The Stratton Story Page #2

But don't try to strike out every batter.

Use your control

and let your fielders help you.

And as you come forward, use your body.

Follow through.

I guess in a spot like that

the best pitch would be...

Nice and easy.

Now follow through, nice and easy.

Oh, that's it, boy. That's beautiful.

There.

And always cover first base

when the ball's hit deep.

Nice pitch, boy, nice pitch.

Now let me look at the curve ball.

Oh, good hook. Good hook!

Now let me see the big one.

Well, that's it for the day.

Get your coat on, son.

Keep that arm warm.

Well, you're ready.

- You're joking.

- No, I've taught you all I know.

The rest you gotta find out for yourself.

Now we gotta get you some action.

Yeah, well, not very much action

around here.

No, but there is in California.

Jimmy Dykes and the White Sox

are starting their spring training there

next week.

- Chicago White Sox?

- Yeah.

Jimmy Dykes is an old friend of mine.

I've known him for 20 years.

All I have to do is say the word

and he'll give you a tryout.

- He will?

- Sure.

- But out in California?

- Yeah.

Looks like we've got

another squeeze play coming up.

Yeah.

Barney and I are sort of thinking

about taking a little trip out to California.

Is that so?

- What baseball team's over there?

- It's the White Sox. They...

How'd you know that?

I didn't reckon you'd be going over there

for anything important.

- But this is important, ma'am.

- Worth giving up the farm for?

Oh, if they take him on,

the least he'll get is $300 a month.

That's a powerful lot of money

for just throwing a ball.

And Monty won't have to give up the farm

while he's trying out.

I talked to Cousin Earnie.

He said he'd be glad

to take care of it for me.

That $300 a month,

that'll buy a lot of stuff we need.

What makes you so sure

they'll give you a tryout?

They try just anybody?

Well, they sure don't.

Why, Barney and Jimmy Dykes

are old friends.

- Who?

- Jimmy Dykes.

He's the manager of the ball team.

That way, I'll get a chance for sure.

The land's the only place

where you're sure.

Well, lots of people

don't live on farms, ma'am.

Lots of people don't eat regular, too.

You...

You made up your mind, ain't you, son?

I've just gotta give it a try, Mother.

How you fellas figuring on getting along?

Oh, don't worry. We'll make out all right,

won't we, Barney?

Well, of course, they don't pay you

while you're trying out.

But that won't be any problem

or anything.

I don't think you ought

to discourage contributions, son.

- Contributions? We're lucky to be going.

- Well...

Here's the...

Here's $5 I saved from selling that calf.

- It's all you get.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes