The Final Season Based on the Book by Tom Stanton March 6, 2006

The Final Season

based on the book by

Tom Stanton

March 6, 2006

Names of some people have been changed and actual occurrences have been altered, in some incidences combining characters, for dramatic effect or to reduce confusion. 2

INT. STANTON STUDY 2001 - DAY

TOM STANTON, average middle aged dad and introverted journalist, flips through a scrapbook of Detroit Tiger baseball memorabilia. A Stanton family photo from the early 1900s rests on the table behind his chair.

The open door to a closet reveals shelves of baseball books and unopened cases of prized baseball cards.

A glass corner cabinet features baseballs with the signatures of Harvey Kuenn and Lance Parrish, a framed photo of infant (ZACK) in full Tiger uniform, and a crystal bowl half filled with dried grass and dirt.

TOM (V.O.) Our lives aren't about the big stories that shape history.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY - FLASHES OF MEMORIES

The parading all-time team of Tigers waves to fans from the field. (SCENE 151)

TOM (V.O.) They're about the little ones that play themselves out in the places we treasure...

Tom, wife BETH, and their three sons wave wildly at white haired hot dog vendor ART WITKOSKY. Art wraps a hot dog in a plastic bag and tosses it to Tom. The boys, 14 year old ZACK and 9 year old twins, WILLIAM and TAYLOR fight for possession of the second dog as it sails through the air. Tom ducks as the battle ensues around him. (SCENE 143)

TOM (V.O.) ...with the people we hold dear.

Tom sits in the stands with his father JOE, 70s, and UNCLE TOM, late 60s. The older guys have matching round bellies, big glasses and ball caps. (SCENE 115)

TOM (V.O.) They're points on our personal treasure maps where we find our memories and replenish our souls.

Tom stands in line at the food court with his older brother JOEY. (SCENE 150)

TOM (V.O.) For me, that was Tiger Stadium.

EXT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Tom, Joe and Joey stand staring at the stadium in nostalgic reflection as the lights go off. (SCENE 157)

TOM (V.O.) If you're lucky, you have such a place too, and perhaps you'll understand.

INT. STANTON STUDY - RETURN TO 2001

Joe Stanton stands in the doorway, habitually jingling the change in his pocket. An oil painting of Tom, leaning on a baseball bat in his preteen years, decorates the wall next to the door. The artist's signature reads Betty Stanton.

JOE You ready?

Tom flips to the last page in the scrapbook.

TOM Yeah.

There's a moment of silence between the two as Tom picks up the paperback cover for "The Final Season" and Joe turns to leave.

JOE We'll be in the car.

SUPER: TWO YEARS EARLIER - 1999

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Tom sits at the head of a conference table with his business partner MIKE. Tom is clearly a nonparticipant in the staff meeting that is going on around him.

MIKE (to staff) You take the high school fund-raiser and you can work on that philanthropic piece. What about the Tigers' story?

REPORTER #1 I gave it to Tom this morning.

MIKE (to Tom) Comments?

Tom stares out the window.

MIKE Tom?

TOM Yeah.

MIKE Thoughts?

TOM On?

MIKE Tigers.

TOM ...abandonment.

MIKE The story, not the stadium.

TOM Oh. Factoids...Needs color...something to make the reader care that the stadium's being deserted.

WRITER Yesterday's news.

TOM ....which pertains to why fans will want to be there this year.

INT. TOM'S NEWSPAPER OFFICE - LATER

Tom edits the Tiger article. Mike joins him.

MIKE What's going on with you?

Tom puts down his pen. 5

TOM I don't know. Maybe I'm just resentful that I'm not making it to opening day again.

MIKE Can't change the press to accommodate a ball game.

TOM Maybe not, but...

MIKE But what?

TOM I can change my schedule.

He gets up and grabs his jacket.

TOM Finish that will you?

MIKE Where are you going?

TOM Take a guess.

INT. TIGER STADIUM PRESS BOOTH - DAY

A bare bulb work light taped to a narrow ledge beams extra light for announcer ERNIE HARWELL, late 70s, who sits in a folding chair shuffling papers as he speaks into a mic.

ERNIE Baseball greetings everyone, this is Ernie Harwell coming to you from The Corner here in Detroit. The weatherman has blessed us with some bee-u-ti-ful weather, and this is going to be a great day.

Fans wearing ski hats and winter gloves snuggle to get warm in the 47 degree sunlight as "The National Anthem" is sung and pitcher BRIAN MOEHLER carves the initials F-M into the pitching mound.

STANDS - CONTINUING

Tom and brother Joey eat smothered hot dogs like sloppy kids. 6

TOM We should come to every game.

JOEY Tommy, you're still on that? It's been like 30 years.

TOM But we never got to do it.

JOEY And there's nothing stopping us now, except family, jobs and responsibilities.

TOM The boys love baseball and Beth will understand.

JOEY I'd be divorced by June.

TOM I could write a book about it...which actually would be a great excuse to hang out with the team...Kaline...Harwell.

JOEY (Ernie Harwell impersonation) That's right ladies and gentlemen, self made journalist and father of 3 wraps it all up here at "The Corner," just in time to turn 40.

They share a brotherly chuckle.

TOM (V.O.) Sometimes Joey's words resonate with me in ways he never intended.

INT. TIGER MANAGEMENT OFFICE - DAY

Tom sits in front of BOB, the press manager.

BOB I'll need some type of confirmation from your publisher.

TOM I don't have a publisher.

BOB Well your agent then.

TOM Ahh...

BOB Book proposal?

Tom shakes his head "no."

BOB Listen Mr... (he glances at Tom's card) ...Stanton, every fan in the city wants field access this year and I can't issue press credentials to every small town journalist who walks through the door.

TOM It's a local paper.

BOB But unless you're with a radio station or one of the dailies, I really can't help you.

TOM No "Field of Dreams" here.

BOB Plenty of room in the bleachers.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

Beth clears the dinner table, as Joe, Zack, Taylor and William finish their meal. Tom walks in.

BETH We were getting worried.

TOM Sorry.

BETH Mike said you walked out?

TOM I think it may be time to sell.

Everyone stops.

BETH Sell what? The paper?

TOM So I can write a book....

ZACK About?

TOM Tiger Stadium. I've decided to go to all the home games.

WILLIAM Forget Little League, we're in the majors now.

TAYLOR No Little League? I'm all weepy.

TOM I'll be going to the games, so you'll have plenty of time for Little League.

ZACK If you sell the paper, how are we going to make a living?

Beth raises an eyebrow as she puts leftovers in the refrigerator.

TOM We'll have money from selling the paper.

ZACK But you'll have to split that with Mike....

TOM It should still be enough to support us for a while.

TAYLOR What about our college?

TOM You'll just have to use that brilliant mind to get a scholarship. 9

Tom walks out as the family sits in a daze....except Joe who grins from ear to ear.

INT. STANTON STUDY - LATER

Tom stuffs a letter into an envelope, placing it on top of a stack of others. He begins to type: "The Final Season" as Beth wanders in half asleep.

BETH What are you doing?

TOM Query letters to agents.

BETH It's four AM Tom.

She flicks the lights off as she walks out leaving Tom in the dark.

BETH And you forgot to take your Dad home.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING

Joe sleeps on the sofa.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom thinks for a moment in the dark, powers down the computer, then turns the light back on, settling in once again.

INT. STANTON STUDY - MORNING

The sun rises as Tom works diligently. Joe peeks in.

JOE Up for a walk Tommy?

TOM Not now Dad. Beth will take you home on her way to the library.

Beth brings coffee, but Tom never looks up.

TOM Could you mail these for me? And drop Dad at home? 10

Beth kisses the top of Tom's head, takes the stack of letters, and leaves with Joe.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - EVENING

Tom wanders in with an empty plate wearing the same clothes as yesterday. The rest of the family finishes dinner as he places his plate in the sink.

TAYLOR Shower lately?

TOM I was on a roll.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - LATER

A freshly showered Tom reads a book of essays by Andre Debus. Beth plays the piano, Zack reads the paper and the twins fight over Chess.

WILLIAM Check.

TAYLOR You cheated.

WILLIAM I did not.

Taylor shoves the board, ending the game.

TAYLOR I quit.

Tom snaps the book shut and heads toward the study. Everyone else stops what they're doing to watch him go.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Picking up the telephone, Tom dials information.

TOM New York City.

He reopens the book he was reading....

TOM Mailing address for Philip Spitzer, literary agent.

Tom jots down the information as Beth enters the room.

BETH What's going on?

TOM Got an idea.

BETH Another one?

He holds up the book.

TOM This guy has a tradition of taking his agent to opening day at Fenway every year.

Tom sits down at the computer, hammering out another letter.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

The Stanton family shares Sunday brunch with Tom's siblings, COLLEEN and Joey as well as their SPOUSES and CHILDREN.

JOEY You're really doing it?

TOM We put it on the market yesterday.

JOEY But it's not like anyone knows, so you could still change your mind.

Tom hands Joey a copy of the newspaper. The front page features a picture of Tom with a headline that reads, "Newspaper for Sale: Tom Stanton Pursues Literary Dream."

JOEY ...or not.

COLLEEN All this because Mom wouldn't let you be a bat boy?

TOM I was too young.

COLLEEN I thought it was because she needed you to help with her art shows.

TOM Is that true Dad?

JOE No.

JOEY He'd never betray Mom's memory if it was.

Joe cracks a smile of secrets.

EXT. HOWARD STONE'S LOT - DUSK

HOWARD STONE, a burly looking fifty-something man with a wide smile, approaches Tom's car as Tom pulls into a vacant lot next to the weed infested yard of an abandoned house near Tiger Stadium. Tom hands Howard $10.

HOWARD (V.O.) My dad bought these lots when I was a teenager, so I guess it's been some 40 odd years...

DISSOLVE TO:

Howard talks into Tom's mini-recorder.

HOWARD So, it'll be money out of my pocket, but you can't fight big business cuz...well, this is America.

TOM How many games have you been to over the years?

HOWARD Not very many really, but I've spent thousands of days flagging cars.

TOM Do you know any of the other vendors out here?

In the distance, TWO GUYS tend a t-shirt stand.

HOWARD (V.O.) Do I...These guys are my extended family. Don over there has about 20 years in. He's a podiatrist..and Ken's probably working on 15. He's an attorney.

DISSOLVE TO:

Tom approaches peanut vendor FRED BAKER as a man with a curled up mustache, "ROLLIE FINGERS," trades Baker a dollar bill for two bags of peanuts. Rollie hands one bag off to Tom.

HOWARD (V.O.) And Fred Baker over there's been a fixture since the 60s but he's only been selling peanuts for the past 20 years.

Tom shakes hands with Baker as "The National Anthem" plays from the ballpark.

FRED (V.O.) ...give or take a few years. I used to work for the team, but I've been a vendor since I retired because I like being here with all the people.

Run down businesses and homes with unkept yards surround the area.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

Tom listens to his mini-recorder as he types on the computer.

FRED (V.O.) It'll be sad next year.

Beth waves good night as she walks by the door in her pajamas. The rest of the house is dark.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STREET - DAY

Beth power walks with Colleen around the neighborhood.

COLLEEN I think he's gone off the deep end.

BETH I wouldn't disagree but....

COLLEEN There's just no guarantee.

BETH And there was no guarantee when he started the newspaper, but it's been successful.

COLLEEN You didn't have kids then.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STANTON HOME - CONTINUING

Tom paces on the front porch as the mail lady approaches.

BETH (V.O.) But I can't doubt him now.

COLLEEN (V.O.) I still think he's a little nuts.

They approach the Stanton home as the mail lady hands off the mail to Tom.

COLLEEN Morning Tommy.

TOM Morning.

He flips through the stack of mail, pulling out letters from agents.

COLLEEN See you tomorrow Beth.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom places two freshly opened rejection letters on the desk as he paces in contemplation. He picks up the phone.

TOM (V.O.) You can't just pick up the phone.

He hangs up.

TOM (V.O.) But how else is this going to happen?

Zack chases Taylor past the door of the study.

ZACK I'm better than you are.

TAYLOR No you're not!

ZACK (V.O.) I can do everything better than you.

Tom yells through his teeth.

TOM Take it outside.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Zack yells back through his teeth.

ZACK Yes sir.

The boys snicker quietly as they sucker punch each other.

ZACK Bet you can't take it like a man little wuss.

He punches Taylor in the arm.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Beth comes in to see what's up.

BETH Easy Tiger. They're not used to you being home.

She rubs Tom's shoulders. 16

BETH Maybe you're not either. Did you consider part time at the paper until you get this off the ground?

TOM No time for that...Although I'm not having any luck with the agents either.

BETH What happened to the baseball guy?

He shows her a letter.

TOM He says to try him again in 6 months, but the season's over by then.

BETH So call him.

TOM He's not going to take my call.

She kisses the top of his head.

BETH What have you got to lose?

She closes the door as she leaves. Tom clenches his jaw, dialing the number on the bottom of Phil Spitzer's letterhead as a baseball flies through the window from the backyard. Tom hangs up the phone.

WILLIAM (V.O.) It wasn't me.

Tom looks out to see William pointing at Taylor. He scoops up the ball, heading for the door, but turns around, up the phone and dials Phil's number again.

TOM Hi, Mr. Spitzer? This is Tom Stanton...I need to speak with Mr. Spitzer....in regard to a letter he sent.

He paces.

PHIL (V.O.) This is Phil.

TOM Hi. This is Tom Stanton. I sent you a query regarding my book.

PHIL (V.O.) Yes, what can I do for you?

TOM Well, I got your letter and...

INT. PHIL'S OFFICE - CONTINUING

Phil sits among stacks of manuscripts as he talks on the phone.

PHIL My client list is completely full right now.

TOM (V.O.) I understand, but this is time sensitive material and 6 months down the line may be too late.

PHIL Well Tom, to be honest with you, the biggest problem you have is that you're pitching a regional story. The general public isn't going to care about Detroit.

TOM (VO) You go to Fenway every year don't you?

PHIL Yes.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom paces nervously.

TOM So the park itself must have some meaning to you.

PHIL (V.O.) I've been going there since I was a kid.

TOM And how many other people have been going to every ballpark in the country since they were kids...Imagine if it was your park that was dying...the city is secondary.

PHIL (V.O.) Well...perhaps I could put in a word with someone else...

TOM But you know baseball and....

There's silence on the line.

TOM And I'd really like to have you as my agent.

INT. PHIL'S OFFICE - CONTINUING

TOM (V.O.) I've been a journalist for 20 years.

PHIL With no previous book experience, so there's no track record for sales. You're a first time writer in to the literary world.

TOM (V.O.) Just give me a year.

PHIL It's a tough market Tom and...

TOM (V.O.) Nine months.

Phil rolls his eyes.

