You have other child?
We have a son. Anne's older brother.
He's in Iraq.
Do you like it here in lowsa?
I like. Very different.
Yeah, I bet. You've traveled a long way, huh?
God must have something very special in mind for you.
What happened here?
Oh. When I...
When I boy, I...
I try to...
- I don't know. I'm sorry. - Tell me in Spanish.
- Spanish? - Yeah.
Sorry. I just...
Sorry.
I should probably help clean up inside.
We have another meeting Thursday, if you can come.
What happened?
It's over.
Why?
You know the drill.
I'm not playing well, so they'll bring up someone who is.
But your knee... You're recovering. You just need more time.
Sugar...
When do you leave?
They want me to fly back tonight.
Tonight?
But I'm not going back.
I've got a cousin in New York.
You're going to New York?
Where else?
There's no work back home.
And my bonus won't last forever.
Relax, Sugar.
I'll see you there at Yankee Stadium some day.
When the Knights come to town.
I'll be in the front row, getting drunk.
Cheering like a maniac.
Not for you, though.
Yankee fans are crazy.
You worry too much, Sugar.
I'll be okay.
It's just a game, right?
How'd you play today?
Good, good.
I bet you have lots of groupies
waiting for you after your games.
I have a few.
- A few? - Just kidding.
I mean, I would, but...
None of these white girls speak Spanish.
Marcos plays in Arizona. Lots of Mexicans.
Everyone speaks Spanish.
He has like fifteen girlfriends.
- Shut up! - He's probably lying.
I bet he's lying.
Jorge went to New York.
To the Yankees?
No. Our team cut him loose.
He's got a cousin there. I don't know what he's going to do.
He got injured playing for them.
They owse him something. Another chance.
He's worked too hard.
I mean...
He's not a horse.
But don't let it get to you.
Just keep playing well and things will be okay.
If you...
If you not play baseball, what you do?
I like history, so maybe I'd go to grad school.
Maybe teach someday.
You study university?
I went to Stanford.
I studied history and
baseball.
What about you, man? Did you go to school back in the DR?
Yes, little.
Secondary?
High school.
Little high school.
But I sign when I... When I have second year.
Hey, Brad, we're up for B.P. Let's go.
We walked around the Superdome and we started to sing...
"This Little Light of Mine. "
And it was powerful, because it was a sad time.
You didn't know what was going to happen.
But you had faith in God.
And we marched arpund the Dome...
and people were coming from inside.
These are Grandma's from the other night.
We missed you at our meeting Thursday.
Sorry. I forget.
That's okay. Maybe next time.
You want to sit?
I have to go, actually. So...
Okay, go.
- Feeling better, huh? - Welcome back, dude.
Thank you.
Yeah, there was an injury to the Wichita second baseman
so they called up Brad this morning. He left you this.
Yo, Sugar!
Holy shit! How'd you get here?
On an airplane, dummy.
That's great, you guys know each other.
This is Sal. He's our new middle relief man.
He's got a nasty cutter.
Hey, you could learn a thing or two from him, Santos.
Okay.
What did he say?
Don't worry about it. Man, it's good to see you.
Good to see you, too. But I'm a little nervous.
It's the same game we played back home.
Same rules, different place.
Just have fun, it's only a game.
Time.
Sutton's gonna make the call to pull Santos here in the fourth inning.
He's gonna bring in new reliever Salvador Torres for his Bridgetown debut.
We'll take a time out for the pitching change.
Swing trail, five to two.
Now pitching for your Swing,
number 22, Salvador Torres.
Strike.
Strike three.
A stellar debut for Torres, as he baffles Jake Lee Esford
with a nasty sidearm cutter in the final out of the inning.
Welcome to America, kid.
Just do me a favor.
Don't give it away to the first white girl you meet.
You suck, Santos!
You started dropping your arm in the third. I think that was the problem.
He lost control of his breaking pitches.
And they just zeroed in on his fastball.
Which isn't as fast as it used to be.
But you need to learn self-control.
Can you understand what I'm saying?
You need to know that your actions have consequences.
So we're gonna take the cost of that water unit that you busted up
and take it out of your check.
That's not anything that your family back home's gonna be too proud of, is it?
So you need to think about channeling that frustration you're feeling onto the field.
Into practice.
Channel it into working harder so that you...
I am work hard. Every day I work hard.
Yes, work harder, God damn it.
You think you're the only one on this team works hard?
I don't understand. You speak too fast.
I don't understand you.
Look, I know you think I don't know what you're going through but I do.
I've been on the mound before, I've played through pain.
I've been in your exact situation before.
And I've struggled, too. Boy, I've...
These are really gonna empty you out.
So your first time, take a half. Okay? No more.
You gotta ease into it.
Half.
Anyone finds these, you didn't get 'em from me, okay?
- What's up, man? - What's up, Sal?
Did you hear I made player of the week?
You told me last night.
Strike three.
Through the first inning, Santos has struck out two out of three.
