BILLY BALL

BILLY BALL

WRITTEN BY

KENDALL OLIPHANT

FADE IN:

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - DAY
(MITCHELL, UTAH PITCHER, UMPIRE 1)

THE PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL TEAM THE BIRMINGHAM BARONS ARE AT HOME TO THE UTAH SAINTS ON THIS SUNNY SUNDAY AFTERNOON

The UTAH PITCHER throws a fast ball, the Birmingham player MITCHELL swings wildly

UMPIRE 1
Strike three! Your out! Game!

UTAH PITCHER
(trash talking)
About time, hey Mitchell I see you can't raise the bat at the plate either

MITCHELL
(dejected)
Ass hole

CUT TO:

INT. PRESS BOX - DAY
(PETE, STEVE)

The Birmingham announcer STEVE and his colour commentator PETE banter back and forth

STEVE
And with that call it's game over and so are Birmingham's chances at a play-offs spot

PETE
Not technically Steve, they still have the second half of the season to turn their season around and I would like to remind the fans of the 1968 Michigan Centennials who where twenty games out of the wild card spot at the All-Star break and made the most remarkable come back in league history, barely missing the play-offs by only half a game

STEVE
Thanks Pete and if your finished, I would like to continue and say too the fans who are still with us, that you can join us here on WFRE for coverage of the eighty fifth All-Star game and watch New Yorks' ace pitcher Richard "the king" Johowski match wits with his former Southern League compadres.The south will be of course be skippered by the legendary Billy Busby..

PETE
(interrupting)
Billy was not the first choice to manage the South division, Dan Cater of the Utah Saints was originally chosen but..

STEVE
(interrupting)
Before my friend here boars you to sleep, as you all know a huge write in campaign ensued after the selections had been made.Thousands of outraged supporters of "Billy Ball" swamped commissioner Watts office with faxes, letters and e-mails demanding justice be served

PETE
So instead of the west being represented by the best manager in the league, it will be represented by a manager of a twenty and sixty team, a full thirty games behind the leaders

STEVE
Well that's all the time we have tonight, please join myself Steve Freeman and Pete Pullit back here after the All-Star break in sunny Florida

PETE
Ah, that's Pete Pullman, good night all

INT. PRESS BOX - DAY
(DIRECTOR, PETE, STEVE)

DIRECTOR
And we are off

PETE
Great show Steve, gotta go

STEVE
(sarcastically)
Like clock work

Pete stands and exits leaving Steve looking disbelieved

INT. PRESS BOX - DAY
(DIRECTOR, STEVE)

The DIRECTOR comes into the press box to find out what the problem is

DIRECTOR
What the hell is going on between you two?

STEVE
What's with this guy?

DIRECTOR
What do you mean?

STEVE
This guy has got more boring stories from times that most of our viewers were not even born during, and what's it about him and Billy Busby?

DIRECTOR
I don't know, all I heard was something to do with Billys' wife and Pete

STEVE
What ever it was I'm sure it was all in Pete's head

DIRECTOR
Try to work with him okay

STEVE
Fine, but it will take a lot more money to make me stay in this hell hole at the end of the season

CUT TO:

INT. BIRMINGHAM LOCKER ROOM-CORNER - DAY
(BILLY, NEWS WOMEN 1, NEWSMAN 2)

NEWS WOMEN 1 surrounded by other reporters crowd BILLY

NEWS WOMEN 1
Would you like to say anything to your fans back in New York?

BILLY
I am very great full for the write in campaign that my fan club in New York started on my behalf

NEWS WOMEN 1
If it wasn't for some ten thousand letters that flooded into the commissioners office you certainly wouldn't be heading to the all-star game

BILLY
As I said I'm very grateful to all my fans

NEWS WOMEN 1
Do you think it was fair for you instead of the first place manager of the Utah Saints to represent the southern division?

BILLY
I'm sure the Saints manager would have managed the team the best he could, I don't wish to get into the politics of the league.I'm just going to Miami to have some fun

NEWSMAN 2
(interjecting)
By fun do you mean face the man who replaced you?

BILLY
I have nothing against Mr.Chaddington, nor hold any grudges towards any person in the New York organization

NEWSMAN 2
Including Lawrence Nash?

BILLY
Including Mr. Nash, excuse me

Billy walks away looking dejected

INT. BIRMINGHAM LOCKER ROOM - DAY
(ANGRY PLAYER, NEWSMAN 2)

Another Birmingham ANGRY PLAYER walks in front of the camera, to trash talk, NEWS MAN 2 looks on unimpressed

ANGRY PLAYER
(ranting)
Hey wait, I would like to say to Johowski up in New York, enjoy yourself you bum, all you ever did was prance around here demanding your masseuse and drive your fancy car, while the rest of us took all the heat.King nothing, you are just a spoiled brat that whined his way to a championship contender.You screwed Billy and we won't forget it

NEWSMAN 2
Thanks, cut!

The news media slowly exit

FADE OUT:

INT. BIRMINGHAM LOCKER ROOM - DAY
(MEDIA MAN 1, CAMERA MAN)

A sparse media core try to interview the Barons players.MEDIA MAN 1 tries to get an interview with a player with an ice bag on his shoulder.The player shrugs at the question and walks away.Other players mill about some drinking beer, others smoking

MEDIA MAN 1
Was any of that useful?

CAMERA MAN
Doubt it

MEDIA MAN 1
Lets go next door and talk to some winners

The media man and camera man exit

FADE IN:

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
(BILLY, JAY, MELANIE, RICHARD)

A Ricky Lake Style panel show (MELANIE) is in progress, Billy joins RICHARD and JAY on stage

MELANIE
Welcome to the Melanie Rivers show, our guests are former Birmingham Barons star pitcher Richard "the King" Johowski, now pitching for the first place New York Kings, next to him is Billy Busby the manager of the last place Barons whom the Kings sold in order to get the rights to sign the star right hander.Next to them is one of Miamis' selections to the all-star team, left fielder Jay Norstrom

AS EACH GUEST GIVES A POLITE WAVE TO THE CROWD AS THEIR NAME IS CALLED OUT.THE CROWD CHEERS LOUDLY FOR BILLY AND JAY BUT HAS MIXED REACTIONS FOR RICHARD, SOME EVEN BOO

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
(MELANIE, BILLY, JAY, RICHARD)

MELANIE STARTS HER INTERVIEW IN HER TRADEMARK "NEVER AFRAID TO ASK A QUESTION STYLE"

MELANIE
So Billy do you regret some of your action in New York, that might have led to your demotion to Birmingham?

BILLY
I don't get what you mean?

MELANIE
Look we all know you had a reputation for being a bit of a drinker and the only reason for the league keeping you around is because of the popularity of Billy Ball

JAY
(sticking up for his friend)
Look, that is not true I played for Billy as did a lot of others, I can tell you for fact that their was never a day Billy wasn't a capable manager

MELANIE
Are you saying that Billy was capable of managing a team after regularly consuming a fifth of scotch?

BILLY
Who told you that?

MELANIE
Your wife

Billy looks on with disbelief, the crowd begins to murmur

MELANIE
(regaining control of the interview)
Now Richard, are you glad you are finally on a winning team?

RICHARD
While Birmingham was a fun place to play, I'm glad to finally be on a team that can benefit from a pitcher of my calibre

MELANIE
(turning to the crowd)
We will be back after the break

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. FIRE SIDE SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK, MELANIE)

CHUCK, an ex-player and friend of Billy tries to console him after they view the Melanie Rivers episode

CHUCK
(reaches up and turns off the tv)
Sorry Billy, I just wanted you to see the whole show

BILLY
That is all right

CHUCK
You know how those shows are, the will do anything for ratings, Sophie would never say those things about you

BILLY
I know

CHUCK
Want another one?

