Centerfield
by: Jodie Poliziani
characters
Timmy Ryan,13 years old and is the new boy in school, who moved to Florida from Delaware. He moved two weeks ago, and is just getting settled into the new school. He is in 7th grade. He has no talent, so his mother forces him to sign up for baseball. He has trouble making friends.
Mother, Mother of Timmy. She supports him of anything he does.
Tate Rae, Also is 13 years old and is the most popular boy in 7th grade, and is big and tough. Everyone likes Tate. He plays centerfield, and bullies the new boy Timmy. He has a problem with Timmy because his girlfriend Gia flirts with him.
Gia Brown, Is 13 years old and is Tate’s girlfriend, but falls in love with Timmy.
Noah Swade, 14 years old, and got held back so he is in 7th grade with Tate. He is Tate’s best friend. He plays shortstop in baseball, and Is really good at baseball. He is also buff. He also bullies Tim because Tate is.
Coach Rae, He is the father of Tate. Also, he is coach of the baseball team.
Extras In Classroom/ Lunchroom
Teacher, is the homeroom teacher, and Is on lunch duty.
Rest of team, This includes Tate, Noah, Lucas, Jerry, Chris, Eli, Alex, Austin, Tanner, and Daniel.
Announcer, announces the championship game.
Crowd, goes crazy after Timmy hits the ball.
Ref, refs the game.
Act 1, Scene 1
setting: Beginning of class early in the morning at Greenville Middle School.
(Bell rings to start class)
TEACHER
Alright, everybody let’s take roll. Say here if i say your name
(Calls out students names)
TEACHER
Tate Rae?
TATE
(laughing)
Not here…
TEACHER
(laughing at Tate)
Ohhhhh Tate you’re so funny, you crack me up! Ok, next up our new kid, his name is Timmy Ryan. Are you here?
TIMMY
Yes…
TEACHER
Great, everyone make sure you all welcome Tim!
(The bell rings for first period)
TATE
Hey Tim, do you play any sports or anything because if you want, you can play baseball with us?
TIMMY
No, I don’t.
(Walks away quickly, making no eye contact with Tate.)
TATE
Dude wait up!
(Runs up to catch Timmy)
What’s your deal bro? I was just trying to talk to you, and you run away.
TIMMY
Sorry I’m not that social, and I don’t play.
TATE
I feel like you are lying.
TIMMY
Well I played baseball once, but broke my arm running to second base, so I don’t do it. I can’t really do anything that well.
TATE
Oh that sucks, but I bet you could do something? How about since you played before, meet me after school out at the baseball fields, and we could catch. We wanna see what you can do.
(points to Noah)
TIMMY
I don’t have any gear.
TATE
I have an extra glove you can use.
TIMMY
Ok, I’ll try, but I’m telling you I’m not good at all.
TATE
Dude It’s cool, and untuck your shirt. it makes you look like a nerd.
TIMMY
(Looks offended)
But I like it this way tucked In.
TATE
Here just let me do it. It will make you look so much cooler.
(Untucks Tim’s shirt, and undoes a button)
Ok I have to go now.
Act 1, Scene 2
Setting: It takes place during fifth period in lunch.
TIMMY
( walks into the lunchroom, and sits down at an empty table in the corner.)
GIA
Hey! Are you new here! Do you mind If I sit?
(Says quickly)
TIMMY
Uh yeah I’m new, and sure.
GIA
So what’s your name new boy?
TIMMY
Timmy, but you can call me Tim for short.
GIA
I like that name Tim! Hey why are you sitting all alone anyways?
TIMMY
I don’t have any friends.
GIA
Well we can be friends! I’m going to go get my lunch, I’ll be back.
(Goes to get lunch)
TATE
Hey Timmy. I see you talking to my girl. Listen I know you are new, but you have to know the rules here. Since I am dating her, you can’t talk to her, alright?
TIMMY
Oh no, I wasn’t trying to… you know flirt with her. She just came up to me, and asked to sit with me since nobody else is.