PHIL I'll have to get back to you.

TOM (V.O.) Seriously, if you don't see potential in the first draft....

PHIL Let me see if I can get something off my plate. I'll be in touch. 19

EXT. STANTON BACKYARD - CONTINUING

William and Taylor are scared.

WILLIAM You are in so much trouble.

TAYLOR You should've caught it.

Tom joins the boys.

WILLIAM I had it, but my glove is too stiff.

TOM How many times have I told you guys not to throw toward the house?

TAYLOR It's his fault.

TOM You're both going to pay for it out of your allowance.

WILLIAM No fair. He did it.

TAYLOR You're the one with the stone hand.

TOM We can fix that problem, but you're still paying for the window.

INT. STANTON GARAGE - CONTINUING

Tom pours motor oil into the palms of the twins' baseball mitts.

TOM Rub that in.

He places a baseball in Taylor's mitt and ties it shut.

TAYLOR How'd you know to do this Dad?

TOM Grandpa Joe taught me...Great Grandpa Teddy taught him.

Tom secures William's mitt, patting him on the back and they all head for the house with Tom bringing up the rear.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Tom follows Ernie Harwell toward the media dining room.

TOM Mr. Harwell, I'm writing a book about the last season here at the stadium and...

Tom is stopped by security.

GUARD Media only.

TOM Yeah, I'm working on that.

Tom looks pleadingly to Ernie.

TOM Just a few minutes of your time.

ERNIE He's with me.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MEDIA DINING ROOM - CONTINUING

Ernie and Tom sit at a table eating hot dogs.

TOM (V.O.) When I was a kid, Ernie Harwell's voice was the last thing I heard before I went to sleep at night.

TOM So, what do you think they should do with the stadium? 21

ERNIE I think it would be best if they tore it down. Otherwise, it'll fall into disrepair...kind of a bulky reminder of better days for the people who live around here in the present.

Harwell looks at his watch.

ERNIE Hey gotta go. Good luck bookman.

Ernie leaves as Tom observes the room of what he considers to be legit reporters and journalist types. With the guard approaching, Tom checks his cell and takes the hint to vacate.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

The family finishes dinner as Tom arrives home.

TOM Anyone call for me?

BETH No.

TOM Are you sure?

BETH Well, I checked messages, but you can check again.

Tom paces as he flips through the mail.

The phone rings and Tom pounces.

TOM Tom Stanton...Oh, hi Joey. No, but someone's beeping in now.

He clicks over.

TOM Hello...Yes...No thank you....say, why don't I take your number and you can tell me about it when you're having dinner. 22

He hangs up. The family looks at him like he's crazy.

TOM Phone solicitor.

He heads for his study.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom checks messages.

ANSWERING MACHINE No new messages.

He picks up the phone and dials. It's 8:30.

PHIL (V.O.) Phil Spitzer.

TOM Hi Phil, Tom Stanton. I didn't realize it was so late, but we had trouble with our phones today, so I didn't know if you'd called.

PHIL (V.O.) No. I didn't.

TOM Oh...well...I was wondering then...

Silence.

TOM Perhaps we could agree on something temporary?

Silence.

PHIL (V.O.) It doesn't work that way, but I tell you what, and I have no idea why I'm agreeing to this, but....

Tom punches the air like a crazy man.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER MANAGEMENT OFFICE - DAY

Bob hands Tom a set of press credentials.

BOB This'll get you in early with access to the field, but you won't be allowed in the club house unless you're invited.

TOM That's fine.

Tom smiles wide as he shakes hands with Bob the press manager.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

The Stadium stands silently strong at the red brick intersection of Michigan and Trumbull.

TOM (V.O.) I'm not sure where it came from really...

A placard commemorating Ty Cobb reads, "A Genius in Spikes". Another sign proclaims the park as an historic site.

TOM (V.O.) The sudden need to be here this year....

EXT. HOWARD STONE'S LOT - CONTINUING

Tom shows off his press pass to Howard as Joe and Zack wait patiently.

TOM As legit as ABC.

HOWARD Congratulations.

ZACK Gotta use the facilities Dad.

TOM Catch you later Howard.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Tom and Joe wait at a souvenir stand next to the restroom where vendor AMZIE GRIFFIN, a well manicured black man, prepares for the crowds. Tom jots notes on Amzie's counter.

TOM (V.O.) So you have a job next year?

Amzie peers over the top of his glasses, looking at Tom as if he's from another planet.

AMZIE That'd be nice, but they're handling their own concessions at the new park.

TOM I wonder if there's anyone who's looking forward to next season.

AMZIE None that I know of.

Zack walks out of the restroom rejoining the group.

ZACK Ugh...I can never get used to that place.

The guys all smile and Tom extends his hand to Amzie.

TOM Tom Stanton. This is my son, Zack, and this is my father, Joe.

AMZIE Amzie Griffin.

ZACK Hi.

TOM I'll stop by again.

AMZIE Enjoy the game.

Tom, Joe and Zack enter the tunnel. 25

The threesome emerge onto the vast sea of perfectly trimmed, vibrantly colored grass, stopping in front of the flagpole. AL KALINE stands before them looking off to the distance.

TOM (V.O.) Good God, it's Kaline.

Tom does a contemplative pivot.

JOE That flagpole's been there since I was a boy.

ZACK How do you know it's the same one?

Joe points at a placard.

JOE April, 1912.

Tom takes a breath, regains composure and turns to go for Kaline, who's halfway across the field now. Tom aborts, scanning the American League pennants that line the roof.

Near the dugout, photographer BILL EISNER snaps a shot of Bob the press manager with team president, JOHN MCHALE JR, who wears a hand knotted bow tie.

BILL Thanks Mr. McHale.

TOM (V.O.) As much as I'd like to blame some one for the loss of this place, I guess I can't blame the team president....

BOBBY HIGGINSON strides to the bench after batting practice, his frown framed by a tight goatee.

TOM (V.O.) Maybe it's the owners fault. After all, they were the ones who ultimately decided...but if they hadn't bought the team in '92, Monaghan would have left the park anyway...He was a good villain too...trying to defend the firing of Ernie Harwell, then threatening to move the team out of Michigan.

Higginson points the barrel of his black baseball bat at an unsuspecting boy two rows back, handing the bat to a man in the front row.

HIGGINSON Hand this to him.

The boy holds the bat like a sacred sword as Higginson disappears down the steps into the clubhouse.

EXT. DUGOUT - CONTINUING

Ex-manager SPARKY ANDERSON and batting coach ALAN TRAMMELL, sign autographs for fans.

FAN #1 You 'da man Al.

FAN #2 Sparky!!

DISSOLVE TO:

Brian Moehler carves the letters F-M into the pitching mound. The scoreboard displays a close up of the mound and Brian's photo.

ZACK If his name is Brian, why does he always make an F in the dirt?

TOM What? Something you don't know?

ZACK Nick name?

TOM No, his dad passed away before he made it to the big leagues, so he dedicates each game to his dad.

ZACK Oh yeah, Frank.

TOM No. Fred.

Planes circle overhead trailing banners that read: "Think Ford First," and "Deja Vu's Totally Nude Showgirls."

Minnesota hits.

Shirtless fans in the bleachers swat at beach balls that bounce over the crowd while Tom, Joe and Zack slop down hot dogs and drink Cokes. Zack notices a woman in a fuzzy feline costume as she trudges up the stairs.

ERNIE (V.O.) We're at 3 balls and 2 strikes in the bottom of the 9th, with the winning run waiting on 3rd. Easley's poised to be the hero here and....

Fans rise from their seats, their cheers building to thunder as Easley strikes out.

ZACK Hey Grandpa, you know that Jones is using Kaline's A-2000 that he used during his last season.

JOE How'd you know that?

ZACK We were chatting before the game.

They smile, both knowing that Zack is bluffing.

Minnesota scores a 12th inning home run ending the game.

JOE Too bad that A-2000 didn't bring us any of Kaline's talent today.

Scoreboard reads: Minnesota 1, Detroit 0.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

The family eats dinner as Tom peruses rejection letters.

ZACK Tigers blow.

TOM It's kind of bitter-sweet though, three generations of Stantons carrying on a tradition.... 28

BETH Any nibbles from publishers?

TOM No.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. BALLFIELD - DAY

William strikes out one batter.

INT. JOE'S HOME - SIMULTANEOUS

Joe and Taylor sit in front of the TV watching the Tigers.

ERNIE (V.O.) Jeff Weaver has struck out the first two batters in the line-up this afternoon.

TAYLOR So that's a K, right Grandpa?

JOE That's right.

Taylor writes on Joe's scoresheet.

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

William strikes out another batter.

ERNIE (V.O.) We've now gone two innings without a hit here at The Corner and Weaver's looking good.

William strikes out a 3rd batter.

WILLIAM That's me, 1-2-3.

ERNIE (V.O.) And the "Dream Weaver" wins it for the Tigers after 5 shutout innings. Detroit 7, Minnesota 1.

William walks off the field, visibly disappointed.

ZACK Good game William.

BETH Why the long face?

WILLIAM It's probably the only game we'll win all year and Dad didn't even come.

ZACK Just keep Taylor out of the game and things will be fine.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Amzie Griffin, talks with Tom.

AMZIE I was one of the first black vendors allowed to sell hot dogs here...Had to protest to get in back then. But now I get first pick of the place.

TOM This is the best spot then?

AMZIE Oh yeah, I got the left-field gate, food counters on each side, and the restrooms. Everyone has to visit the restroom sometime.

TOM How's business?

AMZIE Well, you can't quit your day job, but I raised 3 kids and a couple of grandkids out here, so I enjoy it.

TOM Seems like I grew up here too. Must be why I'm having such a hard time. Or maybe I'm feeling guilty about not doing something to save the place.

AMZIE Nothing you could have done that somebody else didn't try. 30

TOM Feels like we're watching a lifetime friend die a slow death.

AMZIE We are...and here's a guy you can talk to about that.

Amzie waves to ROGER DAVIDS and his wife JUDY with their children DYLAN and WILLIE.

AMZIE Hey Roger, this is Tom Stanton. He's writing a book about the Tigers and the stadium.

The two shake hands.

AMZIE Roger's the man who developed a plan to save the place a few years back.

ROGER This is my wife Judy. And this is Dylan...and Willie.

AMZIE After Willie Mays.

Willie stares blankly at Tom, his face blue from eating cotton candy. Dylan extends his hand and Tom gives it a shake before turning on his tape recorder.

TOM You mind?

ROGER Not at all.

TOM I saw you on the news a couple of times. You put up a good fight....

ROGER It's just such a great building for baseball...puts a lot of people close to the action.

JUDY We've been coming here since we started dating.

ROGER Game kind of became secondary to seeing our friends after a while....But we got bitter after the fight, so we haven't really come much since then.

JUDY Until this year.

ROGER We're just coming now because we want the boys to remember it.

TOM Are you bringing them to the last game?

ROGER Nope. They made it too difficult to get tickets, so this is probably it for us.

EXT. HOWARD STONE'S LOT - NIGHT

Tom, Howard and Fred Baker sit on the tailgate of Fred's pickup shelling and eating peanuts.

FRED When I was a kid I learned how to sneak in...Security guards still look the other way... although I was in charge of the group sales for years too, so they all know me.

TOM What memories standout the most?

FRED First time I came by myself, I asked this White Sox player for a ball and he signed it: Ted Lyons.

TOM No way.

FRED Heinie Manush gave me a baseball every time I came to a game...I was there when he went into the Hall of Fame too...He still called me "kid."

TOM Who else have you met? 32

FRED One of the greatest thrills of my life, and I'll be 83 in September, was when I got Ty Cobb to sign a ball for me, right there on the corner.

TOM How'd that happen? What did you say?

FRED I said hello and we just started talkin. We're all made of the same fabric.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

Beth holds a sealed envelope to the light trying to read it's contents.

INT. STANTON HOME - CONTINUING

Tom walks through the front door to find Zack watching C-SPAN.

TOM Hey Z, what's the latest?

ZACK They're still yakking about Y-2-K.

TOM Not like it'll be the end of the world if everyone's computerless for a while.

ZACK They're afraid of malfunctions at water treatment plants.

TOM Well I guess that wouldn't be good.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - CONTINUING

Beth quickly places the letter with two others on the bottom of the stack of mail, retrieving a plate of food from the oven as Tom walks into the room.

BETH How'd it go? 33

He reaches for the stack of mail, flipping through to the bottom three letters and opening them as he speaks.

TOM I'm getting to know some of the people.

BETH Anyone interesting?

TOM Fred Baker the peanut guy, he's like "The Don" of the place....And Howard from the parking lot....

William runs in as Tom reads the last of his rejection letters for the day.

WILLIAM Guess what Dad? We won.

TOM Well, here's 3 more rejections to add to the stack.

William leaves the room unacknowledged as Tom gathers up his takes his dinner, notes and tape recorder and heads for the study. Beth follows William.

BETH Dad's just busy right now William, he'll be there tomorrow.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

The broken window pane is covered with cardboard and duct tape. Beth peeks in, but leaves without interrupting.

TOM Well, there's just no way I can come in. Sorry.

He hangs up and pushes play on his recorder as Beth returns.

ROGER (V.O.) We're just coming this year because we want the boys to remember it.

BETH Tom, we need to talk.

TOM Okay, yeah...just...

TOM (V.O.) Are you bringing them to the final game?

ROGER (V.O.) Nope.

Tom stops the recorder and types. Beth walks away.

TOM (V.O.) I want my boys to remember it too...to remember me, like I remember the times with Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Tommy.

INT. TOM AND BETH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Beth lays awake as Tom climbs into bed at 12:30.

TOM Sorry. I didn't mean to put you off.

BETH Not worried about me, but William...You know you never acknowledged the fact that they won.

TOM They did?

BETH And William was upset that you weren't there to see it, but Taylor didn't even go.

TOM Why?

BETH We were at your dad's and he wanted to stay there. He refused to get in the car.

TOM Why didn't you tell me?

She glares at him.

BETH I've tried. He's been complaining every day and he's wearing me down.

TOM I'll talk to him.

BETH Good, and since you're in the mood for information gathering on the family, Zack's Honor Society induction's tomorrow at the same time as Little League and I told William you'd be there.

TOM I have a game.

BETH I'm starting to feel like a single parent here Tom.

TOM It's only for a few months B.

BETH I know, but you said you'd be spending more time with the boys and right now, even if you are here for dinner, you're eating in your office...

TOM I'm not going to get a second chance at this.

BETH And when are the boys going to be 9 and 13 again?

They look at each other in silence.

TOM I'll be there. I'll be a little late, but I'll be there.

He kisses her and rolls over onto his side.

BETH Are we reliving childhood with this Tom?

TOM I don't know.