BILLY
(dejected)
Make it a double

Billy sits looking down at his championship ring from New York from the previous year

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. NEW YORK KINGS LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, MARCIA)

BILLY FLASHES BACK TO THE END OF THE PREVIOUS SEASON.THE KINGS HAVE JUST FINISHED WINNING THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP.THE LOCKER ROOM IS FULL OF MEDIA AND PLAYERS SPRAYING CHAMPAIGN.

Billy is being interviewed by MARCIA as a player enters, shouting and spraying Billy with champaign Billy washes the suds out of his eyes and laughs

MARCIA
Is number five Billy still as sweet?

BILLY
They just keep getting sweater

MARCIA
You heard it here first, Billy Ball keeps rolling on in New York, Marcia Douglas KNYC

INT. NEW YORK KINGS LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
(MARCIA, GRIFFIN, BILLY)

MARCIA
Way to go Billy GRIFFIN Mitchell steps over to Billy and whispers in his ear

GRIFFIN
Billy can I talk to you?

BILLY
Sure, excuse me

Billy and Griffin walk into the hallway to talk in private

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE KINGS LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
(GRIFFIN, BILLY)

GRIFFIN
I don't mean to interrupt your celebrations but I have some good news and some bad news for you

BILLY
Shoot

GRIFFIN
Firstly, I'm leaving the team to become commissioner

BILLY
Great! Now maybe things will get done around the league, what is the bad news?

GRIFFIN
The guy who is taking over for me is Lawrence Nash

BILLY
The evangelist?

GRIFFIN
Yes, he is part of the ownership that bought the team and he is the CEO

BILLY
So what is that have to do with me?

GRIFFIN
I heard today that Mr.Nash plans to sell you to another team

BILLY
Why?

GRIFFIN
He feels your open ways are a bad influence on the kids who follow the team

BILLY
Give it to me straight Griff, we are friends

GRIFFIN
The new owners feel they can no longer hide what they feel is your excessive drinking

BILLY
What I do outside of baseball is my business, and what is this about the kids? I have raised over twenty million dollars for Billy's Kids

GRIFFIN
I know, what you do for those charities can't be disputed, but Mr.Nash feels your drinking gives the wrong message to them

BILLY
Nash is a hypocrite, last year he was caught up in that tax fraud scandal, what message does that send the kids?

GRIFFIN
Kids don't fill out tax returns, they do buy Billy Ball Tee shirts

BILLY
Where am I traded too?

GRIFFIN
Birmingham, they can't afford their pitcher Johowski and we need a right hander

BILLY
So how much did this little cleansing of Lawrence Nash' conscience cost?

GRIFFIN
Ten million

BILLY
He got a bargain, see you around Griff

Billy starts to walk away

GRIFFIN
You will always be a winner, no matter where you go Billy, give them hell!

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. FIRE SIDE SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

Billy looks up from his ring

BILLY
(dejected)
Give me another Chuck

CHUCK
It's closing time Billy, how about a coffee?

BILLY
I'm all right, I got to go look at some game tapes

CHUCK
Take it easy Billy

Billy steps off the stool and walks inebriated out of the door

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BILLY'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY)

Billy turns on the television and hits play on the VCR and begins to look at footage from the previous Barons game.An opposing player sends a shot down the third base line.The third baseman is situated too far away from the baseline and the ball skips past him.The resulting single allows a run to score.Billy pauses the tape in disgust and takes a swig from a bottle of scotch and lies back on the bed and passes out

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BILLY'S HOME - DAY
(BILLY, SOPHIE)

Billy flashes back to an argument he and his wife (SOPHIE) had

SOPHIE
Goddam' it Billy, could you not watch that game film for a minute

BILLY
Look! The Cobras have a new kid, he throws a slider eighty eight miles an hour, a slider!

SOPHIE
(frustrated)
I don't know a slider from a curve ball, what I do know is our marriage is falling apart

Billy shuts off the tape and stands to confront Sophie

INT. BILLY HOME - DAY
(BILLY, SOPHIE)

BILLY
Look Sophie, I'm sorry baseball is my life, I've been around it since I was five, you knew that when you married me

SOPHIE
I understand your passion, but thirty three years of being alone while you went out on road trips, taking care of Bill myself.When you were home you spent most of the time working

BILLY
I can't take it all back, I am sorry

SOPHIE
You spent more time with your charity kids than you did with your own son

BILLY
My work with Billys' Kids have helped thousands of kids go to college and stay away from drugs and alcohol.Bill grew up just fine, one day he will coach in the majors.

SOPHIE
I didn't mean to imply that you haven't made a difference in those kids lives, but how about your life with us, where do we fit in

BILLY
You will always be first, please believe me, a couple of more seasons and then I will retire

SOPHIE
You have been saying that for the last five years, I don't know how much longer I can take it.I think we need some time alone, I am going to visit my sister in St.Louis for a while

BILLY
How long are you going to be?

SOPHIE
I don't know

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BILLYS' HOTEL ROOM - DAY
(BILLY)

An alarm clock rings, bringing Billy out of his drunken slumber Billy removes the bottle lying next to him and places it on the night stand Billy still half drunk staggers into the bathroom and turns on the shower

INT. BILLY'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY
(BILLY, TERRY)

Billy sits on the edge of the bed packing his travel bag slowly.Billy looks dejected and distant.A knock on the door (TERRY) breaks his trance

BILLY
Who is it!

TERRY
(Slipping his head through the door)
Yo coach! It's me Terry

BILLY
Het Terry, sorry come in

TERRY
(a young call up pitcher enters)
Hey coach, something wrong?

BILLY
No, nothing, what can I do for you?

TERRY
(demonstrates his new pitch)
I've been working on a new pitch, if I drop my release point down a bit, like this, I can get a couple more miles out of my fast ball

BILLY
Great use it, but show it to Mikey first

TERRY
Thanks coach B, oh hey the bus is here

BILLY
I'll be right down

Terry exits, Billy continues to pack, eyes the half drunk bottle on the night stand, sighs and shoves it in the bag between some clothing

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. ANNOUNCING BOOTH - NIGHT
(PETE, STEVE, DIRECTOR)

Steve and Pete call the end of another dreadful Barons game

STEVE
And with that pitch this game is mercilessly over, the Oklahoma Tornadoes have trounced the sorry looking Birmingham Barons eight to three

PETE
This loss ups Birmingham's loss record to fifteen in a row.With three games remaining the Barons are poised to set a new record in futility of one hundred and eighteen losses in a single season set by the nineteen fifty three Seattle Clippers

STEVE
The bright side of this game was the pitching performance of young Terry Carmichael, called up from Urquhart last week.In five and a third innings, Terry allowed only three runs and six hits on sixty-five pitches

PETE
I agree Steve, if there is a hope for the Barons it certainly is this kid

STEVE
For Pete Pullman, I'm Bill Freeman, the Barons are off to Jacksonville to finish off the season.On behalf of the whole Birmingham organization and all of us here, thank you and see you next year

DIRECTOR
And that is a wrap

INT. ANNOUNCING BOOTH - NIGHT
(PETE, STEVE)

Pete and Steve vent at each other for the last time

PETE
Finally, now I know what hell feels like

STEVE
Look, I've called everything from baseball to pie eating contests and you take the prize for unprofessionalism

PETE
Then this announcement will be good news to you.Tonight, I called my last game in this dump, I just got off the phone with the manager of WXYO, I am now the new voice of the Chicago Fire

STEVE
Good luck, you won't last a year

PETE
We will see

STEVE
Now would you mind telling me what is the deal between you and Billy Busby?