TATE
Oh bro well, I would let you sit with us, but there isn’t anymore room left. Sooo I guess it’s fine for one day.
(Sounding jealous)
Oh look here comes Gia!
GIA
I’m backk, and I see you been talking more to Tate. Tate, you should come sit with us.
TATE
I’m good. I need to go back to my table now. Bye Gia!
GIA
Man, he gets on my nerves a lottttt. Sometimes I just want to break up with him. He never seems like he cares about me as much as I care.
TIMMY
I’m sorry to hear that Gia. You’re not the only one who also feels like that.
GIA
What do you mean?
TIMMY
Well my dad didn’t really care about me… just forget, I don’t really want to talk about it.
GIA
Oh I understand, sorry.
TIMMY
Thanks but don’t tell anyone please? I just met you, and I don’t know if you’re gonna tell Tate anything.
GIA
I know we don’t really know each other, but I won’t tell anyone.
TATE
(looks over at Tim and Gia, and has an angry look on his face.)
Act 1, Scene 3
Setting: Outside school at the baseball field
TATE
You ready kid?
(Shoves Timmy)
TIMMY
OWWW! Why did you shove me?
TATE
That’s for hitting on my girl.
TIMMY
I was not!
GIA
Hey Timmy! Hey Tate!
(She shouts across the fields.)
TATE
Right.
(He says sarcastically.)
Ok anyway, let’s get started.
NOAH
Everyone, Lineup behind me. For warmups, Tate is going to throw balls for us to field them.
TATE
(He throws one to Noah, and Noah fields it easily. He keeps throwing them perfectly to his friends. He then throws one far away from Timmy on purpose.)
TIMMY
(Timmy misses the ball, and it goes flying into the woods.)
TATE
WOW you do stink. You’re going to get that ball back right now.
TIMMY
It’s your fault!
TATE
Go get that stinking ball right now!
TIMMY
(Throws his glove on the ground, and runs home.)
Act 1 Scene 4
Setting: Timmy’s house
MOTHER
Where were you? You had me worried!
TIMMY
Oh I was at baseball. I forgot to tell you, I’m soooo sorry!
MOTHER
You’re lucky that I’m going to let you off the hook because you’re new to the school.
TIMMY
Sorry, I’ll tell you next time I go out.
MOTHER
Well actually I’m happy you practiced because guess what?
TIMMY
What?
MOTHER
Well a few days ago, I saw a baseball sign up sheet at the store, andddd…
TIMMY
Oh no… You’re not gonna tell me, you signed me up for baseball?
MOTHER
Why, what’s wrong with that?
TIMMY
Incase you haven’t forgotten, I am really bad at sports, or anything else!
MOTHER
Oh no you aren’t
(She tries to sound cheerful.)
You are going to play baseball. You never do anything anymore.
TIMMY
Whatever…
MOTHER
I signed you up on Max Rae’s team. I think that he has a son in your grade. He told me that you will fit right in.
TIMMY
Yeah I met him today. He is real nice.
(Sounds sarcastic)
MOTHER
Well you guys better get along because I’m not taking your name off the list, and I already paid for you. You start on thursday after school out in the back of school.
TIMMY
I don’t even have equipment!
MOTHER
We will get you some when I earn enough money. The coach said that you could borrow his son’s extra glove when he called me today. Didn’t you use It today? Coach Rae says that Tate always carries an extra glove.
TIMMY
Whatever I’m going upstairs.
MOTHER
Wait!! I didn’t even get to ask you about school!
TIMMY
You might as well not even ask!
(Screams at his mother from upstairs)
MOTHER
Lose the attitude! You needed something to get your mind off of what has been happening. It’s been rough.
TIMMY
I’m going to bed!
(Slams door)
MOTHER
It’s only five o’clock!
Act 1, Scene 5
Setting: Baseball practice a few days later
TATE
Why are you here kid?
TIMMY
My mom unexpectedly signed me up.
TATE
Well you could keep the bench warm for me while I’m playing on the field, and you are sitting on the bench!
(He smirks)
TIMMY
Shutup…
TATE
You deserve it.