BETH What's gonna happen if...

TOM I can't think about that right now.

She turns her back to Tom with a heavy sigh.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

With a long silence between them, Tom looks to the ground as Joey scans the stands taking in the essence of the park.

TOM (V.O.) I think you can measure the depth of a friendship by the volume of silence it can absorb in comfort. And I know he's my brother, but with Joey, shared silence never feels awkward.

Al Kaline interacts with players near the batting cage.

JOEY (V.O.) So, what's Kaline have to say?

TOM (V.O.) Saw him last week on the field, but....

Tom and brother Joey watch Kaline from corner seats of the front row of the upper deck.

JOEY You chickened out Tommy?

TOM I reverted back to 12 year old hero mode and by the time I got up the nerve, he was gone.

The players draw in around Kaline like a fire on a cold night. Kaline pats TONY CLARK on the rear and puts his arm around the shoulders of JUAN ENCARNATION.

Tom and Joey stand for the anthem as CONRAD, wearing an Orioles cap and JERRY, with a Ripken jersey take the seats next to them.

JOEY So, how's it coming then?

TOM Well, I've just been interviewing people and watching the fans.

Joey looks around.

JOEY Are they as quirky as we are?

Tom points toward two guys as they pull homemade sandwiches from paper bags.

TOM Oh, yeah...those guys over there are about to have lunch.

He points to a MAN who listens with headphones to a transistor radio as he writes in a notebook.

TOM That guy with the headphones has scored every game since 1960.

He gestures over his shoulder toward the man with the turned up mustache.

TOM And Rollie Fingers back there...that's what I call him... buys two bags of peanuts from Fred Baker, and gives one bag away at every game.

Jerry, the fan next to Tom, drops in on the conversation.

JERRY We're quirky.

TOM (extending his hand) Tom Stanton.

JERRY Jerry from Baltimore. This is Conrad.

CONRAD We're doing five parks in four days.

JERRY I scheduled too many games this time. Had to ask my boss for extra vacation days.

TOM I'm selling my business to accommodate my schedule.

Conrad high-fives Tom.

CONRAD Now that's commitment.

TOM Why Tiger Stadium?

JERRY Cobb and Ruth played here. Plus it's the last year. Check this out.

Jerry shows Tom video playback on his digital camera of himself before the game hanging on the "Michigan and Trumbull" street sign in front of the park.

JERRY Michigan and Trumbull's the most famous address in baseball.

CONRAD For a few more months anyway.

Conrad looks around noticing peeling paint and the view blocking posts that support the upper deck.

CONRAD (V.O.) I'd hate to have to sit behind one of those.

Two seats away a Japanese man flinches when a rusted bolt falls from the catwalk above hitting him in the shoulder.

CONRAD (V.O.) I can see why it's time for a new one.

SAM THE USHER, a senior citizen nearly as weathered as the park, moves the Japanese man to a better seat.

Boston scores a run.

JOEY Kind of ironic that we're playing Boston today.

TOM Why, because it's Fenway's birthday too?

JOEY Yep.

DISSOLVE TO:

Tom records CAROLYN KRAUSE in the stands.

CAROLYN My great-grandma saw the first game at Fenway.

TOM April 20th, 1912, same as this park.

CAROLYN Fenway's older though, game started an hour earlier. But I wanted to say goodbye to her sister anyway.

TOM Because...

CAROLYN When I want to see the Eiffel Tower, I go to Paris.... The field's just so much bigger than the team.

TOM you think the same thing will happen to Fenway?

CAROLYN We'd never allow it.

TOM Preservationists haven't saved a park yet.

CAROLYN There's also never been a Fenway....

INT. TOM'S CAR - DAY

Tom's on the cell phone, sitting in gridlock traffic.

TOM I forgot about rush hour.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - CONTINUING

Beth is on the phone.

BETH Fine, I'll pick them up after the induction.

TOM (V.O.) I'll be there by then.

She hangs up.

BETH Come on guys...Zack, grab the video camera.

The twins wander in with their baseball gear.

WILLIAM Where's Dad?

BETH He'll see you at the game.

TAYLOR I'm not going.

BETH Don't start Taylor. Grandpa's coming with us and you can't stay home alone.

EXT. BALLFIELD - DAY

The Little League Cardinals are down 10 to 1. The coach waves William over.

COACH Ready?

WILLIAM Yeah.

COACH Okay, go.

William scans the bleachers, but there's no sign of his dad.

EXT. FREEWAY - DAY

Tom sits in gridlock traffic.

EXT. BALLFIELD - DAY

William strikes out the first batter.

EXT. FREEWAY - CONTINUING

Tom's car stalls. The fuel gauge is on "E".

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

A batter hits a fly to first.

EXT. FREEWAY - CONTINUING

Horns honk as Tom's car is hoisted onto a flatbed.

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

Another batter hits a fly ball that rolls toward Taylor in the outfield, but he's sitting down singing to himself and pulling up grass.

WILLIAM Taylor get up.

William scans the bleachers once again, but Tom is not there.

COACH Come on Taylor. Get in the game.

Taylor scoops the ball, throwing it to William, who throws it home just in time to avoid the home run.

DISSOLVE TO:

Taylor and William sit alone on the otherwise empty bleachers.

COACH Hey guys, where's your mom?

TAYLOR Dad's supposed to be here.

Tom pulls up.

TOM Sorry guys, I ran out of gas.

TAYLOR You're always out of gas when it comes to us.

INT. TOM'S CAR - CONTINUING

The twins get in.

TOM That's not true...How'd it go?

TAYLOR We lost.

WILLIAM I got to pitch though.

TAYLOR I'm quitting.

TOM You don't sign up for something and quit halfway through.

TAYLOR I didn't sign up. You did.

` TOM The team's counting on you.

TAYLOR Oh yeah? They were counting on you too coach.

TOM They had plenty of notice...before the season started, not in the middle.

TAYLOR But all they ever let me do is play the outfield and there's not one kid in the league who can hit the ball that far.

WILLIAM That kid did today.

TAYLOR It rolled out there.

WILLIAM Because you were sitting down.

TAYLOR I was bored.

Taylor shoves William and they go back and forth a few rounds.

TOM You're still not quitting.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

The family eats dinner as Tom jots notes.

BETH And then Zack got to speak...You did a great job honey.

Tom is heavy in thought.

ZACK Thanks Mom.

WILLIAM So when are we going to California?

BETH I'm not sure it'll fit in with your father's schedule. What do you think Tom?

TOM Where's the videotape?

BETH We're talking about vacation. 44

TAYLOR Try to keep up Dad.

Tom grabs the family calendar.

TOM Well, Tigers are out of town next weekend, so maybe we'll go to Stony Creek.

WILLIAM I thought we were going to Hollywood.

TOM Change of plans.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Tom and Zack sit in the grandstands eating pizza with their legs over the seats in front of them. It's cold and overcast and there's no one else seated within 30 feet of them.

TOM Would you like another piece?

Tom opens the Little Caesars box that rests in his lap and Zack takes a slice, scratching the leftover cheese from the cardboard tray.

ZACK Did you know that one time a fly ball bounced off Jose Canseco's head?

TOM Really?

ZACK Yeah. It went over the fence for a home run....

He takes a bite of pizza.

ZACK And did you know that Allan Sherman was the only comedian to have three number-one albums?

TOM Why do you know these things?

Zack sips his Coke. 45

ZACK Because I do.

TOM Hey, you want to move down closer?

ZACK Yeah, let's sneak in by the players' wives.

Tom takes a seat behind home plate with Zack sitting two seats away. Tom interprets the empty seat between them as a symbolic slap in the face.

TOM (V.O.) Is he embarrassed?...I guess Dad embarrassed me when I was his age...always jingling the change in his pockets, but...

Zack senses his father's agitation.

ZACK Seats are tighter here.

Reflective silence.

TOM (V.O.) Maybe that's why he hasn't asked me to chaperone band camp.

TOM Who never swung at the first pitch?

ZACK Charlie Gehringer....Who was Michael Dukakis' running mate?

TOM Lloyd Bentsen?

ZACK Good one Dad.

TOM I happen to be old enough to remember that one...So, what do you think you'll remember most about this place?

Zack struggles for an answer.

ZACK Probably the shape of the outfield....but you know, one of the good things about this stadium is that when it's rainy the expensive seats get wet too.

Tom smiles.

TOM (V.O.) At least I know he's a Democrat.

INT. JOE'S HOME - NIGHT

Joe and Taylor listen to the game on the radio.

ERNIE (V.O.) And it's Easley with a homer, but Minnesota still leads by 2.

Taylor writes on the score sheet.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Zack and Tom cheer the home run.

TOM (V.O.) I'm proud of Zack. I wish he could be proud of me too.

INT. TOM & BETH'S BEDROOM - SIMULTANEOUS

The Tiger game is on the radio as Beth lies staring at the ceiling. She hits the remote, changing to a Sarah McClachlan CD.

INT. JOE'S HOME - SIMULTANEOUS

Joe stands.

JOE Take your plate Taylor?

Taylor hands over the plate and Joe starts for the kitchen but falls to the floor.

TAYLOR Grandpa, are you okay? 47

ERNIE (V.O.) It's a strike, Mr. Eddings said so...cut right through the heart of the plate while Gonzalez stood there like the house by the side of the road watching it go by. And that's the end of another one here at Tiger Stadium.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

Tom rushes in to find Beth and the boys in the waiting room.

BETH It's a mild stroke. He's fine, but they're keeping him overnight for observation.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Colleen and Joey stand by Joe's bedside. He has a bruise on his forehead, glancing over as Tom enters with Beth and the boys.

TOM Dad.

JOE Hey.

TOM Dad.

JOE Not to worry Tommy. Just a little scratch. Good thing Taylor was there to save me.

The nurse comes in.

NURSE Too many people in here. Sorry.

TOM You okay?

JOE I feel fine.

TOM Alright, you get some rest and I'll be back in the 48

morning. Tom pats his dad's hand and they all file out of room.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT - STANTON LIVING ROOM - DAY

Tom guides Joe to the sofa as the twins run through the house.

TOM You relax here now and let Beth take care of you while I take the twins to the game. If you're feeling up to it, I'll take you home later.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Fans mill about in Chicago White Sox uniforms as Amzie Griffin shakes hands with William and Taylor.

AMZIE Enjoy the game.

As Tom and the twins continue toward their seats, they notice Al Kaline on the field doing a television interview with a few "legit" reporter/journalist types.

TAYLOR Hey, there's Al Kaline.

WILLIAM Let's go talk to him.

TOM He's in the middle of an interview.

TAYLOR Isn't that the point of having a press pass?

TOM Well...yes, but.....

TAYLOR So we'll wait til they're finished and then nab him.

TOM We don't just walk up to Al Kaline...timing has to be right. 49

Taylor glares at Tom. PAWS, the team mascot sneaks up on the twins, high-fiving them and moving on.

The twins wait in the front row as LANCE PARRISH signs a ball for them. Tom stands off to the side, observing batting practice and jotting notes as KARIM GARCIA pounds 3 balls off the facing of the 3rd deck. INT. STANTON HOME - LATER

Joe and Zack watch on television as Garcia slams one over the roof.

ERNIE (V.O.) And it's outta here!

ZACK Should've been there for that one.

He returns to his homework as Joe scores the game.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Hot dog vendor Art Witkosky sets his case on an empty seat near Taylor, tosses a bag of buns high into the air and watches as hands raise in the crowd.

TOM This guy's been tossing dogs around here since I was a kid.

A couple of guys wave from a few rows back. Art holds up two fingers to confirm the order, prepares the dogs, wraps them in a plastic bag and throws them to the buyers.

ART This is my full-time part-time job. Twenty-seven years this season.

TOM A couple for us too...

Art hands the boys their hot dogs as Tom forks over the cash.

ART It's a lot to lug on 70 year old legs, but I enjoy it.

TOM You hopping on the Comerica bus for the big move to the new stadium? 50

ART Retirement may be more my speed.

Not paying attention to the game, the twins eat their dogs and drink Coke as Tom and Art continue.

TOM Any hard feelings?

ART Nah. Things wear out. I'm wearing out myself.

William and Taylor count to themselves.

WILLIAM Fifty-one, fifty-two. I win.

Taylor finishes his count.

TAYLOR Ninety-six...No fair, I had twice as many.

WILLIAM So, you had rows. You could've multiplied.

TOM What are you two fighting about now?

TAYLOR I counted people in the bleachers and he counted the lights. I finished first, so I get the front on the way home.

TOM Well, Tigers are losing anyway, so let's get moving and see how Grandpa's doing.

Amzie waves them over on their way out, giving the boys each a pair of oversized sunglasses as a gift.

AMZIE Here you go guys. On me.

TAYLOR & WILLIAM Thank you.

TOM You don't need to do that Amzie.

The boys put the glasses on and start horsing around as SARA SIMPSON, an elderly African American woman with blonde hair approaches.

AMZIE I know...Hey there's Sara, have you two met?

TOM Yes, on the press elevator. What are you doing next season Sara?

SARA Not sure. Don't suppose they'll need me at the new place, but this has been my only job for 22 years, so I might be too old to get another one...Gotta get back to the elevator. See you later.

EXT. STANTON BACKYARD - DAY

Beth blows out birthday candles in the company of the family, including Tom's siblings Colleen and Joey and their families.

COLLEEN No game today Tommy?

BETH We get our family back when the Tigers are away.

JOEY Get a publisher yet?

TOM No.

JOEY Worried?

TOM I’m more worried about Dad right now.

Joe overhears. He shakes his head.

DISSOLVE TO: 52

EXT. FREEWAY - DAY

Classical music plays as Tom's car drives down the road.

INT. TOM'S CAR - CONTINUING

Tom's driving with Taylor in the front passenger seat. Zack, William and Beth are in the back. Tom taps Taylor's leg in time to the music.

TAYLOR Stop it.

He pushes Tom's hand away as he turns up the volume. Tom pretends to play the piano on the dash. Taylor glares at him so he stops simulating the piano and starts waving his arms.

TAYLOR What are you doing?

TOM Conducting.

TAYLOR No you're not.

He changes the CD to the theme from "Rodeo," which is too fast rhythmically for Tom to continue conducting. Taylor smiles victoriously toward the window and Tom tousles Taylor's hair.

TAYLOR Stop touching me.

BETH Do I have to separate you two?

TAYLOR Apparently so.

EXT. FREEWAY - CONTINUING

The car pulls out from the side of the road with Beth behind the wheel and Tom in the passenger seat.

EXT. STONY CREEK - DAY

The Stanton family rides bikes along the bank of the creek. Zack leads the pack, then William and Taylor, with Beth and Tom bringing up the rear.

TOM Don't get so far ahead Zack.

Zack doesn't hear him and the gap widens.