PETE
Look it was a long time ago, I worked some games in New York, Billy never had the time for Sophie, one night after a game I met her in a bar and we talked

STEVE
About what?

PETE
About Billys' drinking and how she never saw him

STEVE
Did you sleep with her?

PETE
I've got to go

Pete attempts to leave, Steve, angry blocks his path

STEVE
(angrily)
Look, Billy and Sophie are good friends of mine, I am going to ask you again, did you sleep with her?

PETE
We went back to the hotel room and just talked, Billy thinks we did, he needs help

STEVE
He needs help staying away from scum like you, get out of here!

Pete puts his hands up in a defensive manner and walks away, leaving Steve fuming

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. FIRE SIDE BAR - NIGHT
(CHUCK, BILLY)

A few patrons sit around eating wings watching a program about the New York Kings.Billy sits at the bar talking to Chuck

CHUCK
So what are you going to do?

BILLY
I don't know, I could use the escape clause in my contract

CHUCK
Use it, you have nothing left to prove, look at me, I stayed in the game because I needed the money.At the end of the ninety eight season, I was twenty eight years old, on a last place team with a rotator cuff ready to snap.Every one told me to give it up, I didn't listen and tried to come back the next season.I lasted two innings before my shoulder gave out.Now I run a bar.

BILLY
The game is all I have

CHUCK
No it isn't you have a wife who cares, a son that would give up the success he has had in a minute if he thought it would make you happy.Billy, take some of your money and find something that makes you happy

BILLY
You are right

CHUCK
Billy, leave the game before the game eats you up

INT. FIRE SIDE BAR - NIGHT
(BILLY, BAR PATRON, CHUCK)

An angry drunk BAR PATRON walks up to Billy to vent his frustration

BAR PATRON
Hey, your Coach Busby, you suck! The Barons suck!

CHUCK
(trying to get rid of the patron)
Here is your beer

The bar patron exits

CHUCK
That is how they will remember you, think about it Chuck walks to the other end of the bar, leaving Billy to stair into his drink

INT. FIRE SIDE BAR-CLOSING TIME - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

WIPE:

The bar is empty, except for Billy, who is extremely intoxicated and begins to slur his words

BILLY
(getting off the stool slowly)
See Yea around Chuck

CHUCK
(concerned)
Let me call you a cab

BILLY
No, I'm all right

Billy takes a step and looses his balance, catches himself against the edge of the bar.Chuck runs around the bar and helps Billy back into his seat

CHUCK
Look, sit here and I will get a cab

Billy nods and Chuck walks back to the phone

CHUCK
(talking on the phone)
Yes, send a cab to the Fire Side Bar and Grill, right out on route five

The sound of a truck engine starting catches Chucks' attention.He looks out toward the parking lot to see Billy's truck pull out.

CHUCK
Shit Billy!

Chuck drops the receiver and runs out into the parking lot

CUT TO:

EXT. ROUTE FIVE - NIGHT
(BILLY)

Billy in a intoxicated state tries to drive back home.Billys' eyes begin to close.

His truck begins to cross over the median A passing car swerves to avoid a collision and blares the horn Billy is alerted and swerves back into his lane

EXT. ROUTE FIVE - NIGHT
(BILLY)

Billys' eyes close once again. The sound of screeching tires proceeds Billy crashing into a tree

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. ROUTE FIVE-ACCIDENT SIGHT - DAY
(BILLY, STATE TROOPER WYMAN)

Muffled sounds of a STATE TROOPER(WYMAN) alerts Billy, still strapped into his seat.His pick-up trucks' front end is wrapped around a tree

STATE TROOPER WYMAN
Hey buddy you all right?

BILLY
(groggy)
What happened?

STATE TROOPER WYMAN
Stay still you have been in an accident
(talking into his mike)
This is Trooper Wyman, I need an ambulance and fire, to Route Five and Greystone.I have a male fifty to sixty five into a tree, unable to extricate, possible DUI

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. SOPHIE'S SISTERS LIVING ROOM - DAY
(CARMEN, SOPHIE, REPORTER -WENDY, SGT. EDWARDS)

Sophie sits in her sisters(CARMEN) living room chatting.A news report(WENDY) alerts their attention

REPORTER -WENDY
(On the television)
This is Wendy Simpson at the crash site of a truck reportedly belonging to Birmingham Barons manager Billy Busby

SOPHIE
Oh my god

REPORTER -WENDY
(On the television)
I'm here now talking to Staff Sergeant Jim Edwards, sir could you confirm whether Mr.Busby was intoxicated?

SGT. EDWARDS
(On the television)
There was strong evidence to show that Mr.Busby had indeed been drinking

SOPHIE
I got to get back to Birmingham

CARMEN
I'll drive you to the airport

The two exit

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BIRMINGHAM POLICE STATION - NIGHT
(DESK CLERK, SOPHIE)

Sophie runs in franticly and tries to get information from the DESK CLERK

SOPHIE
My husband, he was in an accident, I was told at the hospital that he had been arrested

DESK CLERK
What is his name?

SOPHIE
Billy Busby

DESK CLERK
I'll need to see some ID

SOPHIE
What was the charge?

DESK CLERK
Driving under the influence of alcohol, two counts of dangerous driving, one count of endangerment and resisting arrest

SOPHIE
Look he is going through a lot right now, he is the manager of the Barons

DESK CLERK
Sorry I don't watch sports, he's just another drunk to me

SOPHIE
Can I see him

DESK CLERK
Stand over there, some one will buzz you in

CUT TO:

INT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT
(BILLY, SOPHIE)

Billy sits in a holding cell in an orange prison overall.A bandage covers a wound on his head Sophie sits down and picks up the prison phone.Billy does like wise

BILLY
Hi

SOPHIE
What the hell were you trying to do? Kill yourself?

BILLY
I am sorry Sophie, please forgive me

SOPHIE
And then what happens?

BILLY
Take me back, I'll quit drinking

SOPHIE
Will you quit baseball as well, will you come home and be just Billy, not Billy Ball?

BILLY
Billy Ball bought everything we have, it is who I am

SOPHIE
No it is not, you are a loving husband and caring father, not a cartoon, come home and lets start again

Billy and sophie both begin to cry

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
(BILLY, CHUCK, JUDGE, LAWYER, SOPHIE)

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

Billy stands next to his LAWYER, listening to the JUDGE at his bail hearing.He looks back at Sophie and Chuck sitting beside each other in the front row for moral support

JUDGE
How do you plea?

LAWYER
My client pleads guilty, but asks for lenience, due to the fact this is his first offence

JUDGE
I have read the case and in my opinion, Mr. Busby was an accident waiting to happen.I don't know much about the pressures of sports, but I do know, in the last twenty years that I have spent as a judge, I have seen many sports stars come into my court and use the excess of sports life as an excuse for their careless actions.Mr.Busby, if you can not handle the strains of professional baseball, then I suggest you leave the game.I believe this accident was the result of many years of alcohol abuse and the inability to cope with stress.You are lucky to have such a great wife and friends.May I suggest to them, to find you some treatment and a less strenuous line of work.To help you achieve your goals I am suspending your licence for thirty days, ordering you too perform one thousand hours of community service and ordering you to seek alcohol and stress counseling.This is my final ruling, good day

Judge strikes his gavel

BILLY
(humbly)
Thank you your honour

INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
(BILLY, CHUCK, LAWYER, SOPHIE)

Billy shakes the hand of his lawyer.The lawyer shuts his brief case and exits Billy turns to Sophie and Chuck for advice

BILLY
What do I do now?