I don't wanna jinx this, but this sure looks like the Santos
we saw earlier this season.
Strike.
Swing and a miss, strike three.
Santos has struck out five through the first two innings.
He is dominating the Loons using all of his pitches.
And after two, we've got no score.
You okay?
It's the top of the fifth inning and Santos seems to be
struggling with his control.
Not sure what's happening down there, he seems to be talking to himself.
Slow it down.
Just throw me strikes.
These guys can't touch you, okay?
Let's go. Throw strikes.
Strike.
You're out of here.
Puerto Rican piece of shit.
- Fuck you, cocksucker. - Dude, you don't even belong here.
- Hey. - Dude, get off of me.
I'm sorry.
It's all right.
Well, you played with your emotions
and your emotions got the best of you.
The true test of our character as athletes is how we come back.
So it's up to you. Hey, Hardy, don't you wander off.
I want to talk to you about that accountant.
So...
Well, anyway, I'm putting Sal in your slot in the rotation.
I'm gonna... Well, I'd like to see how you handle a relief spot.
Game time is 7:05.
The first 3,000 people in attendance that night
will receive a free beer mug, courtesy of our friends at Harlow's.
I'm sorry. The number you have reached is no longer in service.
Check the number and try your call again.
Honey, you don't have to do that.
No problem. I want to help.
Thank you, Miguel.
Thank you, Helen.
You know, your English is very good now, Miguel.
You, too.
Thank you.
What's up, Sugar?
I forgot something in the clubhouse. I'll be right back.
Here, I'll load your bag.
Where's he going?
The bathroom.
This is 161st Street, Yankee Stadium.
Talk to me.
Is Jorge working today?
Jorge?
Jorge Ramirez.
Jorge, the baseball player.
Oh, the baseball player. He left about two weeks ago.
I think he drives a car now.
Do you have his number? His old number isn't working.
No, sorry.
But I think he was staying with some people...
up in Concourse Village. Around 156th Street.
Sometimes he still comes by to eat.
One room.
For how long?
I don't know.
$300 a week, one week in advance.
$300. Now.
This also, please.
Are you the owner here?
Yes. How can I help you?
I like your work.
Thanks.
What are you looking for?
Oh, no. I mean... I don't know. I was passing by...
And I thought you might need help.
I know how to make furniture and...
No, I don't need anyone. I'm not looking now.
Okay.
- Thanks for your time. - No problem.
Carpenter and assistant.
3 years experience and driver's license necessary.
What's going on?
Frank called last night. Where are you?
I'm in New York.
Oh, my God. What are you doing in New York?
I don't understand. Your team's looking for you.
I can't play anymore.
Are you hurt? What do you mean you can't play?
No, I'm fine. It's just...
We've been working for this your whole life, Miguelito.
My God! When you're so close.
Don't worry, Mom.
I have some money. Everything will be all right.
You have to go back. Listen to me, my sweet Sugar.
Call Frank. They'll take you back.
I can't go back.
Did I raise you like this?
Did I raise you to give up?
I didn't give up. I...
I'm starting something new here.
Miguel, where are you staying?
Miguel!
Listen, Mom, I have to go. The card's almost out of minutes.
Miguel, listen to me, please.
Don't worry. I'm staying with a friend.
I have a job. Everything's all right. I'll send money tomorrow.
Listen to me. You have to go back.
I love you. I'm sorry.
I was here the other day.
Did you find your friend?
No... Actually, I'm looking for a job.
Fernando!
Tell him you like his shirt.
When you have them here...
you just have to make sure you get all the scraps off.
Because the machine won't wash that off.
A little splash of water...
You raise this up here...
put them inside.
And that's it.
How long have you been working here?
Two years.
Do you have family here?
No. My wife and kids are in Mexico.
My family is in the Dominican.
- Remember me? - Yes.
But sorry, I still don't have a job for you.
That's okay. I already found one.
Actually, I'm trying to make a table...
And I'd like to buy some wood and supplies.
I don't really sell raw materials.
I just moved here...
and I don't have a space to work. So I was wondering if...
If I could use your workshop.
I could work for you in exchange. Help you clean up...
Whatever you need.
You don't have to pay me.
Somebody paying you for the table?
No. It's a gift for my mom.
Something I like to do.
How old are you?
Twenty.
Who taught you to make tables?
My dad. He was a carpenter in San Pedro.
I've got a few guys from there working here.
I'm Puerto Rican.
What are you doing in New York?
I came to work. I used to play baseball.
The whole world plays baseball.
My son's sixteen.
Won't touch a piece of wood that's not a baseball bat.
I never cared for the game, myself. Too slow.
Your mom still in San Pedro?
Yeah. With my sister and brother.
So, let's see...
You're telling me that you want to make a table for your mom...
then mail it back to her in the Dominican Republic?
Yes.
What's your name?
Miguel.
Osvaldo.
Is Sofia there?
Yes, it's Miguel again.
Could you tell her...
Just tell her I called.