TOM It feels like we're losing them.

BETH They're not babies anymore. They have minds of their own.

Zack is further ahead now.

TOM Zack! Slow down.

Zack rounds the corner and he's out of sight.

BETH You just need to spend more time with them.

TOM That's exactly what they don't want.

INT. TOM'S CAR - DAY

Tom drives along attempting to sing harmony to a Hendrix song. William changes the CD, punching through to "Father of Mine" by Everclear and turning it up loud.

WILLIAM (singing song) ...Daddy gave me a name...My dad he gave me a name... Then he walked away...

EXT. FREEWAY - CONTINUING

The car pulls out from the side of the road, with Beth at the wheel and Tom in the passenger seat. The boys are in back.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Tigers are playing Baltimore. The Jumbotron flashes: Happy Mothers Day and the Stanton family bonds in the stands.

TOM Who can name the Hall of Famers?

WILLIAM Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, Ernie Harwell.

ZACK Those are the easy ones...What about Sam Crawford... Hit more triples than any player in history.

TOM And Harry Heilmann...

ZACK Had a lifetime average as good as Babe Ruth's.

TOM George Kell...

ZACK Ten-time all-star...

Zack sneaks a peek at the 3rd deck in right-field where placards display the last names of the 12 Tiger inductees.

ZACK Hal Newhouser.

TOM Grandpa Joe batted against him once.

TAYLOR King Hal.

ZACK Prince Hal Dufus.

TOM Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer.

WILLIAM Who was Gehringer again?

ZACK Second baseman.

TOM Never bragged, just did his job. Sort of like Grandpa Joe...

Tom gets contemplative as a fly ball heads in their direction. William and Taylor jump up with their gloves in the air.

Baltimore scores.

Beth wraps a sweater around her head as Baltimore scores again.

TOM We left out Hughie Jennings, Heinie Manush and Mickey Cochrane.

ZACK Mom, what are you doing?

BETH Well, I was going to bring a hat and gloves, but I thought I'd look like a nut.

ZACK Although you look perfectly normal like that.

The scoreboard shows a final score: Baltimore 5, Detroit 0. Taylor throws down his popcorn box, flattening it with a stomp.

TAYLOR Tigers stink.

TOM Hey hey, sportsmanlike conduct Mr.

TAYLOR I'd rather be at Orchestra Hall.

DISSOLVE TO:

Zack and William nibble cotton candy as the family stands in line to walk bases. Taylor's still pouting.

TOM What is wrong with you?

TAYLOR (screaming) I hate baseball!

BETH It's not the end of the world.

TAYLOR Yes it is and I'm not playing anymore. I mean it.

TOM But you love baseball.

TAYLOR No Dad, you love baseball. I hate it and I've only been saying it forever, so I'm quitting...My future happiness depends on it.

TOM Well, this can be your last year then, but there are only a few games left, so if you can finish the season without complaining, we won't sign you up next year.

TAYLOR Promise?

TOM I'd hate to ruin your future happiness.

TAYLOR You better not forget.

It's the boys turn to round the bases with Beth. She holds out her hand to Taylor.

BETH Coming?

TAYLOR Fine.

TOM Grab some dirt while you're out there.

WILLIAM They arrest people for that.

ZACK Pretend you're tying your shoelaces. I'll show you.

Zack's shoes have velcro fasteners but he fakes a fall anyway, pretending to tie a shoelace as he rolls into the grass. Each of the boys pretend in the same fashion several times, covertly stuffing their pockets with dirt as they round the bases with their mother.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON HOME - LATER

William unloads a fistful of grass into a crystal bowl.

ZACK You carried that the whole way home in your hand?

WILLIAM Yep.

TOM Way to go buddy.

Tom and William high-five as the other boys unload the combination of dirt and grass from their pockets. They all get pats on the back as Beth looks on in amazement.

BETH I think we are reliving childhood.

They all stare blankly at Beth as Tom and the boys disappear into the study with the bowl.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom places the bowl on the display shelf.

TOM For all to admire.

The boys are full of pride as Tom sits at his desk checking voice mail. The broken window is still patched with cardboard. Beth listens from the door.

PHIL (V.O.) Tom, Phil Spitzer here. Still fighting the regional battle. Of course it doesn't help that we're trying to sell a losing team and a dying ballpark, so see if you can do something about their record and get me a sample chapter ASAP.

TAYLOR Better get busy Dr. Seuss.

Tom powers up the computer.

BETH I'm going to get someone to fix that window okay?

TOM Yeah, sure.

The boys leave.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Tigers are playing Oakland and Tom looks on with his dad. A fan in the stands taunts the BALL BOY as he chases a foul.

DRUNK FAN Run Forrest, run.

Tiger GREGG JEFFRIES connects for a single.

JOE Well, what do ya know, even a blind chicken finds corn once in a while.

There's a long silence between them as the next batter strikes out and the Tigers take the field.

TOM Dad, did something happened between you and Uncle Tom?

JOE No. What do you mean?

TOM I was just wondering why we never hear from him anymore.

JOE (pause) Don't know.

TOM If I invited him to a game, do you think he'd come?

JOE Doubt it.

He looks toward the ball field wanting to change the subject.

JOE Old Weaver's not very sharp today.

INT. TOM AND BETH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Tom sits on the side of the bed, talking on the phone as Beth crawls in on the other side.

TOM I was just wondering, this being the last season for the Stadium and all, if you'd like to go to a game with Dad and me. Give us a call if you would.

He hangs up the phone.

BETH What a great idea.

TOM We used to have a lot of fun with Uncle Tom. I miss him.

BETH What's going on with the paper?

TOM We have an offer, but without a publisher....

BETH Do you have to sell Tom?

TOM I can't do it anymore. I don't have a life.

BETH Well…

TOM You understand why don't you?

BETH Mid-life crisis?

Tom sits up.

TOM That's what you think?

Beth laughs.

BETH Well, everyone else does, but I'm still standing by you, although I'm not sure why at this point, seeing how everything has to be sacrificed for baseball this year.

TOM One chance Beth, one chance.

BETH Home team's breaking down Tommy.

Tom just looks at her.

BETH And since you're too busy to think about it, I suggest we move your father in permanently, so we can keep an eye on him.

TOM He won't do it.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

It's Tigers against Cleveland with ALICE COOPER throwing out the first pitch. 61

Tom sits deep in thought in the upper deck behind home plate as Sam the usher approaches.

SAM Don't know why you'd want to come up here if you didn't have to.

TOM To talk to you...and Alice Cooper. I'm interviewing him for the book. So Sam, what keeps you coming back?

SAM Habit I guess. I like the Tigers and I like the people. Although once in a while you get a few assholes, like the cocky Cleveland fans that tried to sneak in here today. Must be 20,000 of 'em....

The aisles brim with an occupying army of middle-aged men in red socks and Bob Feller jerseys.

Alice Cooper approaches Sam and Tom.

SAM Right here Mr. Cooper.

Tom extends his hand as Alice takes a seat.

TOM Tom Stanton, I spoke with your agent.

ALICE Yeah.

TOM Looks like you've played some ball.

ALICE It's all I did as a kid...

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" plays as Paws the mascot goofs around with fans.

TOM So what made you want to meet up here?

ALICE It's where my dad and I sat for my first game...Double header against the Indians.

TOM You never forget that first game.

ALICE I was 7 and baseball meant everything. I sat here with my mouth open for 18 innings and I remember everything about it.

Bobby Higginson hits a home run, knocking in 3 Tigers, and prompting a round of "the wave" in the stands.

TOM I was 7 too, but I just remember being out with the older guys, my dad and my brother Joey.

They stand and sit as the wave passes through their section.

TOM We cheered for Mickey Mantle when he hit a home run... But I also remember shivering in the cold, burning my tongue on hot chocolate and peeing in public for the first time...in a urinal the size of our bathtub.

They laugh.

ALICE You never forget that experience either...When my son turned 7, I broke from a tour to bring him to a game. Ironically, we were playing the Indians that day too.

CECIL FIELDER hits a grand slam, prompting a bench emptying brawl between Detroit and Cleveland fans in the bleachers.

ALICE Rock concert...baseball game... all the same. Although back in the day, if somebody would've given me a choice between being a rock star or playing left field, I probably would've asked for the locker.

Tony Clark comes to bat.

TOM Who's your hero?

ALICE Kaline, and I've met everybody you can imagine, from Sinatra to the Beatles...Rolling Stones... Dylan...Groucho Marx....The only time I ever got tongue-tied was with Al Kaline.

Tom smiles.

TOM (V.O.) Alice and I, it seems, have something in common.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Tom observes batting practice as photographer BILL EISNER approaches with a snapshot. Eisner hands it off to Tom as a way of introducing himself.

BILL I caught this guy spying on the Tigers.

Tom looks at the photo of himself off to the side of the field taking notes.

TOM Sometimes it feels that way.

Bill notices Ernie Harwell walking in their direction. Harwell's casual and comfortable in his Detroit Stars commemorative cap. Bill times his comment so Ernie will hear.

BILL Ernie used one of my photos in a book.

ERNIE Bill takes fine pictures.

BILL You two should get a shot together.

Tom's embarrassed.

TOM One of these days.

ERNIE How bout now?

Ernie moves in closer to Tom as Bill snaps the shot.

TOM Thanks Ernie.

ERNIE See ya later fellas.

TOM I'm sorry, I didn't get your name.

BILL Bill Eisner, volunteer photographer.

Tom hands Bill his business card.

TOM Hope I can get a copy of that.

BILL No problem...maybe next time we'll get you with Kaline.

Tom twitches nervously and fidgets with his recorder.

TOM Yeah...Hey, mind if I interview you for my book?

BILL My pleasure.

DISSOLVE TO:

Tom and Bill in the stands with Bill speaking into Tom's recorder.

BILL I've always been a Tigers fan...Even made a deal with my wife Sammie...She was still my girlfriend at the time, but I told her that we'd get married if she got tickets to the World Series in '68.

TOM Sounds like she came through.

BILL We got hitched 15 months later... Of course we've been divorced for years now, but the Tygs are still here and so am I.

TOM What do you do with all the photos?

BILL I print 'em....

TOM For who? Do your children like baseball?

BILL No, my daughter could never walk or talk. She lives in a group home near the nursing home where my ex lives. I couldn't take care of 'em anymore.

TOM My son's turning 14 today and he'd probably say that I'm not taking care of him either, since I'm missing his party.

He stops. TOM (V.O.) For what? An old ballpark? A team that plays pathetically?

TOM I've missed his Honor Society induction, his band concert and his birthday party this year.

Drunk guys overhead are cracking up as one of them conjures up a gob of spit.

BILL (V.O.) We could be at the bar drinking, but we're not.

Tom feels a pelt on his sleeve and looks down to discover the gift of phlegm from above.

TOM (V.O.) I guess I deserve that.

It's the bottom of the 4th and Tom's walking out.

EXT. STANTON BACKYARD - LATER

Tom steps in next to Beth as the family sings "Happy Birthday" to Zack. 66

Zack opens gifts of CDs and Adlai Stevenson collectibles.

COLLEEN Adlai Stevenson?

ZACK Ran against Eisenhower in the 50s...... Thanks everybody.

JOEY So how's it going on the book front Tommy?

TOM Still no publisher, but I'm sending a sample chapter to my agent tomorrow.

Zack walks by.

ZACK Glad you could make it Dad.

TOM We'll hang out tomorrow, just the two of us.

ZACK Let me guess, at the Tiger game?

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Zack sits in the stands as Detroit prepares to take on St. Louis. Rollie Fingers, with the turned up mustache makes his way to his seat.

The guy with the headphones listens to Ernie Harwell on the radio.

ERNIE (V.O.) This weekend's 3 game homestand series with St. Louis brings Mark McGwire back to the place where he hit his first home run...He's one of 4 players to ever send the ball over the left-field roof. And it seems that excitement follows McGwire wherever he goes.

As McGwire emerges from the clubhouse tunnel, he's immediately surrounded by the media. Tom is among them. 67

REPORTER Any chance you'll hit another one out of the park today?

MCGWIRE I don't think about it.

RICHIE "Chicken Legs" RAU, a high tech guy with skinny legs and a Zig-Zag tattoo, preps the mic for the National Anthem as McGwire breaks for the batting cage. Chicken Legs steps aside to avoid being trampled.

TOM Is it fun to play here?

MCGWIRE It's always fun to play this game.

REPORTER Are you getting tired of interviews?

MCGWIRE People have to get tired of hearing the same things over and over.

REPORTER What do you want to talk about?

MCGWIRE I don't want to talk with you guys.

TOM What are you going to miss most about Tiger Stadium?

MCGWIRE (a little warmth seeps into his voice) Everything.

Tom waves to Zack in the stands.

Fans with banners, jerseys, Cardinal caps and huge portraits call out to McGwire. A little girl pleads in a Shirley Temple voice.

GIRL Mr. McGwire, Mr. McGwire.

A cheer rises when McGwire steps to the plate. He rewards it by pounding balls into the upper deck in left. One bangs the roof and rolls into the street. 68

Tom joins Zack in the stands to find his seat occupied by PETE MUNOZ, a friendly Hispanic man with sideburns and a crooked-tooth smile. Tom double checks his ticket.

PETE Oh, sorry man, Pete... (shakes hands with Tom) Snuck in from the bleachers. I'll move down one.

TOM Tom. (to Zack) Did you see me waving from the field?

ZACK Yes.

PETE I saw you too. You're a reporter?

TOM Just writing a book.

McGwire hits one out of the park near the foul pole.

PETE They're flying today.

ZACK I bet he hits the scoreboard.

The Tigers are on the dugout steps watching too.

INT. CENTER-FIELD SCOREBOARD - CONTINUING

Chicken Legs Richie Rau peeks through a crack in the scoreboard.

RICHIE Hit one over here and I'll give you the lights you break for a souvenir.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Pete speaks into Tom's recorder.

PETE It's one of the most beautiful places in the world to me...

TOM Why's that?

PETE Memories...of my dad...Norm Cash and the '61 season... I had my eyes on this Wilson Norman Cash baseball glove for the longest time and then my dad bought it for my birthday...I still have it.

TOM I have my first glove too.

PETE Funny isn't it? When you're a kid, you think Harvey Kuenn's always going to play with the Tigers, Kaline's always going to be in right field and your dad's going to live forever.

He turns his head as his eyes begin to well up.

PETE This place has always been a constant for me....

Tom gazes to the horizon as they stand for the "National Anthem."

TOM (V.O.) Me too.

McGwire traces a cross on his chest with his ball cap.

DISSOLVE TO:

Brian Moehler draws the initials F-M into the clay of the pitchers mound and retires the first two hitters, bringing McGwire to bat with a hero's welcome from the crowd.

ZACK What's wrong with these people?