CHUCK
I know a good councillor, Eileen, she helped me after I left the game, I will set up an appointment if you want

BILLY
Thanks

CHUCK
Talk to you later, drop by for coffee, take care Sophie

SOPHIE
I will Chuck, thanks for everything

Chuck exits

EXT. OUTSIDE COURT HOUSE - DAY
(BILLY, SOPHIE)

Billy and Sophie walk through the court yard of the court house.Billy takes the opportunity to catch up on matters he feels he has been missing

BILLY
So what is been happening in St.Louis?

SOPHIE
Carmen's daughter had a baby, a girl

BILLY
God, the last time I saw Louisa, she was just a baby herself

SOPHIE
She's a nurse and her husbands into real estate

BILLY
Where have I been?

SOPHIE
Making your mark on the world, the way only you know how

BILLY
What do I do now?

SOPHIE
You know how to run things, how to get the right people to get the job done, there is plenty of opportunity for you

BILLY
What, running a seven-eleven?

SOPHIE
What about a garage, you love fixing cars or something with children?

BILLY
I will talk to this friend of Chucks tomorrow, maybe she can help

Sophie and Billy smile at each other as they reach their car

INT. BUSBY HOME-FRONT HALL WAY - DAY
(SOPHIE, TERRY)

The door bell rings and Sophie answers it to find Terry standing their

TERRY
Hi Mrs.Busby is coach home, sorry I mean Mr.Busby

SOPHIE
Come on in, Billy's in the living room Sophie escorts Terry into the living room and exits

INT. BUSBY HOME-LIVING ROOM - DAY
(TERRY, BILLY)

TERRY
Hi, Billy

BILLY
Hey Terry, I guess you heard?

TERRY
Yea, me and the guys are wondering if your coming back next year

BILLY
Nope, I think I'm going to retire, start enjoying life

TERRY
That is too bad, we will miss you.I realize, I have not played for you as long as some of the guys, but you have taught me a lot, thanks

BILLY
You are a good kid Terry, you remind me of my son Bill Jr.

TERRY
Thanks, have you had a chance to watch last games tape?

BILLY
A bit of it, you looked good but you are still dropping down too far when you throw the slider, it tips off the batter

TERRY
I will work on it, I wish you could re-consider and come back

BILLY
Birmingham does not need me, Mikey's a good coach, he will do okay

TERRY
It won't be the same. Well I got to go, see you coach

BILLY
Good luck

Terry exits

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BUSBY HOME-LIVING ROOM/GRIFFINS OFFICE - DAY
(BILLY, GRIFFIN)

Griffin phones Billy to give him some bad news.The action bounces back and forth between Griffins office and Billys' home

BILLY
Hello

GRIFFIN
Hello, Billy, how are you doing

BILLY
A little board, but hey, what is up Griff?

GRIFFIN
I have some bad news

BILLY
Shoot

GRIFFIN
(Griffins office)
Lawrence Nash has got together some of the other owners in the league together to sign a petition asking me to suspend you indefinitely.I wanted you to hear it from me first

BILLY
Can he do that?

GRIFFIN
(Griffins office)
Afraid so

BILLY
He must have got word that I was retiring

GRIFFIN
What do you want me to do? I can stall until you can hold a press conference?

BILLY
Do what you have to do, but do not get yourself into trouble

GRIFFIN
(Griffins office)
Do not worry about me, Nash and his friends can not touch me and I will not let them smear your reputation, you mean too much to this game

BILLY
Thanks give me a couple of days

GRIFFIN
(Griffins office)
You got it, take it easy buddy

BILLY
You too, bye

Billy hangs up the phone

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. CHUCKS HOME - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK, EILEEN)

Billy is greeted by Chuck and is introduced too EILEEN Madison

CHUCK
Eileen Madison, I would like for you to meet Billy Busby

EILEEN
I've followed your career all my life.I was raised in Boston and after dad retired he would take me to every Fighting Irish game.Even after you went too New York I was still a fan of yours.When I was older I used to go to New York for a week, just to see you coach.Dad would be pleased I am helping you

CHUCK
Eileen's dad played ten seasons in the league, until nineteen seventy eight

EILEEN
Unfortunately, he drank and gambled his money away, he died five years ago of kidney failure and owing the IRS a quarter of a million dollars

BILLY
I'm sorry

EILEEN
I have seen what money can do to a player who isn't prepared for it, my dad had no clue how to invest.My goal is help my clients, some are still in high school, how to handle the millions that are being given to them

BILLY
I know how to invest, I have a great home, money in the bank and even run a great charity for kids that raised over ten million last year

EILEEN
I also council athletes who fall into the trap of alcohol and drugs, I am only here to offer my advice, it is your choice to listen

BILLY
What do I do first?

CHUCK
Have a seat, I will put the coffee pot on Billy as a seat on the sofa, adjacent to Eileen, while

Chuck exits

INT. CHUCKS HOME - NIGHT
(BILLY, EILEEN)

Eileen leans in on Billy and lays out her plan

EILEEN
When Chuck came to me, he was fresh out of baseball, with no outlet for what he knew how to do.First I got him sober and then I showed him how to use his decision making skills in the real world.Since then he has turned an old dive into one of the most popular eateries in Birmingham

BILLY
What is the right business for me? I am fifty three years old and the only business I have ever run was calling bingo games one summer when I was eighteen for my father

EILEEN
Did you enjoy it?

BILLY
Yes actually, I was coming up through the minors and seeing the expressions on all those people when they one made me feel a part of something, unlike the greedy people who surrounded me, who just wanted to make money off me

EILEEN
Well how about it, I can look around, maybe you can work your magic again

The two begin to laugh

INT. CHUCKS HOME - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK, EILEEN)

Chuck returns with three coffee cups on a tray and places them on the table between the sofa and Eileen's chair and sits next to Billy

CHUCK
(confused)
What is going on?

BILLY
Thanks to Eileen, I think I'll need to dust off the old bingo calling skills

CHUCK
(smiles and raises his coffee mug)
Too Billy!

EILEEN
(Toasting)
Too Billy

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
(BILLY, CHUCK, EILEEN, GRIFFIN, SOPHIE)

Billy calls a press conference to announce his retirement.Billy stands at a podium in front of hundreds of photographers, journalists, current Birmingham players as well as Chuck, Eileen, Griffin and Sophie

BILLY
Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for attending this press conference.As I look out, I see a lot of familiar faces. I have been in this game for a long time and have got to know many of you on a professional level, as well as a personal one.Some of you have been to my home and dined with myself and my family. Some of you now follow the coaching career of my son Bill, down in Urquhart.I have spent thirty-five years in this game and have seen many highs and lows. As you all know, I was recently involved in a car wreck.I have spent the last few days, trying to decide what my next course of action should be.With the help of my wife and many of my friends I have decided to call it quits. I can not say that my career has not had its share of detractors.People for what ever reason, feel the need to take something beautiful and turn it ugly.In my case a career full of helping hundreds of players full fill their dreams of playing professional ball at its highest level. As well thousands of children watching and playing this wonderful sport have benefited from my teaching.Thousands more have benefited from the work of those who run Billys' Kids.I am happy to have been a part of something that has helped so many over the last twenty years. So it is sad that I recently got the news that some of the leagues managers tried to conspire together and have me thrown out of baseball.Thanks to my good friend and commissioner Griffin Mitchell, I have been given this opportunity to address you and remind you that while Billy Busby is leaving the game, the game will never leave Billy Busby.Thank you

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE - DAY
(BILLY, GRIFFIN)

Billy begins to walk off the podium, through the sea of photographers and reporters.Flash bulbs go off every where.Griffin takes the podium

GRIFFIN
I would like to take the time and thank my best friend Billy for all that he has done for the game and wish him the best of luck in the future.Long live Billy Ball! The players in the crowd pick up the chant.Billy begins to cry in modesty.Sophie, Chuck, Eileen and some of the players gather around Billy to congratulate him

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. URQUHART BINGO - NIGHT
(BILLY, HOMELESS MAN)

FREE FROM HIS THIRTY DAY DRIVING SUSPENSION, BILLY SETS OUT TO FIND HIS NEW LOCATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

BILLY DRIVES INTO THE LOT OF WHAT LOOKS LIKE AN OLD ABANDONED BUILDING.BILLY STEPS OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND STRUGGLES TO SEE IN THE DARKNESS.HE SPOTS A SIGN HANGING CROOKED OVER THE DOOR, THE SIGNS READS "URQUHART BINGO"

BILLY
This is it?

