TLDR;
This video is a faith-based sports drama that explores themes of community, family, and perseverance through the lens of youth baseball. It follows the challenges and triumphs of a young baseball player, Chase, and his father, Hollis, who is a coach. The story highlights issues of fairness, integrity, and the importance of faith in overcoming adversity, both on and off the field.
- Community and Family
- Overcoming Adversity
- Faith and Perseverance
Practice and Frustrations [0:28]
Coach Hollis is running baseball practice, focusing on fundamental skills like catching and batting. He gives specific instructions to the players, such as stepping back to see the ball and not being afraid of it. During batting practice with his son, Chase, Hollis pushes him to overcome his fear of curveballs, but Chase struggles and gets hit by a pitch.
Family Dynamics and Coaching Styles [3:27]
Chase's mother arrives home early and is concerned to hear that Hollis hit Chase with the ball during practice. She confronts Hollis about his coaching methods, arguing that he is causing trauma rather than teaching toughness. The scene highlights the tension between Hollis's intense coaching style and his wife's concern for their children's well-being. It also touches on the broader theme of Hollis's identity being consumed by his role as a coach, even within his family.
Church and Community [4:38]
The family attends church, where Hollis is involved in the puppet ministry. During the service, there's a disruption with Pam and music, followed by Hollis talking with another coach about a new baseball park that was built. The coach expresses his concern that the new park wasn't built for their community. Hollis then has to get his son to stop playing around during the service.
New League and Tryouts [10:00]
Hollis and another coach discuss coaching opportunities at the high school and the challenges of working with kids. A man named Steve approaches Hollis about a new baseball league that the mayor is trying to create by merging all the little leagues together. Hollis is skeptical of the new league's intentions.
Doubt and Decisions [13:54]
Hollis and Chase discuss the new league, and Chase expresses his desire to play in it. Hollis is hesitant, but Coach Roy calls and tells Hollis that the league is canceled due to not enough participants. Hollis and his wife discuss the situation with Chase, expressing their concerns about the intentions of the new league.
Joining the New League [17:51]
Hollis takes Chase to sign up for the new league, where they encounter a woman who is rude and dismissive. Coach Steve arrives and apologizes for the woman's behavior, assuring them that everything will be taken care of. Hollis and Chase watch the tryouts, and Hollis expresses his concerns about how long the process is taking.
Frustration and Conflict [20:11]
After waiting for hours, Hollis becomes frustrated that his son and nephews have not been called to try out. He confronts Coach Mick, the league commissioner, who dismisses his concerns. The situation escalates, and Coach Mick threatens to prevent Hollis's sons from playing. Hollis gets angry and Coach Steve diffuses the situation.
Team Selection and Trade [23:04]
The coaches gather to select the teams. Coach Steve advocates for Chase to be on his team, and he is eventually selected. Coach Steve then asks to have Tim Reed on his team as well, and he ends up trading one of his best players for him.
Team Dynamics and Financial Struggles [25:51]
Coach Steve talks to Chase about the tryouts and encourages him. Alex, another player on the team, introduces himself to Chase and mentions Mick Jr., the best pitcher in the league. Hollis and his wife discuss their financial struggles, including the cost of Raven's college and the new league fees for Chase.
New Park and Challenge [31:16]
The mayor and Coach Mick inaugurate the new youth park. Coach Mick announces a challenge: the first player to hit a home run out of the park will win a catcher's set and a gift card.
Season Opener [32:13]
It's game one, and Coach Steve gives his team a pep talk. Alex tells Chase that Mick Jr. is the best in the league. Chase hits a triple, but ultimately his team loses the game.
Post-Game Reactions and Tensions [36:59]
After the game, Coach Steve praises Chase's performance, but Coach Mick is unimpressed. Coach Mick criticizes his son, Mick Jr., for his performance and accuses him of being paid off by the other team. Coach Mick's mother confronts him about his behavior and his focus on winning.
Hidden Agendas and Opportunities [38:54]
Coach Mick's mother reveals that the youth park is the first step to creating wealth for their family. She explains that the plan is to create a travel team with the best players, which will bring revenue to the city. Coach Steve's wife talks to Hollis about the high school basketball position and offers to help him get an interview.
