the field.
BUSTER
Well I hope we get to play you guys
sometime. Give ‘em hell!
The team disappears into the bright light of day.
INT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - UPPER DECK - CONTINUOUS
Benny heads down the length of box doors. He pull open the
one labeled, “ANNOUNCER.”
Benny closes the door quietly behind him.
DANIEL JONES
My boys actually won a South
Carolina State Championship.
PETER MCGOVERN
Mr. Jones, I’ve made myself quite
clear. Your team is not part of
this league and has no right to
qualify for this tournament.
DANIEL JONES
But those dirty little coons do?!
They won by default!
PETER MCGOVERN
I must ask you to leave this booth,
or I will call security.
Daniel Jones storms towards the door. He stops when he sees

Benny. He steps toe to toe with him.
105.
DANIEL JONES
Hope your boys enjoy watching from
the sidelines.
Daniel shoves past him and slams the door.
PETER MCGOVERN
What do you want Benny? If you
haven’t noticed, I’ve got a lot on
my plate right now.
ANNOUNCER
What an excellent warm up by the
Pennsylvania team from Morrisville.
INT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Next up we have the team from South
Carolina.
Alright Cannon Street. You’re up.
The team marches out into the light.
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - DAY
Victor has the radio on, several customers stop and listen.
ANNOUNCER
And here they are, the Cannon
Street All-Stars from Charleston.
They’ve had one heck of a season,
in a matter of speaking. While
they’re not actually going to be
playing today, they still have the
chance to take the field and show
us what they got.
The customers look to one another confused.
Victor turns up the volume.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - FIELD - CONTINUOUS
They come out onto the field. The crowd cheers.
The boys’ eyes go wide as they soak up the magnificence of

the stadium.
106.
There are thousands of people in the stands. A real

scoreboard, perfectly cut grass, foul poles, base paths, and
even CONCESSIONAIRES walking down the aisles selling snacks.
Mimi snaps them out of it and circles the team up.
WALTER BURKE
Let’s show them how we play down in
Charleston.
MIMI VERNON
Cannon street on three.
The boys put their gloves in.
TEAM
1. 2. 3. CANNON STREET!
The boys run to their positions except for Mo and Majors.
MO
You alright?
Majors looks into the stands, he may cry.
MAJORS
This isn’t fair. We deserve to
play. We need to do something.
MO
Let’s show ‘em.
Majors looks to his friend.
MO (CONT’D)
That’s what we do. We show ‘em we
can play ball.
Majors nods to Mo and the two boys slap gloves together

before they run to their positions.
Benny is standing at the window with the Commissioner, next

to the Announcer.
BENNY
They have done more than just play
the game to be here. They have
stood in the face of hate and
prejudice.
107.
PETER MCGOVERN
Benny, I understand. The Little
League has been on your side, as
have I, every step of the way. But
rules are rules. They are the same
for you and for Dan Jones.
BENNY
They can’t play because of the Dan
Jones’ of the world. The men who
are too damn scared to see their
sons share a field with a bunch of
black kids.
The Announcer nudges Benny, covering his mic.
ANNOUNCER
Buddy, ya mind steppin’ away from
the mic if you’re gonna raise your
voice.
Benny and Peter step out of the booth.
Walter hits a ball between Mo and John. John dives to stop

it. He pops up and guns it to Jimmy at second. Jimmy shoots
it to Arthur at first. An incredible double play.
The crowd applauds.
Walter smacks one deep to left. Wheels chases it down, runs

up the fence and snags it before it goes over.
The crowd’s applause grows louder.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - STANDS - CONTINUOUS
The Pennsylvania team sits next to the New York team.
NY PLAYER #1
Holy cow, they’re gonna give us a
run for our money.
Buster leans over to nudge him.
BUSTER
The league wont let ‘em play in the
tournament. It’s a load of crap!
NY PLAYER #2
That’s stupid. Why not?
108.
Allen steps up to the plate. He taps the bat on his shoes

before stepping into the batters box.
On the first pitch. He rips over the heads of the spectators

in the outfield.
The stunned crowd cheers as Allen rounds the bags.
The California team is awe struck by the power.
NY PLAYER #1
Did you hear? They aren’t allowed
to play in the tournament.
CA PLAYER #1
What?! But they’re amazing!
The California player turns to his team to spread the word.
The word gets passed along to the Alabama team next to them.
Mo steps up to bat.
He looks towards Walter and Mimi. No sign of his dad.
Mo takes a deep breath and straightens up.
The pitch is thrown and he crushes to deep right, over Spits’

head.
The crowd erupts in applause and cheers.
A murmur starts to spread throughout the crowd. People talk

amongst themselves. The word is spreading.
Majors stands on the pitchers mound. He digs his cleat into

the dirt. He looks to Chuckie, who signals for the fastball.
Majors delivers the fastest pitch we’ve seen yet.