Billy walks up to the door and tries to peer in through a tare in the paper that covers the windows.Billy walks around to the other side of the building and notices the thick padlock on the door.A dishevelled HOMELESS MAN lies against the dumpster

BILLY
Hey buddy, hey buddy

HOMELESS MAN
Yea, you a cop?

BILLY
No, I am looking for the bingo parlour

HOMELESS MAN
It moved down the road

BILLY
Thanks buddy, here Billy hands the man ten bucks.The man looks up at him appreciative

EXT. URQUHART ROAD - NIGHT
(BILLY)

Billy proceeds down the road looking for a sign.Billy passes an arrow saying "Bingo Tonight" The sign points toward an old barn.Billy stops and backs up

BILLY
You have got to be kidding Billy turns down the road

INT. BARN - NIGHT
(BILLY, GERTRUDE)

Billy walks into the dimly lit barn that he was told was the home of the bingo parlour.A voice (GERTRUDE) answers his call

BILLY
(calling out)
Hello..Is anybody in here?

GERTRUDE
Back here! Billy starts his way back towards the voice, but his progress is halted when he steps in a pile of cow dung

BILLY
Shi..

INT. BARN - NIGHT
(BILLY, BERTHA, GERTRUDE, MAGGY, RUTHIE)

Billy makes his way to the back of the barn and is set back by the bingo set up.Four elderly women (Gertrude, BERTHA, MAGGY and RUTHIE) sit around a table in front of a makeshift bingo board.A board with all the numbers on a clear sheet of plastic with a bulb behind each one.No one is at the callers table

BILLY
Hi, is this the bingo hall?

A nearby cow, held in a pen moos, startling Billy

BILLY
Easy fella just asking

GERTRUDE
Don't mind Betsy

BILLY
I am the new owner, what is going on?

BERTHA
What is your name dear?

BILLY
Billy, Billy Busby

BERTHA
(with amusement)
Have a seat Billy, you might need it after we tell you what you have got yourself into

Billy pulls up a chair

INT. BARN - NIGHT
(GERTRUDE, BILLY, BERTHA, RUTHIE, MAGGY)

GERTRUDE
You say you bought this place?

BILLY
I thought I was buying the Bingo Parlour down the road

BERTHA
It has been closed for over a year, ever since the last owner stole all the money and moved to Cuba

GERTRUDE
Since then Bertha, Ruthie, Maggy and myself, I am Gertrude by the way

BILLY
Nice to meet you all, continue

GERTRUDE
Since then we have been using this barn.The owner calls the game every Saturday

BILLY
It is nine o'clock, where is he?

RUTHIE
We called the house, but his son says he went on vacation

MAGGY
We had all the ladies from our club here tonight, see

Maggy shows off a purple hand made vest with a patch reading "Urquhart Bingo Nuts"

BERTHA
They all had to go home

GERTRUDE
We used to have Bingo every night, on Saturday nights we would have five hundred people crammed into that place

BILLY
Then this guy took the money, did anyone talk to the cops?

RUTHIE
They said they could not get him in Cuba, he took ten thousand dollars that was going to help needy children

BILLY
Well I am the new owner and that is not going to happen again, how about I call a game or two for fun

INT. BARN - NIGHT
(BILLY, GERTRUDE, RUTHIE)

Billy gets up and walks over to the callers table

BILLY
(to himself)
Brings back memories

GERTRUDE
Did you say something Billy?

BILLY
(turning towards the women)
Oh, I am just remembering when I was a kid in New York, helping my dad call bingo games

RUTHIE
New York? You look like someone famous? Were you on tv?

BILLY
You could say that, I suppose you do not follow baseball?

RUTHIE
Your Billy Ball! You won all those championships! I used to watch the games with my late husband

BILLY
I am retired now.Now I am just plain Billy, the first game ladies, Billy ads some fun, making mock signs, touching his sleeve with his first to fingers and then his ear lobe

RUTHIE
(screaming out)
Fast ball inside! X marks the spot!

BILLY
You know your signs, I could have used you this year.That is right, X marks the spot, the first number B for Billy, B six

Billy continues to call the game in his unique fashion to the women's delight

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY, GERTRUDE)

The next day Billy and the women inspect the old Bingo Parlour.Billy unlocks the front door and cautiously enters in the dark

BILLY
Wait here ladies, I will go find the lights A few seconds later the lights flicker and the place becomes dimly lit

GERTRUDE
(screaming)
Kill it! Kill it! A rat scurries across the floor

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY, GRIFFIN, GERTRUDE, RUTHIE)

Billy comes running to see what the screaming was about

BILLY
What is all the screaming about?

GRIFFIN
(scared)
We saw a rat! It was huge!

BILLY
Did you see which way it ran?

GERTRUDE
I do not know

RUTHIE
(excited)
Over there! Look! Something moving in the corner catches everyone's attention

BILLY
I see it, I will get it

Billy picks up a broom handle and smashes it into the rats body.The rat remains motionless

INT. BINGO PARLOUR - DAY
(BILLY)

Billy walks pass the terrified ladies holding the rat in a piece of newspaper

BILLY
I grew up in New York, I am used to rats

INT. BINGO PARLOUR - DAY
(BILLY, GERTRUDE (RUTHIE))

Billy rallies up the women as if they where his players

BILLY
Gather around ladies The ladies huddle around Billy We have a lot of cleaning to do, are you up to it?

GERTRUDE (RUTHIE)
(BERTHA, MAGGIE)
Yes coach!

BILLY
(smiling)
Let us do it!

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY)

Billy begins to stack chairs and tables into the corner as the women tare the paper off the windows and begin to clean

INT. BINGO HALL-NOON - DAY
(BILLY)

Billy wipes down one last table and stops.He looks exhausted but pleased with his efforts

BILLY
(out of breath)
That is lunch girls!

All exit

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY, RUTHIE, GERTRUDE, BILL JR)

BILLY
You gals are better than some teams I have coached, this place is looking great, after lunch I will have a look at the electrical

RUTHIE
We made some sandwiches would you like one?

BILLY
Love one, I am starved.It feels great to get my hands dirty again

GERTRUDE
Think we can really get this place running again?

BILLY
With a little help, I can get some guys, Yea we will get it done A male voice calling out from the front gets Billys' attention

BILL JR
Dad you in here!

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY)

BILLY
Excuse me ladies, Gertrude, I haven't tasted pastrami on rye like this since I left New York, I will be right back

Billy exits

INT. BINGO HALL-FRONT - DAY
(BILLY, BILL JR)

Billy enters from the back and notices his son BILL JR. standing at the front of the hall

BILL JR
Hey Dad!

BILLY
Bill? How did you find me?

BILL JR
I was talking to mom and she said you came down to Urquhart to open up a bingo parlour, so I came to check it out

BILLY
What do you think?

BILL JR
Is this what you want to do?

BILLY
No traveling, no media always hounding you, Yea, finally I get to do something that people will appreciate

BILL JR
Don't kid yourself, you are a legend around the league

BILLY
But I do not want to be a forgotten legend, so I retired

BILL JR
Sorry I could not make it to your press conference, the Rebels were in the play-offs

BILLY
Nice to see there is hope for the Barons

BILL JR
(smiling)
Need some help?