Job Interview and New Rules [43:30]
Hollis goes to the interview for the head coaching job, but Mr. Kennedy makes it clear that he will never be hired due to his past. Mr. Kennedy offers Hollis the girls' volleyball position instead. Coach Steve tells Hollis about the new rules for the league's tournament, which will limit the number of pitches allowed.
Pitching Change and Family Decisions [50:07]
Coach Steve reveals that Alex sprained his wrist, and he wants Chase to fill in as the starting pitcher. Hollis is hesitant, but ultimately agrees. Hollis and his wife discuss the interview and the girls' volleyball position.
Playoff Game and Humiliation [54:07]
It's the playoffs, and Chase is pitching. He struggles and walks several batters, leading to his team losing the game. Hollis is upset and doesn't know how to talk to Chase.
Words of Encouragement and a New Opportunity [56:17]
Hollis talks to Chase about the game and encourages him not to let it define him. Coach Steve tells Chase that he and Alex will probably get selected for the All-Star travel team. Hollis apologizes to Chase and agrees to let him play.
All-Star League and a New Position [58:57]
The All-Star League practice begins, and Coach Mick is strict and demanding. He makes Chase run laps for being late. Hollis starts coaching the volleyball team.
Volleyball and Baseball [1:00:52]
Hollis is questioned about his knowledge of volleyball. During baseball practice, Chase struggles and Coach Mick is hard on him. Hollis and his wife discuss Chase's struggles and the new level of play.
Setbacks and Frustrations [1:05:00]
Hollis and another coach discuss the volleyball team. Hollis reveals that he wasn't offered the basketball job. During baseball practice, Chase continues to struggle, and Coach Mick is critical of his performance.
Scrimmage and a Controversial Call [1:08:46]
During a scrimmage, Chase is batting eighth, which is unusual for him. He strikes out, and Hollis argues with the umpire about the call. Chase gets upset and Hollis sends him to the dugout.
Mission Trip and Concerns [1:12:03]
The pastor announces a mission trip to Mexico, and Hollis and his wife decide to go. They leave Raven in charge of the house. Hollis and his wife express their concerns about Chase's first game while they are away.
Tournament and Tension [1:15:26]
The All-Star baseball tournament begins, and Chase makes an error that allows two runs to score. Coach Mick pulls him from the game, and Hollis is upset.
Leaving the Game [1:18:04]
Raven confronts Coach Mick about his treatment of Chase and decides to take him home. Coach Mick warns that if Chase leaves, he may not be able to come back.
Volleyball and a Proposition [1:23:50]
Coach Steve approaches Hollis about Chase playing on his team again. Hollis is hesitant due to what happened last summer. Coach Steve says that he is going to sign Chase up for the team and it's up to Hollis if he wants to show up or not.
Basketball and a Decision [1:26:27]
Hollis and Chase play basketball, and Chase says that it is his favorite sport. Hollis encourages Chase to not give up on baseball.
Faith and Works [1:28:59]
Hollis and his wife pray for Chase and for Hollis to get the coaching job that he is called to have. Hollis decides to have Chase play baseball again.
New Season and a New Lineup [1:31:37]
A new baseball season begins, and Chase is back on the team. He is the lead off batter in today's contest.
Deja Vu and a Timeout [1:32:18]
The game is back and forth, and it is deja vu from a year ago. It is the season opener, Chase is at bat, there is a 3-2 count with the bases loaded and two outs. A timeout is called on the field.
Controversial Play Call [1:33:43]
During the timeout, Coach Mick tells his son, Mick Jr., to hit Chase with the pitch and make it look like an accident. Coach Mick's mother is against the idea, but Coach Mick insists that it is necessary to win.
The Hit and Consequences [1:35:04]
Mick Jr. hits Chase with the pitch, and he is in a lot of pain. The mayor arrives and tells Coach Mick that his coaching days are over.
New Opportunities [1:37:37]
Hollis is interviewing for a new position. The principal from North Side offers Hollis the boys basketball coaching job if he accepts the volleyball position.
Ministry and Purpose [1:40:17]
Hollis and his wife are ministering to the children.