109.
The crowd sits in stunned silence.
Majors throws another. The sound of the ball striking

Chuckie’s mitt echoes.
The crowd can’t believe their eyes.
Majors delivers another. And another.
The crowd bursts into an outright frenzy.
ANNOUNCER
There you are folks. The incredible
Cannon Street All-Stars.
The Pennsylvania team jumps up and down in their seats.
BUSTER
Let them play! Let them play!
PA TEAMMATE #1
Yeah, let them play!
The team starts to chant.
TEAM
Let. Them. Play! Let. Them. Play!
The teams sitting near the Pennsylvania team join in. Then
all the teams. The spectators sitting around them join in. It
spreads across the entire stadium.
CROWD
Let. Them. Play!
INT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - TUNNEL - SAME TIME
Benny and the Commissioner stand in the tunnel.
PETER MCGOVERN
Benny, you should be with your boys
on the field.
BENNY
All they wanted was to play
baseball this summer. But--
The two men pause as the sound of the crowd echoes through
the tunnel.
110.
Benny stop their discussion and walk towards the field.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - CONTINUOUS
Benny and Peter step out onto the field.
The whole stadium of people are on their feet.
CROWD
Let. Them. Play!
INT. BUTCHER SHOP - SAME TIME
Victor and the customers chant along with the radio.
VICTOR CUSTOMERS
Let them play! Let them play!
The little league teams scream as loud as they can.
Dan Jones sits amongst the crowd, arms folded. Tommy Jones
looks at his father, then at the team on the field. He stands
with the crowd.
TOMMY
Let. Them. Play!
INT. MO’S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - SAME TIME
Lucy and Martin run around the dining room table. They chant
along with the radio and the mothers.
ALL
Let Them Play!
Norma picks up her daughter and swings her around.
Mimi jumps up and down on the field. Tears in her eyes.
MIMI VERNON
Let. Them. Play!
She hugs Walter.

111.
The team stops playing and gathers with Majors on the mound.
They stare into the stands and bask in the crowd’s adoration.
Mo spots Benny at the end of the tunnel. Benny smiles and

beams with pride.
Mo takes off his hat and waves it to the crowd.
The rest of the team follows suit.
CROWD
Let. Them. Play!
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - TUNNEL - 2002
TITLE CARD: HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - 47 Years Later
An OLD MO sits on a foldout chair in the same tunnel the

Cannon Street All-Stars entered the field from when they were
young.
He holds his Jackie Robinson card in his hand, flipping it

back and forth anxiously.
An OLD CHUCKIE walks up to him and puts his arm on his

shoulder.
OLD CHUCKIE
I think I still have that Willie
Mays card if you’re open to
trading.
Old Mo puts the card in his pocket and looks up at his

friend.
OLD MO
I thought you would have started
your own card company by now.
“Everyone will have a Robinson!”
OLD CHUCKIE
I still might.
Old Mo stands up.
OLD MO
You ready?
112.
OLD CHUCKIE
I’ve been waiting 47 years for
this. I’m ready.
They walk off down the tunnel together.
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - END OF TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
Old Mo and Old Chuckie step out of the tunnel and into the
sunlight to see OLD MAJORS, OLD JOHN, OLD ALLEN, OLD SPITS,
OLD ARTHUR, and OLD DOUG standing together.
They see Mo and Chuckie and walk over to them.
OLD MAJORS
Wondering when you were gonna get
here.
OLD MO
Couldn’t let you take all the
glory, Majors.
Old Spits spits onto the ground.
OLD CHUCKIE
Glory? I feel like Denzel
Washington about to get an Oscar!
The other old players laugh and slap them on the back.
Over the PA System they hear a VOICE.
VOICE (V.O.)
There is no way to right the wrong
perpetrated on the boys of the
Cannon Street YMCA Little League
team -
EXT. HOWARD J. LAMADE STADIUM - FIELD
The Old Teammates stand on the field holding a “South