BILLY
Think you can look at the fuse box?

BILL JR
No problem and I will call some of the guys girl friends and wives tomorrow, they have a booster club going that helps charities

BILLY
Thanks, we could use the help, come on, let me introduce you to my starting line up

Billy and Bill Jr walk towards the back with their arms around each others shoulders, smiling

INT. BINGO PARLOUR - DAY
(ANNIE, BILLY, DAISY, WILMA)

On the second day of operations Billy and the women are busy cleaning the outside of the hall Two pick up trucks pull into the lot.The Rebels wives and girl friends (DAISY, ANNIE, WILMA) step out of and off the back of the trucks carrying paint, brushes and other supplies

BILLY
(flabbergasted)
What is all this?

DAISY
Bill told us you needed some help

ANNIE
Anything you need Billy and the Rebel Rousers are at your service

BILLY
(still a gauss)
What can I say, welcome to the team! This is Ruthie, Gertrude, Maggy and Bertha

DAISY
Hi gals, I am Daisy, this is Annie, red over their is Willameana, we call her Wilma for short and the rest you will get to know

BILLY
Let's get going

Billy and the ladies are joined by the twenty Rebel Rousers. They begin to unload supplies.Plenty of laughing and cheering

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY

A montage of quick shots Stadium style music plays as the group of women laugh as they work Some are busy painting the walls red Others work on scaffolding to paint the ceiling white Others paint the doors to look like an entrance to the clubhouse Others work on applying decals to the front window The colour scheme resembles a baseball stadium, white ceiling, red walls and a green floor with a brown diamond in the middle On one side the older ladies show some of the younger ones how to sew checkered table covers

INT. BINGO HALL-LATE AFTERNOON - DAY
(BILLY, DAISY, ANNIE, WILMA, RUTHIE)

The end of the day, Billy brings the gang together to thank them

BILLY
I can not tell you how thankful I am to you all.I mean, at the start of the day, I thought I was crazy for thinking I could make a go of this.But you all have reminded me of what team work is all about.Thank you

DAISY
No problem Mister B

BILLY
There is still plenty of work to do before we can open up, the outside still needs doing, I need to call an electrician, a plumber, I still need to track down some bingo equipment

ANNIE
A sound system? Got to have some rocking tunes

BILLY
Right, of course

WILMA
Hey don't forget a sign

RUTHIE
Hey, what are you going to name this place?

BILLY
I do not know? Urquhart Bingo, I guess?

CUT TO:

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(CHUCK, BILLY, ANNIE)

Chuck enters and offers up a suggestion for a name

CHUCK
(taken back)
Wow! Look at this! For a minute I thought I was stepping back onto the field

BILLY
Just the man I needed, we need a name for this place

CHUCK
That is easy, The Billy Big Ball Bingo Palace!

ANNIE
Yea! Billy Ball lives! The crowd of women begin to chant in unison Billy Ball! Billy Ball!

INT. BINGO HALL-BACK ROOM - DAY
(BILLY, GERTRUDE)

Billy begins to look through a stack of boxes filled with bingo cards and an old ball hopper

GERTRUDE
(entering excitedly)
Billy come quick!

BILLY
What is it?

GERTRUDE
A bunch of people are hear!

Gertrude leads Billy out of the room.Billy looks confused.

INT. BINGO HALL-FRONT - DAY
(BILLY, GERTRUDE, CHUCK)

Billy is led through the parlour by Gertrude into a gathering of men and women with tools.More people pull up into the parking lot, similarly equipped.

Chuck makes his way through the crowd, smiling

BILLY
(seeing Chuck)
What is all this?

CHUCK
Your my best friend and when my friends are in need, I am there.I put the word out and all these people want to help you.There are plumbers, carpenters, general labourers and even a guy over their who has been running the lighting system in the stadium for thirty five years

BILLY
(looking at the sea o people, becomes humbled)
The place only needed a little electrical work

CHUCK
You kidding me, this place is too small, if you are going to do this, do it right, do it the Billy way

BILLY
I can't afford all these people

CHUCK
These people love you, all of them are giving you their time for nothing

BILLY
Why?

CHUCK
These are the people you have touched, now they want to help you

EXT. BINGO PARLOUR-PARKING LOT - DAY
(BILLY, MARTIN)

Billy works with two people wiring exterior lights A man (MARTIN) approaches Billy humbly

MARTIN
Excuse me Mr.Busby?

BILLY
(appeasing)
Yes?

MARTIN
I am Martin fisher from here in Urquhart. I know you do not know me, but two years ago my five year old daughter had cancer and had to have her leg amputated.At that time I was unemployed and could not afford the hospital bill.I wrote to your charity, Billy's Kid's and asked for help.A couple of weeks later I got a check for five thousand.That money bought my daughter an artificial leg.Thank you.

BILLY
I remember your letter now, I wrote that letter my self. How is Katie?

MARTIN
She learned to ride a bike last week.I used to work on the electrical systems down at the car plant, 'til I got laid off.I would like to repay you for all that you did for my family

BILLY
Please come in

Martin exits, Billy notices more people pulling up and addresses them

BILLY
All of you please see Annie and Gertrude over there, they will have lists of the various jobs that need to be done, please sign up and get to work, thanks

Billy exits

EXT. BINGO HALL-PARKING LOT - DAY
(GERTRUDE)

The parking lot is a flurry of activity as people of all walks of life come forth with tools and paint supplies.Annie and Gertrude laugh in sheer amazement as they direct people to the list of jobs and hand out pens

EXT. BINGO HALL-PARKING LOT - DAY
(BILLY, CHUCK, EILEEN, TERRY)

Amongst the flurry of activity a pick up truck enters the lot and the driver honks the horn Chuck notices Eileen and Terry in the truck and grabs Billy and turns him around

CHUCK
(smiling)
Here they are, I have one last surprise for you Billy Eileen and Terry exit the truck and stand near their surprise covered in a tarp in the trucks bed

BILLY
What is all this?

EILEEN
Chuck told me you needed a sign, so we sat up all night and drew up a design.Then we found out that your young star here had a sign making business in town, so we called him up

TERRY
Anything for you coach

CHUCK
(With his hand on the tarp)
Ready?

BILLY
(excited)
Yes, lets see it

Chuck unveils the sign, a twenty foot neon sign in two pieces,

BILLY BALL BINGO

CHUCK
It will have lights that flash and there is another piece, a big bear holding a bingo card that lights up

TERRY
It will look like a scoreboard when it's all hooked up

BILLY
What can I say guys, thanks, want to come in for some sandwiches?

EILEEN
Love to

The three enter the bingo hall

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

At the end of day, Billy gathers all the people who have turned out to help and delivers an inspirational speech on the eve of the grand opening

BILLY
Two months ago, I was sitting in a jail cell, starring my future in my face.Everything I have accomplished in my professional and personal career was about to be forgotten because of one big mistake.The years of hard work put into building championship teams would have been for not.More importantly, I saw my friends and family hurt by my selfishness.I would like to take this time to thank each and everyone of you for all your sacrifices that you have brought to this project.With that, I welcome you all to what I hope is my most successful team, team Billy Ball! The gathered clap and cheer

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(CHUCK)

Chuck enters from the back of the room wheeling a large cart with a towel covering some plastic glasses of champaign

CHUCK
I think everyone can agree, you can not celebrate without champaign, so..

Chuck removes the towel to everyone's approval

CHUCK
Now, don't worry Billy, it is non alcoholic, please take one and pass it back

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

Chuck grabs the last two glasses and makes his way over to Billy and hands him one

CHUCK
Billy, here is too the success of Billy's Big Ball Bingo and to you!

