PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN
ALLEN watches back to behind the plate. CARTER gets ready to throw the pitch. When he does, the batter hits the ball to the outfield, with JAMES diving and catching it. He gets up and throws it to BEN, standing on second base to get the second out. He throws the ball to the plate, and ALLEN catches it and tags out the runner. Miraculously, a triple play has been pulled off. CARTER jumps up in the air and immediately starts jogging back to the dugout, the inning being over with the Charleston Capitols having the lead.
LEWIS
You are one lucky kid, Carter.
The Charleston Capitols hold onto the lead to win the game. When CARTER leaves, he is greeted by a group of people in the parking lot.
PERSON #1
Carter! Great pitching!
PERSON #2
Can you sign my shirt?
PERSON #3
You’re my hero!
CARTER
Thanks, yes, and thanks! Wow, I never knew I was known.
PERSON #4
Known? You’re famous!
_______________
The CHARLESTON CAPITOLS are in their dugout, with the game about to begin.
LEWIS
Carter, good luck pitching today. Don’t let the fame get to you.
CARTER
It’ll be tough since this is a home game, but I’ll manage.
LEWIS
Actually I’ll manage and you’ll pitch—wait, I get it now.
RAY
Just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.
LEWIS
By the way, you’re only going four innings today.
CARTER
Why?
LEWIS
Wouldn’t want you to be late for the mid-game autograph signing.
CARTER
You’re going to take me out of the game early so fans can get my signature? Don’t you think that’s a little odd?
LEWIS
Fans came to see you. Give them a few innings of pitching, then it’s off to sign autographs.
CARTER
OK then. So this isn’t a demotion?
LEWIS
Nope. If I wanted to demote you, you’d know.
JIM
You can ask me all about that. Did you know I used to start before they got Ben to join the team?
BEN
We arrived on the same year.
JIM
Yeah, but I started Opening Day.
BEN
And I started the game after that.
LEWIS
Guys enough arguing, you’re both on the bench today so your argument is pointless. Carter, get out on the mound and show the crowd the best you’ve got.
CARTER walks onto the mound. The crowd cheers loudly. He makes it through the first inning without giving up any runs, and only one hit. He returns to the dugout.
RAY
One down, three to go!
LEWIS
For Carter. You’re staying in all game.
ALLEN
I’m not playing today?
LEWIS
Just hang on, you never know when we need someone to pinch hit.
CARTER
Guys, I’m a little nervous.
LEWIS
Don’t be nervous, just be good.
CARTER
What if people don’t like me when they come up to me for autographs? There was a group of people in the parking lot the other day who did, but that doesn’t mean everyone will.
RAY
Don’t worry about it. They love you here.
CARTER
Are you sure?
RAY
No, but I assume so.
CARTER
That’s not reassuring at all.
LEWIS
Figure it out yourself Carter, it’s time for you to pitch again.
CARTER walks back out onto the mound and gets the first batter out. To his surprise, LEWIS walks onto the mound.
LEWIS
There’s word out that there’s already a ton of people lined up ready to get your autograph.
CARTER
Um...ok? I’m trying to pitch here.
LEWIS
I don’t think you understand. Stadium officials notified me.
CARTER
Wow, I’m in disbelief!
LEWIS
You realize I usually only come to the mound to take pitchers out of the game, right?
CARTER
Yeah, that’s what managers do. Glad to be an exception, now if you don’t mind I’m on fire up here.
LEWIS
You’re not an exception.
CARTER
Wait a minute, how many times do you guys have players sign autographs?
LEWIS
You are so missing my point.
RAY runs up to the mound, trying to understand what LEWIS and CARTER are saying.
RAY
What’s going on here?
LEWIS
Carter won’t take a hint.
RAY
A hint about what?
LEWIS
There are tons of people waiting for Carter to sign their merchandise.
RAY
And there are tons more who came to watch a baseball game, come on Coach, let us do our thing.
LEWIS
Look into the stands. This is as empty as it’s been in a while and it looked like almost every seat was taken at the beginning of the game.
RAY
You mean...they all went to wait for Carter’s autograph?
LEWIS
Looks so.
The home plate umpire walks up to the mound.
HOME PLATE UMPIRE
Guys, your time is up. I’m going to have to ask Coach to go back to the dugout now, is a pitching change being made or not?
LEWIS, CARTER, and RAY look at one another.
RAY
Up to you, Coach. Just remember: we came here to play baseball.
LEWIS
Hand over the ball, Carter.
CARTER
Are you kidding me?
LEWIS
No. It’s time for you to go meet some fans.
CARTER hands over the ball in disbelief.
RAY
Seriously Coach? Wow.
RAY goes back to home plate, shaking his head.
HOME PLATE UMPIRE
I’m not supposed to comment on this kind of stuff but that’s one dumb move there, Coach.
LEWIS walks away, looking to the ground, knowing he made the wrong decision as he hears weak boos from the crowd.
CARTER
So, I guess I sign autographs now?
LEWIS
Yup.
CARTER
I can get used to this fame. Just wish there was, you know, a little bit of balance.
LEWIS
I screwed up, kid. But at least you get to meet some fans.
CARTER leaves the dugout. When he approaches the line of people waiting for his autograph, they cheer. He smiles, knowing that he has a real purpose with the fans.
CARTER
Thank you everybody!
The crowd chants his name, and he signs their merchandise, enjoying his newfound popularity.