So you never liked baseball? Not even as a kid?
Sometimes during the play-offs I'll watch a game or two.
Who's your favorite player?
I don't know enough to have a favorite.
C'mon, everybody has a favorite player.
Fine.
José Canseco.
That's the best you can do?
It's all the same to me. What about you?
Roberto Clemente.
What do you know about Clemente?
I read something where he said...
"If you have the opportunity...
"to help someone, and you don't, then you're wasting your life. "
Besides...
He was a carpenter, too.
Get out of here.
For real. He used to make furniture during the off-season.
Are you messing with me?
Because you know I can google this fool right now.
- Google? - Yeah, the Internet.
Don't worry. I'll teach you someday.
When did you get released?
I didn't get released.
I left a few weeks before the season ended.
You left?
When was that?
About two weeks ago.
Who are you staying with?
Oh, you know, with a friend.
But if you know somebody who needs a roommate...
Why'd you leave?
Do you have any family here?
But I'm okay.
I have some money saved, a couple friends.
I'll go home to visit soon.
Pay for one night, $75. Hey, amigo. You owse money.
- A whole week? - I know, I have tomorrow.
- No problem. - Yes, problem.
You don't have it by tomorrow, you have a big problem.
Frank... it's Miguel.
My God, Miguel. What the hell happened?
Sorry for calling late.
I'm in New York.
I heard. You're making me look bad.
What the hell are you doing there?
I got a job, but... I don't know if I'm going to stay.
Where you gonna go?
The season's over. Your visa's expired.
I know, but...
I thought maybe I could...
I can talk to Alvarez.
But I don't know what to tell you.
They're not happy about this.
I know.
I'm sorry.
Hey, look who's here.
Well, down to work.
I've got nowhere to go.
So, Miguel...
I did some research, and now I've got a favorite player.
Who is it, then?
Vic Power. You know him?
You ought to.
One of the best first basemen ever.
He was Puerto Rican. But that's not why he's my favorite.
When he first arrived in the States, around '51, '52...
he was playing in the minors. Little Rock, Arkansas.
And he stopped into this diner for lunch.
Now, Vic knew very little English.
Didn't even notice the sign hanging in the window that said...
"Whites only. "
And Vic was black. I mean black like you.
So what happens?
He comes in and sits down at the counter.
And this little waitress comes up to him and says...
I'm sorry, we don't serve colored people.
So Vic leans close to the waitress and he says...
That's okay. I don't eat colored people.
Understand?
She says, "We don't serve blacks. "
And he says, "That's okay, I don't eat black people. "
He's my favorite!
Fuck you, man.
Hey, you, too, bro.
I called the Higgins to give you my new number.
But they said you split.
I couldn't believe it, man. I had no idea.
Things got ugly after you left.
We all go through slumps. You know how it is.
Yeah, but it wasn't just a slump.
What was it, then?
I don't know, but I wasn't gonna wait for them to throw me out.
- I'm just saying... - Whatever, man.
You wouldn't be saying that stuff if you made it.
Maybe.
Sugar! Rafi needs you in the kitchen.
They call you Sugar?
What can I say? The name sticks.
They got all kinds in this league...
Fat cats in their 40s, kids like you and me...
Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, even some white boys.
I got this 50-year-old catcher on my team.
Used to play for the Dodgers.
Can't run for shit, but he's out there every week.
Belly out to here.
But he can still go deep.
You ever hear from that kid Brad?
I got the photo you sent, but you have to send me more.
Okay, Mom, but...
it would be easier if you got an e-mail account.
An e-mail account? I can barely use the TV!
I'm making you a new table.
It's going to be real nice.
I'm sure I'll love it. Thank you.
How's Erica?
She's good. She got a job at the factory.
But just part-time, so she can keep up with school.
And Luis?
He's pitching now. You should see him.
He's got his brother's arm.
Sure, but can he throw a knuckle curve?
I miss you, Mom. I'm working hard.
I'll be home soon.
Give everyone a hug for me.
I love you, Sugar.
I love you, too.
Caballo!
How you doing?
This is Miguel, from San Pedro.
The new guy. You ready to pitch?
I think so.
It's been a while, no?
Don't worry. He's ready.
That's what I like!
José, meet Miguel. They call him Sugar.
What's up, Sugar?
José played for the Padres Triple-A team.
Hit a dinger off Pedro once.
- Twice. - Twice.
I played for the Yankees.
Milwaukee Brewers.
Kansas City.
Me too. I played in Bridgetown.
Bridgetown. I was there in 2001. I lived on a big farm.
- With the Higgins! - Yeah, with the Higgins!
Alfredo Ruiz, Seattle.
Wilton González, Dodgers.
Arturo Corazón, los Astros.
Orlando Encarnación, los Mets.
Victor Santiago, los Ángeles.
Rafael Espinal, Minnesota Twins.
Miguel Azúcar Santos, Kansas City.
Play ball!
This isn't soccer, you can use your hands!
Strike one.
Strike two.
Strike three.