PETE Have to have something to cheer for around here.

The park sparkles with camera flashes as McGwire swings. 70

Tom and Zack look at each other and join Pete in cheering.

Some fans "boo" the Detroit first baseman for catching the ball and Zack motions for two hot dogs from Art Witkosky.

TOM Only two Zack? Babe Ruth devoured a dozen between innings.

ZACK He did not.

TOM According to Uncle Tom he did...He had to keep his energy up for those mammoth swings....Hit the longest one ever in '26.

ZACK 626 feet.

TOM I also heard that Ty Cobb had razor sharp spikes caked with dried blood.

ZACK You're so full of it Dad.

Zack catches the dogs from Art Witkosky.

ZACK Betcha don't know who played for the Lions and the Tigers.

TOM You got me there.

ZACK The organist.

They laugh as Tom surrenders the cash for the hot dogs.

Paws the mascot walks by in a uniform numbered '99.

TOM What do think Paws will be wearing in 2002? 71

ZACK Probably a negligee because 2's retired.

He points to the #2 that hangs from the upper deck.

TOM And you will be too if you keep talking like that.

INT. STANTON STUDY - EARLY EVENING

Tom processes notes as a handyman repairs the window.

HANDYMAN Anything else you need?

TOM No. You go ahead, we ate at the game.

HANDYMAN (confused) Okay then. Have a good night.

Tom stares out the window.

DISSOLVE TO:

DAYDREAM

Beth appears in the doorway.

BETH What if it really doesn't work out Tom?

TOM Then….

BETH Then you'll have abandoned your family for nothing... So you better be sure about this Tome because our family is serious business and if this leaves us in financial ruin, I may have to…well, we just may not be here when you get home one day.

TOM But Beth.

RETURN TO PRESENT

Beth stops in the doorway.

BETH Yes my prince.

Tom, having nodded off, shakes off the dream, taking a deep breath.

TOM Oh….Nothing. Just…

BETH What? What is it?

TOM Are you really okay with this?

BETH If you’re in it with your whole heart I am.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Taking a deep breath, Tom sits quietly with his partner as FOUR LAWYERS and the BUYERS of his newspaper enter the room. One lawyer slaps a huge stack of papers down on the table in front of Tom and Mike. Tom looks at his watch.

LAWYER #1 Just a few signatures and we'll be on our way.

EXT. BALLFIELD - DAY

Taylor sits in the outfield pulling up grass.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUING

Tom pensively signs documents, passing them down the line.

BETH (V.O.) You'll have abandoned your family for nothing...

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

William strikes out and the teams change sides.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUING

Tom's halfway through the stack of papers. He looks at his watch again.

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

Beth sits in a chair on the sideline.

BETH Come on Cardinals, keep the spirits up.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUING

Tom signs the last document, standing before his partner Mike has finished.

LAWYER Well, congratulations everyone.

They all shake hands.

MIKE Shall we celebrate?

TOM Not today....Gotta go.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

The gates haven't opened to the public yet and Tom spots Al Kaline sitting alone, staring toward the field.

TOM (V.O.) ...3007 hits, .297 average, 399 home runs.

He walks toward Kaline, as self-conscious as a 7th grader heading into the junior-high showers. Kaline sees Tom approaching and returns his eyes to the field.

TOM Hi.

KALINE Hello.

Tom keeps walking, clenching his jaw in disappointment. 74

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STANTON HOME - NIGHT

Still with clenched jaw, Tom opens the door into the kitchen.

BETH (V.O.) ...don't plan on me being here when you get home.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - CONTINUING

Tom enters a quiet house. Beth walks in from the living room. Tom meets her in the middle with a kiss.

BETH What's that about?

TOM Deal's done.

BETH Congratulations.

William runs in.

WILLIAM Hey Dad. We were down by 7 and we came back.

Tom high-fives William as he heads for his study.

TOM Way to go Cardinals.

INT. STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom closes the door behind him, pulls out his notes, powers on the computer and sits, shutting himself down as he hits the chair, resting his head in his hands.

TOM (V.O.) Hi.

KALINE Hello.

TOM You blew it again.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Tom, Zack and Joe sit behind the home-run fence, next to the yellow pole that separates fair territory from foul. The Jumbotron reads "Happy Fathers Day," as 88 year old ELDEN AUKER throws out the ceremonial first pitch.

TOM (V.O.) From Dad I've learned that silence isn't the same as weakness...and family's always family.

TOM I didn't hear the announcement. Who is that?

Joe squints, the pitch is…

JOE Submarine style.

TOM & JOE Elden Auker.

ZACK Submarine style?

JOE He had a shoulder injury in college and couldn't pitch overhand anymore.

Brian Moehler carves F-M into the mound.

ZACK Maybe Moehler will throw a no hitter for his dad today.

The Davids boys hold a sign that reads "The Grass will Always be Greener at the Corner of Michigan and Trumbull."

Several women wave poster-boards behind the New York dugout: "Derek Jeter, will you marry me?"

JOE Steinbrenner's even here today.

TOM I guess everybody wants to say good-bye.

JOE I don't have no attachment to places.

Tom is stunned.

TOM No?

TOM (V.O.) Doesn't he know that it's because of him that I do?

JOE I'm more attached with people.

Tom scans the park, marveling at his dad's comment.

TOM (V.O.) People...That's why I'm here too...And it seems that most of the lessons I've learned from Dad have come just like that, casually and naturally.

ZACK Hey Dad, if you picked an all-Michigan team, who'd be on it?

TOM Probably Willie Horton...Bill Freehan.

ZACK Jeter as the shortstop?

TOM Okay.

ZACK John Smoltz as the pitcher?

JOE Hal Newhouser, Charlie Gehringer, Barney McCosky...

And the Tigers win as Tom fights a tear.

TOM I'm attached to these people most of all.

JOE What's that?

TOM Thinking out loud.

Tom, Zack and Joe exit in the crowd of fans.

ZACK Need to make a stop.

Tom and Joe follow Zack into the restroom.

INT. RESTROOM - CONTINUING

A LITTLE GUY on his tip-toes stands next to Zack at the urinal. He glances from side to side, comparing himself to the older guys then quickly zips and waits for his dad.

DAD You're a man now son.

He pats the kid on the back and everyone in the restroom smiles. Some also laugh at a drunk fan who rips one of the urinals off the wall, stowing it under his trench coat.

DRUNK FAN For my old man.

WILLIAM (V.O.) That's disgusting.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON HOME - NIGHT

The family is gathered around the dinner table.

TAYLOR That would be the last thing I'd want as a souvenir.

ZACK Me too, but they arrested him at the gate anyway.

TAYLOR I refuse to use those things. I always wait for a stall.

BETH How bad could it be?

ALL THE GUYS Bad...Gross....Disgusting....Oh, it's the worst.

TAYLOR like being on the jumbotron naked.

They all laugh.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Animated Tigers race on the jumbotron/scoreboard. Tigers are playing Seattle.

Tom saves Joe from taking a tumble as he trips up the steps in Sam's section.

TOM Hold my arm Dad.

Tom and Joe approach Sam the usher's section. Sam wears a "Not Dead Yet" button...

TOM Where've you been lately Sam?

SAM Had a mini-stroke last week.

TOM You okay?

SAM Can't hold the old and ornery down for too long, right Joe?

JOE That's right. I need to get a button like that.

SAM I'll have one for you next time. 79

TOM Well, I hate to raise your blood pressure again, but looks like you may need to call security.

A fan tries to clip the fence with wire cutters.

SAM (V.O.) Buncha donkeys...Probably won't be anything left by the last game. Sam confronts the guy with the clippers.

SAM What the hell are you doing?

DRUNK FAN Gotta have a souvenir man. Want me to cut you one?

SAM Want the place to crumble from under you? Get the hell out of here.

TOM Hey Dad, I'm going to hang out in the bleachers for a while. You okay? Need anything?

JOE You go ahead, I'm good.

Tom sits with Pete Munoz in the bleachers. Pete holds up a copy of "Sports Illustrated," featuring a photo of Ken Griffey Jr. leaping high in center field at Tiger Stadium. He points to himself just above Griffey's glove, standing at the out-field fence in the lower bleachers.

PETE This was last year when Griffey stole a home run from Luis Gonzalez. That's me right there...I'm gonna get his autograph.

TOM Griffey over Norm Cash?

PETE No, he just gave me my five minutes of fame. This play made highlights on every sports show in the country.

On the diamond a Seattle player slaps the ball into the hole between short and third. DEIVI CRUZ snags it and fires to first, beating the batter.

PETE Man, the arms on these guys, especially the 3rd basemen. I can't even imagine having that kind of arm, hardly any arc on the ball at all...just goes like that.

He shoots out his left hand.

TOM You coming to the last game?

PETE I'm planning on hiding out the night before.

TOM Hope it doesn't have to come to that.

He writes feverishly on a notepad.

PETE I'm looking forward to it.

DISSOLVE TO:

Seattle wins it 5 to 4 and Pete Munoz waves his magazine in front of Ken Griffey Jr. as he comes off the field.

PETE Hey, that's me in the picture.

Griffey keeps walking, ignoring Munoz. Pete hands his marker to the guy next to him.

PETE Hey man, can you write "asshole" on the back of my shirt?

The guy writes "asswhole" on Pete's Griffey jersey.

As the stadium empties, Tom and Joe sit with Fred Baker in the stands.

TOM How do you feel about the park closing?

FRED Everything comes to an end. It's part of life...like my wife and I lived in a house for years and then we moved, but I still love that house...I still drive by and wave because... (pause) ...memories stick...My daughters grew up there. So, I'm a sentimentalist and I'm going to feel badly about the park... But everything comes to an end.

EXT. JOE'S HOME - NIGHT

Tom's car pulls into the driveway.

TOM You getting tired of going to the games yet?

JOE Never.

TOM You're slowing down a little though. You think you should come live with us just so you don't have so much to do?

JOE I can still take care of things.

TOM But maybe it's time to let someone else take care of things for you.

JOE I'm fine, Doc says I just need that angioplasty and I'll be as new.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

The family shuffles dinner dishes toward the sink as Tom arrives home.

TAYLOR Just in time.

Tom sits at the table with his notepad.

WILLIAM You coming to our game tomorrow?

TOM No. Mom and I have a date.

He makes a few notes as William walks out disappointed.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Beth spots "Tom and Beth Stanton" as it appears on the scoreboard in the list of fans celebrating wedding anniversaries. She rests her head on Tom's shoulder.

TOM You don't mind really, do you?

BETH No...but the kids do. This has been tough on them.

EXT. BALLFIELD - SIMULTANEOUS

Taylor stands in the outfield, conducting the orchestra that plays in his head.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

TOM They're fine with Dad. This is our day.

BETH You've basically missed their entire summer.

TOM I'll go to the game next week.

BETH This was the last one.

TOM What? I thought they had one more week.

BETH You didn't make it to one game.

TOM What the hell am I doing? 83

BETH Good question.

Tom grabs her hand and they leave.

EXT. BALLFIELD - CONTINUING

Beth and Tom join Joe and Zack in the bleachers as William slams one, bringing in Taylor and two other Cardinals for a win.

TOM (V.O.) I'm sorry, I've just been...

BETH (V.O.) A little consumed?

The family high-fives, congratulating the twins.

TAYLOR Thanks to William, we won't be the worst team in the league this year.

ZACK Because second to worst is so much better.

Taylor whacks Zack on the back of the head, prompting Tom to whack Taylor on the butt.

TOM Hey, (through his teeth) we don't hit in this family.

Everyone goes silent. Taylor looks at Zack.

TAYLOR Did he just?...

ZACK He did.

They all look at each other not knowing how to respond.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

Tom writes feverishly. The phone rings and he ignores it.

BETH (V.O.) Tom, it's your Uncle Tom.

Tom picks up.

TOM Uncle Tom?

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY (SAME AS SCENE 2)

Tom, Joe and UNCLE TOM sit in the stands, Joe and Uncle Tom with matching round bellies, big glasses and ball caps.

TOM Initially I thought it was an excellent idea, but it's taken a toll on the family and I can't even seem to get the guts to talk to Kaline...No one in the literary world seems to think it's a worthy story either, because no one's biting and...

UNCLE TOM You're not giving up are you Tommy?

TOM Not sure if I can at this point because I've sold the paper, but...

UNCLE TOM Hang in there. It's the struggle that makes the success sweeter. Don't you agree Joe?

JOE You're the only one who can make it happen Tommy.

They sit silently for a minute.

TOM What do you remember from your first game Uncle Tom?

UNCLE TOM I remember that your Uncle Clem conned your Uncle Ted into forking over money to Pa so he could take me. It was Briggs Stadium then, but Pa called it Navin Field. Roy Cullenbine hit 2 home runs and Greenberg hit a 3- bagger to the flagpole. Virgil Trucks was pitching.

JOE Newhouser was here then too.

UNCLE TOM T-N-T: Trucks...

UNCLE TOM & JOE Newhouser, and Trout.

UNCLE TOM When I went with Pa, we'd always sit underneath that dang scoreboard and I was scared of heights, but Pa thought he got a better view from there and he liked the shade.

JOE I used to get a kick out of Pa watching the game. He'd move around...And if the guy was sliding, he'd throw his feet out. It was kind of funny with him doing the motions all the time.

UNCLE TOM (to Tom) You should've seen him watch a wrasslin' match. Holy cripe!

There's a sentimental pause in the conversation, with the fan next to Tom listening to Harwell's broadcast on headphones.

ERNIE (V.O.) Since there's no clock in baseball, there's always an opportunity for redemption...and that's exactly what the Tigers are hoping for here today.

The brothers continue to talk.

JOE Tommy tell ya I'm getting that angioplasty next week?

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

Tom types:

TOM (V.O.) Uncle Tom's missed the funerals of two brothers...Dad's missed the weddings of his nephews and niece, but somehow, in the setting of the ballpark, it doesn't matter to either of them...And people wonder why I love this stadium.

INT. MEDIA DINING ROOM - DAY

The room is crowded and noisy as Tom listens to Fred Baker.

FRED Babe Ruth, was nice to everybody. But I really admired Lynn Jones. He wasn't very well known, but when I was in charge of group sales I used to take kids into the clubhouse and Jones would get a kid's name from me ahead of time, then he'd come up and say, "Is this Steve Stewart? Steve, I heard you were coming down and I wanted to meet you." That kid would beam from here to Niagara Falls.

TOM Do you have a most memorable game?

FRED Yankees, 1950...We were fighting for the pennant.

One by one people start to quiet down as Baker continues.

FRED Teddy Gray starts for the Tygs and Tommy Byrne's on the mound for the Yankees. They were ahead 6-zip. We come up to bat in the 4th or 5th inning. Trout's batting with the bases loaded and hits a home run. It's 6-4.