BILLY
Thanks, that means a lot.And so to you all thank you, I hope you all get some rest tonight, because tomorrow we open!

EXT. BINGO HALL-OPENING NIGHT - NIGHT
(NEWS WOMEN 2)

A large crowd anticipates the grand opening.The hall is dark and shutters cover the windows.News crews are busy with their reports

NEWS WOMEN 2
I have never seen anything like this for a grand opening for a bingo hall! But I guess when the owner is none other than legendary skipper Billy Busby, anything's possible.Fans have been lining up all day waiting for the doors to open.Wait, I think it is about to open!

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK, HANK)

Billy, Chuck, the Bingo ladies and the staff stand in the dark peeking out the front window at the crowd

BILLY
(whispering)
Everyone in place?

CHUCK
(whispering)
Yea ready to go

BILLY
(talking into a walkie-talkie to Hank in the parking lot)
If you will Hank

HANK
Play Ball! With that Chuck hits the breaker switch and the interior lights go on, the neon sign lights up and two flood lights and the roof light up the crowd.Two "Bingo Babes" remove the shutters on the windows The crowd starts going crazy

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

The crowd of people begin to enter the hall, past two of the Bingo ladies who collect their money and two Bingo Babes, dressed like bat girls, handing out bingo cards The official mascot Billy the Bear works the crowd, handing out tee shirts too men, women and kids attending the non-profit event Loud stadium like music plays as the people take in the carnival type atmosphere as they enter

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, RUTHIE)

Not sure what to make of the scene Billy addresses the crowd over the microphone

BILLY
Come in, there is still some room at these tables, please if you can make room at your table, it would be appreciated

Billy pauses and waits for the last patrons to sit down

BILLY
Is that it Ruthie?

RUTHIE
Looks like it

BILLY
Then let's get rocking!

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, RUTHIE)

Ruthie collects the cash boxes and the unsold cards and walks over to Billy

BILLY
How many cards do we have left?

RUTHIE
Six

BILLY
I have got six books left for tonight, who wants them, do not forget ninety percent of the proceeds every night go to Billy's Kids, the rest goes to you A group of customers walk up to purchase the remaining books

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

BILLY
Thanks Ruthie and the rest of the Bingo Ladies, the best starting line up a coach can have

Crowd claps and cheers

BILLY
I'm sure you have noticed the lovely Bingo Babes walking around, these gorgeous ladies are courteous of your Urquart Rebel wives and girl friends fan committee.Give it up for your Rebel Rousers!

Crowd chants Rebels! Rebels!

BILLY
Throughout the night we will be having a series of special draws for some great prizes, donated by local business, the grand prize, two tickets to next years League Championship worth over five hundred dollars, donated by me.

Crowd claps and start reaching for money

BILLY
Also our mascot Billy the Bear, who was chosen from hundreds of entry's in our design a mascot contest, will be going around handing out tee shirts and colouring books

Billy Bear is swarmed by a group of young children

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, HANK, CHUCK, STEVE)

BILLY
You have met the team, now lets meet the voices of Billy Big Ball Bingo, first up the man you love to hate, retired major league umpire HANK Wilshire

The crowd mock boo as Hank steps forth and sits at one of three chairs at the callers table

BILLY
Joining him for tonight, the man who had a career two eighty ERA, former gold glove winner and Birmingham Baron, Chuck Burowski

The crowd cheers as Chuck steps forth and sits next to Hank

BILLY
Our third member of our calling team, here for one night only, the voice of the Barons, Steve Freeman!

Steve steps forth and sits next to Chuck

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

BILLY
I think we are set to go, oh, I have one more person to introduce, how can I forget, running the big board o' bingo starting tonight and continuing until Spring, the most important man you never see, the man who has been running the only manually operated scoreboard in the league for fort-five years, GUS Chisholm
(the crowd chants Gus! Gus! as Seventy year old gus makes his way to the board)
This boards got some toys on it, think you can handle it Gus

Gus nods and smiles

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, HANK)

BILLY
Without further adieu, take it away guys
(Billy exits)

HANK
Let's Bingo!

Gus presses a button on his controller, which makes the bingo board light up and flash, stadium music fills the hall Dum Di Dum Di Dum The crowd responds with Bingo!

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(STEVE, CHUCK, HANK)

Steve begins to call the first game

STEVE
In honour of my colleague here, the first game of the night will be x marks the spot, Chuck, you sure saw plenty of those pop up on the scoreboard during your playing days, for those who do not know, tell us what you have been up to since your retirement?

CHUCK
All my fans here are welcome at my place the Fire Side Bar and Grill out on Route five, just off Fiddlers Road.There you can dine in a family atmosphere and requests for autographs are never a problem

STEVE
(removing a ball from the hopper)
The first ball, O 67

HANK
O for outside! The crowd buzzes as they check their cards

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

The rest of the evening is shown through a series of time compressed shots The crowd really gets into the grove of the theme night, reacting to Hanks mock strikes and balls calls.The crowd laughs and cheers with each number called through out the night A lady stands and yells Bingo! The score board flashes and music sounds One of the Bingo Babes does a cart wheel

Billy Bear leads the crowd in doing the wave The Bingo Ladies hand out various prizes

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, GERTRUDE)

The last game is played and Billy thanks the crowd

BILLY
Before I make the draw for the last prize of the night, I would like again to thank you all for making this night one of the most fun I have had.Next I would like to bring up Gertrude to announce tonight's figures.

GERTRUDE
Tonight, we have raised over ten thousand for Billy's Kids

BILLY
Wow! Thank you all! And since tonight's jack pot of one thousand was not won, it will be added to next weeks prize, so get those jackpot cards early

The crowd cheers

BILLY
And now for the moment of truth, do you all have your tickets! The winner of this hand signed lithograph of Chuck, a gift certificate for one hundred dollars courtesy of Chuck for some great food at his grill, a game jersey worn by me, signed by the whole team and a bunch of other stuff

Pause as the crowd waits in anticipation

BILLY
And the winner is..Vera and Simon Rhodes from here in Urquhart!

Vera and Simon a couple in their thirties come out of the crowd excitedly

BILLY
Well good night every body, drive home safely

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY)

All the staff crowd around Billy to congratulate him, some of the crowd stop for autographs, before filing out

INT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(RUTHIE, BILLY)

Spring has arrived and the bingo hall continues to roll on.Billy sweeps the floor after another night of Bingo, Ruthie enters with the nights receipts.

RUTHIE
I have finished counting the receipts Billy

BILLY
What was the total tonight?

RUTHIE
We gave out a two thousand dollar jackpot and made another fifteen hundred for Billy's Kids

BILLY
Great! How much are we up to now?

RUTHIE
Over thirty thousand

BILLY
I can not wait to see those kids faces when I deliver the check

RUTHIE
Me neither, what you do for those kids is great Billy

BILLY
Thanks, well I think we are done here lets get out of here

Billy and Ruthie exit

EXT. BINGO HALL - NIGHT
(BILLY, GRIFFIN)

Billy puts the key into the lock and turns the key.His progress is halted by the sound of his cell phone ringing.Billy answers and is surprised by the sound of his good friend GRIFFINs voice

BILLY
Hello?

GRIFFIN
Hey Billy! How's things in bingo land?

BILLY
It has been the best six months of my life

GRIFFIN
I'm glad your happy, I hope my news makes you even happier

BILLY
What news?

GRIFFIN
The league has finally lifted your suspension, they had no choice, you are sober and what your doing for those kids is incredible.The judge even made a recommendation too the league to reinstate you

BILLY
So what does this all mean?