Carolina 1955 State Champions” banner.
VOICE (CONTD)
- just as there is no way to right
the wrongs perpetrated throughout
history on people because of their
skin color.
The Old Teammates look around at the stands where everyone is

on their feet.
113.
The voice comes from STEPHEN KEENER, the current commissioner

of Little League Baseball who stands next to them.
STEPHEN KEENER
These men paved the way for future
generations of Little Leaguers of
all ethnicities to take part in this
great American pastime. Therefore,
it is my honor to finally present
the 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars
with an honorary “1955 South
Carolina State Champions” banner!
The crowd erupts into applause.
The teammates look at the crowd as they did 47 years earlier.
OLD MO
So what now?
OLD MAJORS
Let’s play.
He tosses him a baseball.
FADE TO BLACK.
INSERT OLD PHOTOGRAPHS OF REAL CANNON STREET ALL-STARS

THROUGH TITLE CARDS
TITLE CARD:
“The Cannon Street All-Stars were not allowed to play in the

1955 Little League World Series.”
TITLE CARD:
“In 2002, the Little League Baseball presented the surviving

members of the 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars with an honorary
South Carolina State Championship.”
TITLE CARD:
“Two months after the 1955 Little League World Series, Rosa
Parks refused to move to the back of the bus, officially
starting the Civil Rights movement.”
TITLE CARD:
“Kids do not mess up the world, adults do.” - Leroy Major
THE END
114.

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LET THEM PLAY

March 28, 2017

A.J. Kelly & Bennett Lasseter

Based on True Events

Outlier Content, LLC

SMACK. A baseball slams into a glove.

Two African American little league teams play baseball on a

TITLE CARD: Charleston, South Carolina - June 1955

The team in the field wears mismatching red shirts with

The opposing team wears mismatching blue shirts. Both teams

MAURICE “MO” SINGLETON (12) stares ahead, focused. He lines

BATTER #1 stares back at Mo as he clutches a BROOMSTICK BAT.

CHARLES “CHUCKIE” BRADLEY (12) crouches behind the batter

Chuckie points two fingers downward to the dirt, the signal

Mo pitches and the ball curves hard. The batter swings.

Half of the spectators cheer.

The frustrated batter walks off towards the bench.

Mo gets the ball back and takes a deep breath. He focuses as

Chuckie points one finger down, the signal for a fastball.

Mo winds and throws.

Batter #2 stands stunned as the ball whizzes past him and

On the bench, Mo’s father/coach BENNY SINGLETON (mid 30’s)

Walter whistles in awe.

Batter #2 ignores him and looks back to Mo.

Mo throws the next pitch.

The RIGHT FIELDER grabs it and throws the ball to second

Mo punches his fist into his cardboard glove and groans.

Chuckie stands up from behind the plate.

Mo checks the home made scoreboard that rests on a table

LEROY “MAJORS” MAJOR (12) scoops up the broomstick bat. He

Mo fidgets on the mound as Majors keeps swinging.

Mo spins the laces of the ball across his fingers. He leans

Chuckie points one finger down. Fastball.

Mo snaps out of his trance. He winds up and fires the ball.

Majors watches the ball go by. Strike one.

Mo’s team LAUGHS.

Chuckie points two fingers down. Curve.

Mo shakes his head “no”.

Chuckie points two fingers down again.

Mo refuses again and Majors laughs.

Chuckie reluctantly points one finger down. Fastball.

Mo nods. He winds up and throws another heater.

Mo STORMS off of the field to the dugout where Benny stands.

Mo walks past Benny.

Mo stops and looks at his father.

Benny pulls out a comb and starts fixing his hair.

Mo reluctantly heads back onto the field to line up with his

As Mo approaches Majors in the line, Majors smiles.

They walk by each other and the teams disperse.

EXT. CANNON STREET YMCA - ASPHALT DIAMOND - DUSK

Alone, Mo sulks on a bench away from the field.

Benny shakes hands with PARENTS, then walks over to Mo.

Mo stands and the two walk down the sidewalk.

They walk in silence for a ways.

Mo hangs his head.

Benny stops to kneel down.

Mo picks his head up and they continue down the street.

EXT. ALLEYWAY - NEXT DAY

Mo leans against a dumpster with a fruit crate filled with

Chuckie pops out of the dumpster holding a glass soda bottle

Chuckie dives back down.

Chuckie pops back up empty handed.

EXT. ROADSIDE - LATER