Everyone in the room is listening by now.

FRED Lipon goes out, then Jerry Priddy hits a home run, 6-5. Kell singles. Wertz homers, 7-6. Evers homers, 8-6. 87

FRED (continuing) In the 9th inning they're ahead 9-8. Wertz or Kell doubles and Evers gets an inside-the-park home run...Hey STAN, you remember that don't you? He motions toward an elderly worker who serves hot dogs.

STAN Sure do.

FRED There's no one who saw that game that wouldn't remember it.

The "National Anthem" begins and they head into the concourse.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Fred taps the shoulder of a GIRL in front of him.

FRED Take off your hat son.

The girl is shocked, but takes her hat off anyway. Baker sings ahead of the performer, loudly and slightly off-key. When the anthem is finished, they continue on.

FRED ...And the home of the brave....I like people.

They meet up with Pete Munoz.

TOM Pete, meet Fred Baker...

FRED Pete Munoz, haven't seen you much this year.

PETE I've been around, usually a little late, but I've been here.

TOM Did you get Griffey to sign your magazine?

PETE 88

No, he wouldn't do it.

TOM Too bad.

PETE Yeah, I was mad at first, but I forgive him cuz I read an article that said he wouldn't be signing autographs...He's just concentrating on hitting right now...wants to catch up to Sosa. So how you feeling these days Fred?

FRED Never been better...Hey, good to see you Pete. I'll catch up to you fellas later.

Fred takes off.

PETE So Tom, you want to hide out in the stadium with me?

TOM Well, I would, but I'd like to stay out of jail for my family's sake.

PETE Oh, come on. Somebody's gotta do it. Besides, you might see the ghost of Ty Cobb...That'd be good for your book.

TOM I think you'll have to count me out on that one, but good luck.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - NIGHT

Beth is on the phone as Taylor enters the kitchen.

BETH Living on savings doesn't sit well with me. (pause) Well, if he doesn't find a publisher, it could get tough.

Taylor sneaks out of the room without Beth seeing him.

INT. TAYLOR AND WILLIAM'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 89

William reads a book in bed as Taylor stealthily closes the door.

TAYLOR I just heard Mom on the phone. We're bankrupt. We're gonna end up like the kid in "Harriet the Spy"...We need to get a job.

WILLIAM We're 9.

TAYLOR So, we can stock shelves at Kmart.

WILLIAM I don't think so.

TAYLOR Well, we could deliver the paper.

WILLIAM Now that would be funny.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Tom sits behind the dugout reading a copy of "The Detroit News." The headline reads "Monthlong Wake Begins." Inside the dugout, DAVE BORKOWSKI sits alone staring straight ahead like a stunned deer, trying to harness his racing mind.

TOM You're here early.

Dave looks over.

DAVE I was 6 hours early yesterday, but it was my first time in uniform. And today I get to pitch.

TOM In your home town. How about that?

DAVE In front of my entire family and all my friends.

TOM 90

How many guys get to do that?

DAVE I know, believe me.

TOM Congratulations man. Good luck.

JEFF JONES pitches to volunteer photographer Bill Eisner in the batting cage. Eisner has a rusty softball swing.

JEFF Keep that elbow up.

Eisner hits one to 2nd base and he's happy.

Tom watches as four generations of the BRIGGS family gather behind home plate for a photo.

DISSOLVE TO:

Tom talks to WALTER BRIGGS III.

WALTER Walter Briggs was my grandad, added the double deck in '38.

TOM You must have had some great times here.

WALTER Me and my brothers pitched batting practice to Kaline in the 50s.

Tom takes notes feverishly.

TOM What about now?

Walter doesn't answer. He swallows hard, staring out to right field. Tom doesn't notice that Walter's eyes are welling up.

TOM What do you think about when you're here now?

WALTER 91

My dad.

INT. JOE'S HOME - NIGHT

The ballgame plays on a transistor as Joe finishes his shave, lifting the wrinkles as he examines his face in the mirror. He packs his shaving kit in an overnight bag.

ERNIE (V.O.) Fifteen years later we meet back to salute the World Champion 1984 Detroit Tigers...

Joe carries the radio with him toward the TV. "The Boys Are Back in Town" plays as JACK MORRIS, DARRELL EVANS, WILLIE HERNANDEZ, and KIRK GIBSON take the field.

ERNIE (V.O.) With us tonight in the house that Cobb built is part of the most victorious line up in Tiger history.

He mutes the television as he takes a seat.

ERNIE (V.O.) We welcome Jack Morris, Darrell Evans, Willie Hernandez and Kirk Gibson.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Tom's on the field with the working press. A white sign with a big red #5 on it hangs from the third deck. Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" plays as the #5 card is removed to reveal a #4.

TOM (V.O.) To many it's "The Corner," but I've heard this place described affectionately by hundreds of fans over the past several months. Some call it Tiger Stadium, others, Briggs Stadium or Navin Field.

Near the dugout, Tom scoops dirt into a vial as Al Kaline, Alan Trammell and DAVID WELLS laugh and shoulder-pat in the foreground. Tom waits for a break in the conversation, but it wouldn't be a good time to interrupt, so he moves on.

TOM (V.O.) To Fred Baker, it's simply "old friend." And to Pete Munoz...

PETE (V.O.) 92

It's my home.

DISSOLVE TO:

Pete and Tom in the bleachers.

TOM You still spending the night?

PETE Oh yeah.

TOM If I had a ticket, I'd give it to you.

PETE Thanks man, I appreciate that, but no worries, I'll be here.

They shake hands.

PETE See you at the new place.

Tom smiles and walks on.

TOM (V.O.) Maybe not...Tiger Stadium's the keeper of my baseball memories...

He passes by a man who smokes a huge cigar.

TOM (V.O.) Where else can you smell the blend of cigars with sausage?

Tom waves to the old man who sits alone scoring the game with his headphones and transistor radio.

TOM (V.O.) Sounds funny, but it is home...

He shakes hands with Roger Davids.

TOM (V.O.) 93

This is where I've held my dad's hand as a boy...and braced his arm as a man.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TOM'S CAR - NIGHT

Tom's on his cell phone.

TOM Hey Dad, just wondering if you caught the game. Give me a call.

INT. JOE'S HOME - SIMULTANEOUS

Joe is slumped over in the chair.

INT. TOM'S CAR - CONTINUING

Tom listens to Carolyn Krause's voice on tape.

CAROLYN (V.O.) There's also never been a Fenway...Fenway and Wrigley are two anomalies.

TOM (V.O.) It's like she's saying, "It's unfortunate that your grandma died, but mine's more special anyway and we're going to save her...

INT. JOE'S HOME - MORNING

Joe is still slumped over in the chair in front of the TV.

TOM (V.O.) Dad?

Tom comes into the room.

TOM Dad? Oh, my God. Dad?

Joe wakes up startled.

JOE 94

What! What's the matter? No wonder I have a bad heart with you yelling like that.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Joey arrives to find Joe resting in bed and Tom slumped over in the chair.

JOEY You look like hell. Why don't you get out of here.

TOM I'll get a shower and come back.

JOEY Tommy, he's fine. Angioplasty's a routine procedure now. I'll stay til they kick me out and you come back in the morning.

INT. SHOWER - DAY

Tom leans against the wall with the water running on him as he stares, mentally exhausted, into space.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Tom arrives with some magazines and Joe's baseball cap as Joe opens his eyes.

TOM How do you feel?

JOE All scrubbed up and ready to go.

TOM Doctor says one more day. So I brought you some magazines and we can watch the game on TV today.

He hands his dad the magazines and his ball cap.

JOE Oh no you don't. You get yourself downtown.

DISSOLVE TO: 95

INT. PRESS BOOTH - DAY

There are papers scattered about on the counter and Harwell's Detroit Stars Negro League cap rests on the 1960s tiled floor next to his mail. Tom interviews Ernie on tape.

TOM Are you going to miss this place?

ERNIE Well, I'm a little luckier than most, with a free seat, a good view and all the hot dogs I can handle, so that kind of goes without saying.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY - FLASHBACKS

Art Witkoski launches hot dogs into the crowd.

ERNIE (V.O.) But I really like the people... the concessionaires...

Amzie Griffin sells a "Baseball at the Corner" shirt to a couple of teenagers.

ERNIE (V.O.) ...the ushers, players, and the clubhouse workers...

Harwell waves at Sam and other ushers as he walks toward the press elevator.

ERNIE (V.O.) It's a comfortable place for me to be.

Ernie high-fives Paws the mascot and steps onto the press elevator with Sara Simpson.

ERNIE (V.O.) It's like coming to a party every day...

Sara hugs Harwell as he enters the elevator. She has a copy of the newspaper in her hand. TOM (V.O.) What about when they fired you?

ERNIE (V.O.) 96

I've always felt that things happen for the better.

TOM (V.O.) But...

ERNIE (V.O.) That first day back, Sara Simpson really put it in perspective for me because when I got fired, they had some special editions in the paper where a lot of people wrote in and...

SARA It's good to have you back Mr. Harwell.

ERNIE Thanks Sara. It's good to be back.

SARA Most people have to die to have such nice things said about them. You're lucky that you're still alive, so you can read about it and hear it for yourself.

INT. PRESS BOOTH - RETURN TO PRESENT

TOM Any complaints?

ERNIE Yes, the one complaint I have is about the weather in April. I don't like baseball in the cold, but I can't do anything about that.

Ernie points to the countdown clock in front of him with :10 seconds until air time.

ERNIE Say, nice talking to you bookman.

They shake hands as Ernie begins his broadcast.

ERNIE Hello everybody. Baseball greetings from The Corner. Beauuu-ti-fulll afternoon here at Michigan and Trumbull where the Tigers and Detroit are entertaining the Texas Rangers.

DISSOLVE TO: 97

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Tom talks as Joe, wearing his Tiger baseball cap, drifts in and out of sleep.

TOM I looked forward to those early-April games the way most kids looked forward to birthdays, because Ernie's voice was the voice that melted the snow. Still is, don't you think Dad?

Joe is asleep, so Tom takes the baseball cap off of Joe's head, pats him on the hand and leaves the room.

TOM See you tomorrow Dad. Love you.

JOE Love you too...Night.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAWN

Tom sits unshaven at his desk, wearing the same clothes from the previous day. He types.

TOM (V.O.) Perhaps it was the death of my mother and the realization of mortality in general that set this whole thing into motion.

Tom looks at his watch as Beth walks in.

TOM Gotta go get Dad. Still, think I should bring him back here?

BETH Room's all ready.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Joe waits in a wheelchair as Tom pulls up.

EXT. HOSPITAL - CONTINUING

Tom helps Joe into the car.

TOM 98

Dad. We want you to stay with us.

JOE I'm fine.

TOM I'll take you to get some things, but please...just until we know you're stable.

JOE I suppose a few days won't kill me.

INT. JOE'S HOME - CONTINUING

Joe packs some things as Tom looks around. He notices the picture of his family from the early 1900s and the painting of himself as a kid, that was painted by his mother.

TOM You know, you could at least consider moving in.

JOE What about my stuff?

TOM We can make room. I'll put Mom's painting in my office and there's room for your tools in the garage.

Tom walks through the house.

TOM Most of the furniture is old anyway, but we can keep the bedroom set and anything else you think you need. It's too much upkeep for you. Besides, we have to keep you away from the hot dogs and ice cream or you'll be having another angioplasty next week.

EXT. STANTON BACKYARD - DAY

Tom and Joe join the family where Uncle Tom is tending the grill.

BOYS Grandpa!

They all run to Joe, giving him hugs and getting him seated in a chair.

BETH 99

Let's give Grandpa a little space.

TOM How about we practice pitching.

Tom picks up a baseball, throwing it to William, who zips a fastball at Zack's head. Tom intercepts, changing their direction.

TOM Away from the house guys.

He imitates Denny McLain as he throws the ball back to William.

TOM Who's this?

William throws to Tom.

WILLIAM Do it again.

Tom throws again.

WILLIAM Don't know.

TOM Denny McLain.

Tom kicks his left leg up and out like a Radio City Rockette. The ball hits William's mitt.

ZACK Mark Fidrych.

Tom talks to the ball, snakes his arm toward the plate, as if casting a spell, and pulls his bent leg toward his chest. William laughs. Tom throws one underhand, submarine style.

WILLIAM Who's that?

Tom winks at his dad and Joe smiles wide.

JOE Good old Elden Auker. William sits down and starts pulling up grass. 100

WILLIAM Who's this?

ZACK Taylor.

They all laugh.

BETH Dinner's ready.

Uncle Tom pulls burgers off the grill as Tom looks at his watch.

TOM I'll have to take mine to go.

Beth throws the death gaze.

TOM Or maybe we could all take ours to go. What do you say?

TAYLOR To go where?

ZACK To the baseball shrine of the midwest Wanker.

TOM Last chance to go as a family, except...

BETH We're not leaving your father.

UNCLE TOM Joe and I will catch it on the radio, like we did when we were kids.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TOM'S CAR - AFTERNOON

The family munches on burgers and chips as they wait in line to park their car.

TAYLOR 101

Gotta go Dad, really.

TOM Why didn't you go at home?

TAYLOR Because you sucked us into your hurricane cloud like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz."

ZACK It was a tornado Toto...

TAYLOR Whatever.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

The Stanton family waits by Amzie's counter as Taylor dashes from the restroom. Amzie holds up a sweatshirt imprinted with "The Final Farewell."

AMZIE Enjoy the game.

The family takes their seats as Zack digs into a bag of peanuts.

ZACK Why would you get unsalted peanuts?

BETH They're better for you.

ZACK Yeah, but no one likes them.

Rollie, the guy with the waxed mustache, hands off his extra bag of peanuts to the boys.

ROLLIE These have salt.

ZACK, TAYLOR & WILLIAM Thanks.

Tom nods to Rollie as he passes and Taylor starts a score card with the first pitch as he listens to classical music on headphones.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - SIMULTANEOUS 102

Joe and Uncle Tom listen to the game on the radio.

ERNIE (V.O.) Strike one.

JOE Remember how Pop used to make onion sandwiches?

UNCLE TOM Yep, with mustard and butter.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

William waves at Art the hot dog vendor as he throws the bag of buns into the air.

TOM You guys just ate.

TAYLOR That was an hour ago.

The whole family waves their hands in the air with Tom signaling for 5 dogs. (same as scene 2)

TOM (V.O.) ...keeper of a million memories.

DISSOLVE TO:

The Stantons take pictures in the stands:

TOM (V.O.) And it's a crowd of millions that's killed Tiger Stadium...

Tom snaps a shot of Beth and the boys.

TOM (V.O.) ...from owners to the players, mayors and voters...

Beth snaps a shot of Tom and the boys.