TIMMY
I still don’t understand why I deserve this.
TATE
The past few days, you’ve been with my girlfriend. I ask her to hangout and she said that she doesn’t want to!. This is all your fault! You like brainwashed her or something.
TIMMY
Maybe you should take It up with her. She does have a few things to speak to you about.
TATE
So now you know all her secrets. WOW!
TIMMY
I wouldn’t say all of them.
(smirks)
COACH
Let’s get practice going! Everyone come over here. Pick a partner, and start to catch with them.
TATE
I’m gonna catch with Timmy.
( squeezes his shoulder powerfully.)
TIMMY
ouch!
COACH
Tae, keep your hands to yourself. We might need him.
TATE
Whatever, let’s get catching. Go over there.
(Whips the ball at Timmy.)
TIMMY
(The ball hits Timmy in the glove, but he drops it.)
COACH
Timmy do you know how to play baseball? That one was right to you.
TIMMY
He whipped it though!
TATE
Dad he has no clue how to play. He told me on Monday.
(Grins)
COACH
Come over here. I’ll show you how to catch.
TATE
What do I do then? I think I should teach him how to catch that stinking ball.
COACH
Go catch with Noah, and Jerry. Come here Tim. So first you’re going to open your glove wide. Next, you’re gonna position yourself with me. When I throw the ball to you, squeeze It tightly until you know the ball is in your glove.
NOAH
Why do you want to teach him how to catch?
TATE
I don’t I was just gonna keep throwing them far away into the woods so he would have to keep running, and get it.
(Says that the coach can’t hear)
NOAH
Hah I get it. This kid shouldn’t be on the team. He is a distraction.
TIMMY
Ok I think I understand now.
(Says to the coach)
COACH
Here move back some, I’ll toss you the ball.
TIMMY
(Moves back, and catches the ball.)
WOW I caught it!
COACH
Now Tate come over here, and come catch with Tim.
TATE
(Gives Timmy a rude look, and whips the ball at Tim again.)
TIMMY
(Drops the ball.)
Stop throwing it so hard!
COACH
Tate If you aren’t going to show respect to my practice, you can sit for the rest of practice.
TATE
Coach that’s how I throw it. I got stronger over the winter!
COACH
Just throw it lighter.
TATE
Whatever…
(Throws it so light)
TIMMY
(catches it)
Scene 1, Act 6
setting: The next day at school during lunch.
TATE
(Walks over towards Gia and Timmy.)
Hey guys I’m gonna sit over here today to watch Timmy. I just wanna make sure he isn’t snatching my girlfriend.
GIA
Tate he isn’t
(laughs)
TIMMY
I don’t know what you are talking about anyways. All we do is talk.
TATE
Like I would believe you. I don’t even know you, and I shouldn’t have asked you to practice with us.
GIA
Tate if you want to sit with us, you have to be nice.
NOAH
Hey look! It’s the boy that can’t even catch a baseball.
(Everyone in the lunchroom starts laughing.)
TIMMY
You can stop now. I’m already embarrassed enough.
NOAH
Not until you quit the team boy.
TIMMY
That’s not gonna happen. I’m buying a new glove today.
TEACHER
Boys go back to your seats please.
(Tate and Noah go back to their original seats.)
TATE
Oh, um actually I’m going to sit here today.
TEACHER
GO BACK TO YOUR SEAT NOW SIR.
TATE
Jeez fine.
(Goes back to his lunch table)
GIA
I wish I could do something about Tate, but I’m afraid he will spread a stupid rumor about me if I did.
TIMMY
Aren’t you still dating him though?
GIA
Okay well, I was thinking a lot. I tried to talk to Tate yesterday after his practice, and he lost it on me. So, I decided that I’m going to break up with him today. I just don’t know when.
TIMMY
He sure deserves it.
GIA
I need to tell you something else.
TIMMY
What?
GIA
I really want to be really good friends with you, and maybe date or something.
TIMMY
Really… So you’re just going to dump Tate, and now like me?