TOM (V.O.) ...to the free-agent system that's made every athlete a lottery winner...

103

Zack snaps a shot of Tom and Beth.

TOM (V.O.) ...to the fans who didn't come.

EXT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

The family leaves through gate #9, with Zack turning around for one last look.

ZACK Dad, the concourse is glowing.

An orange glow from the setting sun hovers over the stadium as Tom looks back.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

The building is empty, with the sign on the third deck showing the number "1".

TOM (V.O.) Like embers in the ashes.

Pete Munoz lays on the ground in the bleachers, wearing a black garbage bag and covering himself with popcorn boxes.

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

Tom listens to a tape as he types.

HOWARD (V.O.) I have a lot of fond memories... and some not so fond... like the riots in '67. It was like World War II down here and if it weren't for the World Series in '68, I'm not sure people from the suburbs would've come back downtown.

Tom eyes the '68 pennant on the wall.

HOWARD (V.O.) I like baseball because at every game there's a different hero...

Tom turns off the tape and types:

TOM (V.O.) No one who lived through it could ever doubt that what happened in the ballpark that summer meant something more than a game should. Joe walks by the office door. 104

JOE Night Tommy.

TOM Night Dad.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - NIGHT

Black and white images of cement and girders, rusted bolts and peeling paint along the ramps and tunnels.

TOM (V.O.) To me, Tiger Stadium is the soul of baseball.

Black and white images of pipes and wires, with shafts of light that slide through slats in the fences along the concourse.

TOM (V.O.) It's like all the old ballplayers are hanging around in the tunnels. And then you come out to this vibrant field and you just feel the baseball permeating the place.

Emerging from the darkness of the tunnel, a vibrant field of green in full color.

TOM (V.O.) It doesn't yearn to be something it's not.

A security guard pulls a box off of Pete Munoz, shining a flashlight into his eyes.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - MORNING

The house is quiet as Tom sits drinking coffee with his dad. The clock on the wall reads 9:00. The family calendar shows Monday, September 27, circled, with the inscription: Final Game.

TOM Well I guess I should get going.

JOE Not without me you don't. He grabs his ball cap. 105

TOM Dad, it's only been a few days.

JOE Well, I'm not dead yet, so...

TOM It's too much walking.

JOE The doctor said walking is good.

TOM But Dad.

JOE Unless you gave my ticket away...

TOM No I didn't, but what if...

JOE What if what? If I have a heart attack and die? I'll have died happy and you can feel good about it.

TOM Dad, I'm sorry, but I can't take that chance.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TIGER STADIUM - MORNING

Two dozen police cars are parked along Trumbull Avenue where officers patrol on horses, waltzing past the Ty Cobb placard as fans take photos.

TOM (V.O.) How many games did you make it to this year?

HOWARD (V.O.) Not a one.

TOM (V.O.) You're going today aren't you?

Tom and Joe stand with Howard Stone. 106

HOWARD Me and my son-in-law...We're gonna bond.

TOM Where's Baker?

HOWARD Haven't seen him yet...kinda strange.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIGER STADIUM - DAY

Joe holds Tom's arm as they travel through the tunnel near the visitors' bullpen. They dodge a worker who hoses the walkway, past one dugout and up a set of cracked steps to another section.

TOM Zack and I sat here for our first game together... Things are changing with Zack, well, with all the boys really, don't you think?

JOE Every kid goes through that. They're trying to show their independence. I used to tell your mother "We're going to lose 'em for a few years but they'll come back and figure we're not too dumb after all." You probably don't remember.

TOM I remember being embarrassed by you jingling the change in your pocket.

Joe smiles a knowing smile as they cross over a catwalk into Sam the Usher's area.

JOE They come back. You just have to be patient.

TOM Hold my arm Dad.

Joe holds onto Tom as they walk.

TOM (V.O.) 107

For all Dad's annoyances, from the way he jingled his coins and dredged his throat, to the way he'd lay his arm over my shoulder in public without warning, I've always loved him dearly...I've loved him in that unspoken, "don't force me to admit it," way that 15 year old boys love their fathers and apparently he's always known.

Sam arrives wearing an orange uniform. He shakes hands with Tom and Joe.

TOM I remember those uniforms.

SAM Some of us decided to wear 'em for old timers sake.

Sam slaps the "Not Dead Yet" pin into Joe's hand.

TOM Hey, just wanted to say goodbye.

SAM Keep up the fight Joe.

JOE You too Sam, hope to see you around.

Dave Borkowski pans the park with his video camera, picking up relief pitcher Todd Jones as he poses for photos with other ushers in orange, and then Kaline, alone on the dugout bench.

DISSOLVE TO:

Tom and Joe climb the ramp to the center-field bleachers, they stop at the top row under the scoreboard.

TOM You feeling okay?

JOE I'm fine. Really!....Right here's where your grandfather sat.

They breathe in the freshness of the summer air.

DISSOLVE TO:

108

Tom and Joe sitting in their usual section, resting their eyes on the field.

TOM Remember our first game Dad?

JOE Sure do. We sat right here.

Tom pulls an old ticket stub from his pocket, showing it to his dad.

TOM Just a couple of rows back.

JOE Guess we're movin up in the world.

They laugh.

TOM No matter how many years have passed. I still feel like a kid when I come here.

JOE Me too. That is...until I see the old man in the mirror.

They smile and Tom takes a deep breath.

TOM I'm going to meet Joey.

Near 3rd base, a worker softens the dirt with a rake.

In center, a sprinkler sprays the grass. The water glistens like diamonds on green felt. Tom walks the concourse, running his hand along the concrete wall.

TOM (V.O.) Baseball's just been pitiful this year.

He runs his fingers over the flagpole in center.

TOM (V.O.) And I really hoped the Tigers would surprise everyone with a miraculous world championship.

Looking up the pole to the flag and the sky beyond.

109

TOM (V.O.) But when it became obvious that they lacked the talent, I wished Gabe Kapler or Jeff Weaver would rise to the occasion and battle for Rookie of the Year...

He kneels at home plate, feeling the rubber and rubbing his hands in the dirt.

TOM (V.O.) Then I wished the team would lose the most games in history, kind of revenge for the stadium. But now I'm trying to will an event of substance to make the season unforgettable...Maybe a perfect game.

He notices Kaline, still alone on the dugout bench staring across the infield toward the fence.

FRED (V.O.) We're all made from the same fabric.

TOM (V.O.) You've dreamt about this since you were 7 Tommy, now suck it up.

Tom closes in, fumbling with his recorder as he goes.

TOM Hi.

KALINE Who're you with?

TOM I'm a free-lancer, writing a book.

There's a long silence as Tom puts his recorder away.

TOM I'd like to talk to you about fathers, sons and baseball. (pause) Did your dad play a role in your career?

Long pause...Tom's real uncomfortable.

KALINE 110

If it weren't for my father, I wouldn't have played ball at all. It's something fathers can relate to with their sons...

TOM You grew up in Baltimore, right?

KALINE Two blocks from where Babe Ruth was born...

TOM And your father?

KALINE He'd drive me around to the semipro fields after work. Some days I wanted to go to the shore and swim, but he'd remind me that I had a responsibility to the team.

TOM Wish my boys would listen when I say that to them.

KALINE Must not be their dream.

TOM Yeah, seems like my twins are more into music... One likes The Boston Pops and the other goes for Hendrix. But my oldest watches C-Span and dreams of being a congressional page the way I dreamt of being a bat boy.

KALINE My dad encouraged me to go into broadcasting too, reassured me along the way. He'd say, "Son, you can continue to have fun if you figure out how to transform from one thing to another."

TOM I remember when you doubled off Dave McNally for your 3,000th hit and they had a special day to honor you. It was freezing and Tigers were in last place, but my dad brought me out anyway...The stadium was full and we stood and cheered every time you went to bat.

KALINE 111

My parents were there that day. That was a lot of fun for me.

TOM It was fun for me too.

Bill Eisner approaches.

BILL Looks like a photo op to me.

KALINE Sure thing.

They stand and Tom smirks as Kaline jingles the change in his pocket. Bill snaps the photo, and snaps another as Kaline shakes Tom's hand.

KALINE Good luck with the manuscript.

Tom beams from ear to ear as he walks through the crowd.

TOM (V.O.) Thanks.

Tom joins Joey in line for snacks. (same as scene 2)

TOM Joey, I did it. I interviewed Kaline.

They high-five.

JOEY It's about time. I was beginning to think this whole thing would be a bust.

INT. STANTON HOME - CONTINUING

Beth and the boys watch the festivities on TV as the all-time team parades, waving to the fans. (same as scene 2)

ANNOUNCER (V.O.) Mr. GEORGE KELL ladies and gentlemen.

The grandstand is filled with banners that read: "So Long Old Girl," and "This Will Always be Home." 112

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

The architect Roger Davids and his family hold a sign that reads, "Baseball Cries Today." George Kell steps to the microphone.

KELL You know, I got a tear when I left this city...and I got another when I flew in today. It's great to be back just one last time.

The stadium booms with the applause of men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, some don't bother to wipe their eyes as Alan Trammel steps up to the mic.

TRAMMELL In all my years, I don't know if I ever said thank you Detroit... It was a dream.

He steps back and the crowd continues to stand as Harwell steps up.

ERNIE Well, God's given me a lot of blessings in this life. And one of them has put me at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull....

DISSOLVE TO:

The crowd erupts with more cheers for Al Kaline, wearing his #6 uniform. He approaches the microphone then backs away, biting his lip. In the visitors' dugout Kansas City players stand to watch as the ovation continues and Kaline steps forward again, bowing his head with a hard swallow.

KALINE On my first day at this park I was awestruck...and today, 46 years later, as a veteran of thousands of games here... I find myself humbled still, by the events unfolding before us.

DISSOLVE TO:

Brian Moehler wears Jack Morris' #47 as he carries out his ritual on the pitching mound.

KALINE (V.O.) Is it a specific game that you'll remember most about 113

Tiger Stadium?

In the dugout, Tony Clark wears #5 for Hank Greenberg, Damion Easley, #2 for Charlie Gehringer. Gabe Kapler has Cobb's numberless back and socks that show.

KALINE (V.O.) Maybe Ty Cobb sliding hard into third. Maybe it's Norm Cash or Kirk Gibson blasting one into the lights in right field.

There's a hit, putting one Tiger on base.

KALINE (V.O.) Maybe it's a memory of your family and friends...sharing a story with your best buddy or listening closely as your dad tells you about the first time he came to Tiger Stadium.

Joe, Tom and Joey exchange glances.

The same security guard who discovered Pete the night before turns his back, pretending not to notice, as Pete sneaks through the gate behind him.

PETE Thanks man.

There's another hit putting two Tigers on base. The next hit brings it to 3 Tigers on base with Gabe Kapler up to bat. Cameras flash throughout the park in anticipation and the crowd goes wild.

CROWD Kappy! Kappy! Kappy! Kappy!

Kapler grounds to the pitcher for a force at home, bringing up Dave Borkowski.

JOEY (V.O.) Let's see how the rookie handles the pressure.

On the first pitch, Borkowski smacks a ball onto the roof in right field. The crowd goes wild. Someone starts the wave.

TOM (V.O.) That'll win him a spot in Detroit baseball history.

Pete Munoz cheers from the bleachers as Borkowski rounds the bases, looking up to the sky in thanks. 114

A man sits next to Tom who looks as if he could have walked out of the cornstalks in "Field of Dreams," he's wearing a cream-colored flannel replica uniform with DETROIT in arched block letters across the front.

KID What year did you play?

FAN #1 1901.

The kid's eyes pop wide.

KID Are you dead?

Everyone around chuckles and Todd Jones fans Carlos Beltran on a ball that bounces to the plate, ending the game.

INT. PRESS BOOTH - CONTINUING

Ernie Harwell speaks into his microphone.

ERNIE And the Tigers win it, 8 to 2.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

No one leaves the park as the current Tigers shake hands with the Kansas City team and Tigers of all eras take the field. Unannounced, they file from the gate in center to the positions they played, each one cheered as fans recognize a face on the scoreboard or a name on a uniform.

MARK FIDRYCH falls to his knees on the pitcher's mound. There's DAVE BERGMAN, DICK MCAULIFFE, TOM BROOKENS and dozens more, men from their 30s to their 90s, some jogging, some walking, some limping and a few riding in carts. Tom whispers to Joe.

TOM There's Mickey Stanley.

Joe nods.

DAN PETRY follows. Then EISENSTADT. TOM Who's that? 115

Joe scrunches his face.

JOE Pitched in the 30s.

TOM John Hiller, STEVE GROMEK, BILLY PIERCE. Everybody's here.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING

Beth and boys watch as WILLIE HORTON takes left field, locking his hands behind his head, pulling his elbows forward as he tries to keep his emotions from escaping.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.) Willie Horton played high-school ball on this field. He also helped calm people down during the '67 riots by wearing his uniform in the streets.

INT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

A bearded man in front of Tom turns to his friend, shaking his head in amused embarrassment as tears trickle down his face.

TOM Jack Morris...CHARLIE MAXWELL.

Al Kaline, Alan Trammell and LOU WHITAKER coming onto the field together is so solemn that even the drunks have quieted. The flag is lowered and passed from player to player until it ends up in the hands of Elden Auker.

JOE I was 13 when Elden Auker made it to the Tigers in...'33.

TOM You really are an old timer.

Auker hands the flag off to BRAD AUSMUS.

ELDEN AUKER Each of us has touched this flag today as Tiger Stadium has touched each of us. Take this flag to Comerica Park....

CROWD Boo...Boooo. 116

ELDEN AUKER Take with it the boyhood dreams, the perseverance, and the competitive desire that it takes to become a Detroit Tiger.

Joey and Tom fight tears. Tom has to speak or he may lose it.

TOM You know, I've really been struggling to make sense of my need to be here this season...and oddly enough, I may owe some of it to Elden Auker.

JOE How's that?

TOM Well...Auker was a fair pitcher... but he wasn't the best on the team...played 10 years in the big leagues...but never won 20 games in any one season. He's a dependable constant and so am I. He's an inspiration to persevere...for the average guy.

Tom looks around, wiping his eyes as he places the imagery of this final game in his memory forever.

TOM (V.O.) It's not the 70 and 80 year old men who are wiping their eyes today.

Pete Munoz dries a tear, puffing out his chest and looking around to make sure no one has seen him.

TOM (V.O.) It's the generations that came after.

Sam the usher takes a seat, smiling fondly as the stands begin to empty.

TOM (V.O.) And we're hurting...not just for the loss of this place, but for the loss of our fathers and grandfathers— belatedly or prematurely.

Roger Davids puts his arm around his wife. TOM (V.O.) The closing of Tiger Stadium forces us to confront 117

mortality in general and the loss of something dear to us.

Amzie Griffin shakes hands with people as they leave.

Tom, Joe and Joey stare at the green of the field.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TIGER STADIUM - CONTINUING

Tom, Joe and Joey stare in nostalgic reflection at the stadium as the lights go off. (same as scene 3)

The threesome approach Howard's parking lot, where Howard shakes hands, saying goodbye to people. Tom steps up.

TOM Nice getting to know you Howard.

HOWARD You too Tom. By the way, hate to be the one to break the news, but I just found out that Fred Baker had a heart attack last night.

TOM Is he okay?

HOWARD He passed away...

TOM Oh, I'm sorry to hear that...Guess we lost two friends today then...

HOWARD That we did...Hey, good luck man. Let me know when that book comes out.

INT. TOM'S CAR - NIGHT

Tom waves goodbye to the stadium as they drive away.

TOM See ya later. 118

The rest of the ride home is silent as Tom and Joe digest the day.

TOM (V.O.) Glad I got the chance to meet Fred Baker...and as much as I hate to admit it, it seems that my greatest fear in losing the stadium has been about the fear of losing Dad. I know it's coming, but I'm just not ready.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAY

Notepads and cassette tapes clutter the room as Tom types away on the computer.

KALINE (V.O.) Common materials were used to build this place--but the memories are the cement that's held it together for 88 wonderful seasons...

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

It's a different day and the office is more cluttered as Tom continues to type.

AMZIE (V.O.) Thirty-nine years. I'll never say good-bye though. I'll always drive by and say, "See you later."

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAY

Tom paces, disheveled and unshaven.

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

Cold coffee on one side, Tom's dinner on the other, both sit untouched on a TV stand. Beth comes in, rubs Tom's shoulders and kisses him on the head.

BETH Going to bed.

TOM Okay.

He stretches and looks at his watch. It's 12:30 and he keeps typing.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAWN

119

There are writing pads and spiral notebooks everywhere and Tom wears the same clothes as last night...A steaming cup of coffee sits untouched next to a stack of mini cassettes on his desk.

KALINE (V.O.) You can continue to have fun if you figure out how to transform from one thing to another.

TOM (V.O.) I thanked him as I walked away...and he probably thought I was talking about the interview.

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

The clutter has grown, and so has Tom's beard.

TOM (V.O.) From Dad and Elden Auker I've learned that perseverance is more valuable than talent and for that, I'm grateful.

He types "The End."

EXT. POST OFFICE - DAY

Still unshaven and in yesterday's clothes, Tom sighs in relief as he drops his package into the box. As he walks away, he spots a flyer on a telephone pole: STANTON YARD MAINTENANCE, Contact William or Taylor Stanton for mowing, raking or snow removal 586-716-7234.

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

The office is clean and a very tense Tom is on the phone, as the twins blast in wearing Halloween costumes.

TOM Okay Phil...Thanks.

TAYLOR Dad, come on.

Tom hangs up the phone without looking at the boys.

TOM Have Mom take you, I have work to do.

The boys walk out feeling unimportant once again. 120

TOM By the way, since when is there a Stanton Yard Maintenance?

TAYLOR (V.O.) (yelling back) Since you quit your job. WILLIAM (V.O.) So get the hell out of that chair and let's go.

Tom is momentarily stunned, then snaps out of it, racing to catch up to the boys.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Tom catches up to Beth as the boys hit their first house.

TAYLOR & WILLIAM (V.O.) Trick or Treat.

BETH Thought you weren't coming.

TOM I wasn't, but William just told me to get the hell out of the chair, so I figured I'd better move.

BETH What?

TOM And I just found out I need to do a total rewrite.

BETH I'm sorry.

TOM They want me to make it more personal and I quote, "take out the things that people tend to skip."

The boys return.

TOM Hey guys. If you want to do yard maintenance for the 121

fun of it, I think it's great, but you don't have to worry about money.

WILLIAM Somebody has to.

TOM It's my responsibility, okay?

TAYLOR Whatever.

The boys look at him like he's crazy.

Tom takes them both by the arm, talking through his teeth.

TOM And no more swearing. You hear?

TAYLOR Okay crypt keeper.

WILLIAM Just wanted to see if you were listening.

TOM Well I was, now make sure you ask for extra...it may be all we have to eat for a while.

The boys go off to the next house.

BETH Don't do that. They're really worried.

TOM (talking through his teeth) I am pretty scary aren't I?

They laugh. Beth shakes her head.

BETH In more ways than one.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAWN

122

Tom scans a notepad that reads "Game I: Monday, April 12," puts it down, then begins to read the hardcopy of his manuscript.

TOM (V.O.) Just days after the Titanic sank in April of 1912, the Detroit club played its first game on this diamond. It was called Navin Field and it was half the size of

He crosses out: the place that stands on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull today. He writes in: Tiger Stadium. TOM (V.O.) Tiger Stadium.

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT - IN SILENCE

The office is severely trashed as the unshaven Tom pages through the manuscript typing his handwritten changes into the computer. Beth, Joe and the boys enter singing "Happy Birthday," with a cake that has number candles (40). Tom doesn't hear them singing, but blows out the candles, kisses Beth and returns to work.

TOM (V.O.) I see my brother Joey waving from the box seats as I stand on the field with the working press... Although he turned 45 this year, I still call him Joey and he still calls me Tommy.

INT. STANTON STUDY - MORNING

Snow falls outside the window as the boys jump around in the next room. Beth brings coffee, retrieves a plate with Tom's uneaten birthday cake and walks out of the room.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING

Zack flips on C-SPAN while Taylor bangs on the piano and William jumps around the room.

WILLIAM (chanting) We get a snow day. It's our first snow day. We get a snow day. Free fun and games day.

INT. STANTON STUDY - CONTINUING

Tom cannot concentrate. He shouts through his teeth.

TOM (V.O.) 123

I'm still working here!

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING

The boys giggle as Beth appears from the kitchen.

BETH Turn that off and get in here.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - DAY

The boys fidget while Beth cooks breakfast.

WILLIAM We live here too. Why should we have to tip-toe around?

BETH Because your father's under a lot of pressure right now, so have a little respect.

TAYLOR Respect? He doesn't respect us us, yelling through his teeth all the time. (clenching his teeth like Tom) We don't hit in this family. You got it?

They all laugh.

BETH At least give him the morning.

WILLIAM Fine.

TAYLOR Whatever.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. STANTON STUDY - NIGHT

124

Tom looks at the clock, 12:58, then hurriedly scrolls to "The End" on his computer, pops in a disk, hits save and looks around expecting the power to go off. He pops the disk out and powers down.

TOM Y-2-K...Hype 2 Hype.

INT. STANTON LIVING ROOM - CONTINUING

The twins are asleep on the sofa with Joe slumped over in the chair. Tom wakes Joe.

TOM Happy New Year Dad.

JOE Happy New Year Tommy.

Tom turns off the TV and Joe heads for his room as Tom covers the boys with a blanket.

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - CONTINUING

Tom grabs a bottle of wine and two glasses.

INT. TOM AND BETH'S BEDROOM - CONTINUING

Beth wakes to Tom pouring the wine. There's a fresh copy of his manuscript on the bed.

TOM Happy New Year.

BETH Do we still have power?

TOM Yep and I finished the rewrite too, so...

She kisses him.

BETH Can't think of a better way to start the new year.

He hands her a glass.

TOM And the millennium. 125

They toast.

TOM I'm sorry I've had to be so focused on this thing, but if I don't get published I'm not just a failure to myself and the family, I'm a public failure too.

She kisses him again.

BETH You've never failed at anything in your life.

He kisses her.

TOM Well, there's a first time for everything.

BETH Shut up.

She rolls over on top of him.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAY

Tom looks out the window with a deflated stare. There are three opened letters on the desk. Beth comes in.

TOM I've even been rejected by the university press.

BETH Don't give up Tommy.

TOM What if this has been a mid-life crisis? Are we sure I'm not crazy?

BETH I admit that I had my doubts, but it's a good book... best seller or not, the boys need to know what it's like to take a risk. They also need to know that their father's not a quitter.

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAY

126

Tom flips through the mail, pulling out an envelope from Sparky Anderson as William runs in.

WILLIAM Hey Dad, I got an "A" on my science project. Want to see it?

Tom opens the envelope from Sparky to find a hand written small scrap of paper:

SPARKY (V.O.) A wonderful story. This is what real baseball is all about. Thanks for putting it into perspective.

WILLIAM Dad.

TOM Yes I do.

William walks out of the room as Tom begins to type an e-mail.

INT. PHIL SPITZER'S OFFICE - CONTINUING

Phil checks his e-mail as he talks on the phone.

PHIL We have endorsements from Bob Costas, Ernie Harwell and Sparky Anderson. What more do you need?

INT. STANTON KITCHEN - LATER

The family eats dinner.

TOM How about I look at that science project after dinner?

The phone rings and Tom reaches for it.

BETH I thought we were going to resume some normalcy around here.

Tom hesitates, but answers anyway. PHIL (V.O.) Thomas Dunne, St. Martin's Press. We got it! 127

Tom drops the phone as he jumps out of his chair.

TOM Here's some normalcy for you.

He kisses Beth and picks up the phone again.

TOM Really? Oh my God. Finally. (pause) Thanks so much Phil. Yeah, I'll call you in the morning.

He hangs up.

TOM It's a two book deal, so I get to write another.

TAYLOR How many books can you write about Tiger Stadium?

TOM The next one'll be about something else silly.

WILLIAM So we're gonna be millionaires?

TOM Well, we actually only get a small percentage per book, so...

TAYLOR So we're not going to be millionaires?

BETH Let's get some ice cream, shall we?

INT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY

A man sits amongst a pile of books at the entrance to a book store waiting to sign autographs. There is no one in line. The lights go off in the store, but the author remains seated.

DISSOLVE TO: INT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY - DAYDREAM

128

Tom sits in place of the other author as the rest of the Stanton family walks by eating their ice cream.

INT. SHOPPING MALL - RETURN TO PRESENT

TAYLOR Hope that doesn't happen to you Dad.

Tom swallows hard.

TOM Time to sign up for Little League again.

TAYLOR You promised.

Tom smiles.

TOM We found something else for you.

TAYLOR What?

TOM Tickets for the symphony.

TAYLOR The symphony? Dad, that's so last year.

TOM William, you in?

WILLIAM You coaching?

TOM Yep.

WILLIAM Okay, I'm in.

TAYLOR I'm in too then.

They all laugh. 129

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STANTON GARAGE - LATER

Zack pops a basketball toward his dad. Tom dribbles out of the garage for a lay-up, passing to Zack.

TOM Did you read it?

ZACK Yes.

TOM And?

ZACK I think people will buy it....

TOM Anything in there bother you?

ZACK No. It's fine. (pause) But...you know where you wrote about me sitting a seat away at that game? Well, I really just wanted more room.

He smiles.

ZACK My legs were smashed up against the seats.

He smiles wider.

ZACK It wasn't about all that other stuff.

TOM Oh really?

ZACK (shifting into an impersonation of Tom's voice) 130

"And I knew then that my life would never be the same." (regular voice) And I'm thinking, "What? What is he talking about?" I can see it now, I'll be running for public office, and my opponent will run some mudslinging anti-family values campaign against me, all because of you.

Tom laughs.

TOM That'll never happen.

ZACK The seat was tight Dad. That's all it was.

They laugh louder and more heartily...

ZACK Nothing else.

SUPER: ONE YEAR LATER

INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT

A group of 50 people listen as Tom reads from his book. His entire family is in attendance.

TOM The Tigers were trying to patch together a tolerable team with guys left over from the championship squad of '84. But my uncle and I both recognized the deal for what it was: a futile long shot not worth a whole lot of conversation. "They're not giving Sparky much to work with," I said, as I tried to tease him into an argument, but he just shrugged. Perhaps it sounds sad that the best I could manage as my uncle lay dying in the hospital was innocent chatter about baseball. Maybe I should've attempted a deep, heart-to-heart talk. But that wasn't our relationship.

Taylor leans forward on his chair, listening intently.

TOM Baseball was what connected us. It was the language 131

we shared.

The audience applauds. Joe smiles with pride. Beth's eyes tear up.

AUDIENCE MEMBER So did your book end up being what you thought it would when you started out?

TOM Well no, actually...I set out to write something factual and maybe find a villain, but as you can see, it became very personal.

WILLIAM Did you read it?

TAYLOR No. Did you?

WILLIAM No.

Zack passes copies of the book to his brothers.

ZACK There you go girls...reading material for summer vacation.

Tom autographs his books as a line of people wait patiently.

EXT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT

Joe rests his arm on Tom's shoulder as the Stanton family leaves the store.

JOE Nice work son.

TAYLOR Yeah Dad. Pretty cool.

WILLIAM Hey, what if they turn your book into a movie?

ZACK They'll probably get the Olsen twins to play the two of you.

They all laugh. 132

INT. STANTON STUDY - DAY CONTINUING SCENE 4

Tom glues the paperback cover of "The Final Season" onto the inside back cover of the scrapbook. In the lower corner a seal reads: WINNER OF THE CASEY AWARD FOR BEST BASEBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR.

Joe appears in the doorway once again.

JOE Come on Tommy, let's go.

Tom closes the scrapbook, setting it on the chair.

EXT. COMERICA PARK - LATE AFTERNOON

Tom, Joe and Zack stand in front of the pristine new home of the Tigers. Fans take pictures with the massive Tiger statue that guards the main gate as other fans stream into the park.

INT. COMERICA PARK - CONTINUING

Amzie Griffin hawks programs as the crowd streams in.

The Stanton trio approaches the larger-than-life sculpture of Al Kaline.

KALINE (V.O.) You can continue to have fun if you figure out how to transform from one thing to the next.

Sara Simpson holds the elevator door for Ernie Harwell.

The Stanton clan climbs the stairs near the carousel.

Bill Eisner takes a picture of a boy scout troop with Paws the mascot.

Tom stands on a walk-way behind the upper deck looking off to the distance where he sees the top of Tiger Stadium, its light towers silhouetted by the setting sun.

FRED (V.O.) Things wear out. Everything comes to an end.

Tom nods his head toward the stadium as he turns to walk away, traveling a wide walkway toward his seat.

TOM (V.O.) 133

Mid-life crisis? Childhood dream? Maybe a little of both... but as Dad says, "even a blind chicken finds corn once in a while," and I think it was Henry Miller who said that "destiny's what you're supposed to do in life and fate is what kicks you in the ass to make you do it"...So I guess it was time...for the Tigers and for me to move forward...

Tom rejoins the guys, taking the seat next to Zack.

ZACK Seats are wider.

They all laugh: Sheryl Crow's "A Change Would Do You Good," plays over credits.

THE END