GIA
Yeah you are so much nicer than Tate, and you listen to me. What’s wrong with that?
TIMMY
I just can’t believe someone said that they like me more than the most popular boy in school, Tate Rae.
GIA
(laughs)
I know, kinda crazy huh?
Act 1, Scene 7
Setting: A month passes, and It’s the day of the first game.
GIA
Hey are you excited for the game?
TIMMY
Yeah…
GIA
What’s wrong?
TIMMY
Well It’s just… I’m not that good at baseball.
GIA
So…
TIMMY
It will be embarrassing if I mess up, even if i get in.
GIA
I don’t care if you mess up, don’t worry I won’t laugh.
TIMMY
Ok thanks, but I have to go.
GIA
K bye, good luck.
(Winks)
COACH
Alright everyone listen up, I have the lineup for today! Noah is hitting first, and Is at shortstop. Jerry, you are at third. Chris is at first. Tate is at centerfield. Eli, you are right field. Alex, you are at second base. Austin is Left field. Then, Tanner is the pitcher. Lucus you will be sitting the first inning, but you are hitting 9th. Lastly, Daniel Is our catcher.
TIMMY
(Raises hand.)
Excuse me sir, where am I?
COACH
Today you are on the bench taking a break.
TIMMY
So I’m not even hitting?
COACH
Listen boy, you have to earn your spot on this team. You can’t just show up with little experience, and expect to play.
REST OF TEAM
(All looking at Timmy, and snickering.)
TATE
Hmm looks like you can’t take my spot.
TIMMY
Well Gia said it doesn’t matter if I don’t play, It’s not embarrassing for her.
TATE
Oh It’s gonna be so embarrassing when she comes back for me after I win this game.
(Says in a low voice so nobody can hear)
C’mon everyone let’s go out on the field!
ANNOUNCER
And Tate Rae, center field, gets the crowd hyped up for the first game of the season! Good luck teams!
CROWD
(Shows crowd cheering)
ANNOUNCER
And Tate strikes out another batter.
CROWD
(Cheers)
COACH
You guys played well together. Good job!
TATE
Ha! you’re a bench warmer. How does this make you feel?
(Says so his father doesn’t hear)
TIMMY
(about to cry)
Stop!
TATE
At least you can’t take my spot on the team!
TIMMY
(Gets up and leaves.)
Act 1, Scene 7
Setting: Next day at school and the rest of the days until their championship game.
TATE
Hey loser.
TIMMY
What do you want from me now?
TATE
Gia broke up with me because of you.
TIMMY
Tough luck buddy
TATE
You should be scared.
TIMMY
Why?
TATE
Noah and I are gonna make sure your life is ruined.
TIMMY
(Runs away leaving Tate standing there)
(Everyday Timmy gets bullied by Tate and Noah.)
TATE
Loser, loser
TIMMY
Haha, you think you are so funny.
TATE
I am… I’m funnier, more athletic, smarter, and everything better than you little shrimp.
TIMMY
You think you are smarter? That’s another joke.
TATE
Hmm… Believe what you want to. See yashrimpy.
(Shoves past Tim)
TATE
(Turns around)
Hey, my dad said that you might be playing in this game, but It’s probably not true.
TIMMY
Why? I don’t even care at this point.
TATE
I don’t know, but If you mess this up for me. I will do worse than you could imagine.
Scene 1, Act 8
Setting: Championship game
( It is now the 6th inning.)
COACH
Lucas, you are up! Get out there!
LUCAS
Tim this one is going out to you!
(The pitcher throws the ball, and It hits him unexpectedly.)
Owww!
(Falls to the ground)
He hit me right in the ankle.
COACH
It looks like it’s broken! Oh no!
(helps Lucas to dugout)
Ummm Timmy get out there and go hit.
TIMMY
Okay!
(Puts on gear and walks to the batters box)
(He swings at a ball)
GIA
Let’s go Tim! You can do this!
TIMMY
(Swings at another ball)
COACH
C’mon boy!
TIMMY
(Swings the ball, and hits the ball right to the right field spot, and runs to first.)