GRIFFIN
I have to send the league all the paperwork, but as of today you are free to re-sign with Birmingham or what ever team you wish

BILLY
I know one owner that won't be welcoming me back

GRIFFIN
It is true, Lawrence Nash was the lone vote against you, but he can't deny your coaching ability

BILLY
Nash doesn't bother me, besides they have a great coach and I'm getting used to retirement

GRIFFIN
Take your time before you make a decision, when and if you decide the league will be here

BILLY
Thanks Griff, bye

Billy ends the conversation, pauses for a moment and then walks towards his truck

INT. OFFICE OF LAWRENCE NASH - DAY
(LAWRENCE)

LAWRENCE Nash gets the news of Billy's reinstatement and becomes irate.He begins to rant and scream into the phone

LAWRENCE
What the hell do you mean, that drunk has been reinstated!
(pause)
Over my dead body!
(pause)
If the league buys that Billy Busby is sober and repaid his debt to society, I can't do anything about it, but what I can do, is make sure Billy Ball will never manage in this league again.Good bye!

Lawrence slams the phone down and forcibly sits into his chair

INT. OFFICE OF NASH - DAY
(LAWRENCE)

NASH DIALS HIS LAWYER

LAWRENCE
Yea, Arthur the eagle has landed, get a copy of Mr.Busby's contract, look under section forty-six, integrity of the game
(pause)
I don't care what the league is saying, but I am sure a drunk driving conviction constitutes a major breach in league policy, not to mention the one million dollars extra any team will have to pay in added liability insurance, should derail Mr.Busby's return
(pause)
Got that? Great, look for anything else, if you find anything fax it to me, great goodbye Nash hangs up the phone and grins evilly

INT. GRIFFINS OFFICE - DAY
(GRIFFIN)

Griffin opens a memo and reads to himself.The memo is from Nash outlining his plan to derail Billy's return to the league.Griffins voices displeasure out loud

GRIFFIN
What the hell does Nash think he is up to? This is bull shit!

Griffin buzzes the intercom

GRIFFIN
Yea, get Billy on the line, tell him I need to speak to him about an offer

Griffin smiles with content

GRIFFIN
Two can play that game

EXT. MINOR LEAGUE STADIUM - DAY
(BILLY, BILL JR)

Billy stands behind the batters cage at the stadium of Birmingham's triple A affiliate in Urquhart.Billy watches his son, Bill Jr. hit grounders to his players

BILL JR
That's it for today, run some laps and then take a shower, great work

Bill Jr walks back to the cage and addresses his father

BILL JR
What do you think?

BILLY
Hey you are the coach, I am just watching

BILL JR
Miss the game at all?

BILLY
Not as much as I thought I would

BILL JR
Think you will ever go back?

BILLY
You never know

Billy's phone rings

BILLY
Excuse me,

Bill Jr. Exits, leaving his father to talk

EXT. MINOR LEAGUE FIELD - DAY
(BILLY, GRIFFIN)

Billy takes his call from his old friend Griffin

BILLY
Billy Busby

GRIFFIN
Billy, look I know you said you were not interested in managing another team, but how about working for me as a consultant?

BILLY
What do you mean by consultant?

GRIFFIN
I need someone to keep an eye on league finances

BILLY
Any reason to suspect any mismanagement?

GRIFFIN
Without being specific, there is a couple of teams who have made some rather suspicious trades that might have been in violation of the salary cap, I need someone with your abilities to look into these teams books

BILLY
Sounds interesting

GRIFFIN
Give it some thought and then come up too New York, the jobs yours if you want

BILLY
Thanks Griff Billy hangs up

EXT. MINOR LEAGUE PARK - DAY
(BILL JR, BILLY)

Bill Jr re-enters and notices the content look on his fathers face

BILL JR
Good news?

BILLY
I think so, come on I will tell you over some dinner

INT. PRESS BOX OF STADIUM IN NEW YORK - NIGHT
(NEW YORK COMMENTATOR, NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR)

A New York Kings game is well in progress, the COMMENTATOR and COLOUR MAN are busy with the play by play

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
And with that call New York rookie call up Donavan Sinclair wracks up his fifth strike out of the game

NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR
You could certainly argue the case that this kid has a bright future with the New York Kings

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
I must agree, it will be interesting next year to see what this kid can do.At the end of the fifth inning New York is ahead three to two, we will be right back after this message from our sponsors

EXT. FIELD OF NEW YORK STADIUM - NIGHT
(RED SULLIVAN, ROBINSON, RED SULLIVAN (CLAPPING))

The New York manager RED SULLIVAN starts to come out of the dug out to motivate his players(ROBINSON) between innings.As he starts out he begins to feel tightness in his chest

RED SULLIVAN (CLAPPING)
Way to go guys, Robinson your up, take it easy, we are ahead, take your time and make him pitch to you..
(pause)
Wo! Red feels a sharp pain in his chest

ROBINSON
(concerned)
You all right coach?

RED SULLIVAN
Yea, must be the chilli dog, any way, make him work

Robinson begins to make his way to the batters box but is halted by the sound of commotion from the fans.The fans watch helplessly as Red clutches his chest and collapses

EXT. NEW YORK STADIUM - NIGHT

The crowd gasps in shock at the sight of their manager lying prone at the top of the dug out steps.A furry of activities as medical staff make their way through players from both teams.The medical staff quickly go to work, cutting open Red's shirt and begin compression and oxygen

INT. NEW YORK PRESS BOX - NIGHT
(NEW YORK COMMENTATOR)

The New York Commentator expresses his concerns to the home viewers, cautiously and professionally

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
I can't believe what I have just witnessed, while we were away New York manager Red Sullivan has collapsed, we don't have any word yet as too the cause, but we will update you the fans as soon as we get word

INT. CORPORATE BOX - NIGHT
(BILLY, GRIFFIN, RED SULLIVAN, SOPHIE)

Billy and Sophie have made the trip up to New York to talk with Griffin about his job offer.Griffin treats his guests to a night at the stadium in the comfort of his luxury box.Griffin receives the update on the condition of Red Sullivan

GRIFFIN
Yea, I'll tell him thanks Hangs up the phone and turns to a concerned Billy and Sophie

BILLY
What happened?

GRIFFIN
Red had a heart attack

SOPHIE
Oh my god, will he be all right?

GRIFFIN
The team doctor says he will be out for the rest of the season, New York needs a manager

BILLY
The third base coach Jackson's capable

GRIFFIN
He is a great guy, but he can't handle those bunch of egos, you can

BILLY
Nash will never hire me

GRIFFIN
In emergency situations, I have the power to hire anyone I choose, as of now, you are the intern manager of the New York Kings

Billy turns to Sophie as to look for approval, Sophie realizing the situation gives it

SOPHIE
Get going

INT. PRESS BOX - NIGHT
(NEW YORK COMMENTATOR, NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR)

The commentators continue on with their job of calling the rest of the game

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
Well it looks like the Kings are going to continue the game with third base coach Tim Jackson taking over the managerial duties and leaving the second base coach to pull double duty

NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR
(excitedly)
Wait! The crowd seems to be reacting to something going on in the New York dug out

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
You are right can we get a shot of it?

EXT. NEW YORK DUG OUT - NIGHT
(BILLY)

The tv crew zooms in on the New York bench as Billy steps out from the locker room pulling on a Kings jersey and removing his tie.

INT. BROADCAST BOOTH - NIGHT
(BILLY, NEW YORK COMMENTATOR)

The New York commentators express their disbelief at the sight of the return of Billy

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
I can't believe my eyes! That is Billy Busby and yes folks it looks like he is taking over the managing duties!

EXT. NEW YORK KINGS DUG OUT - NIGHT
(BILLY, TIM, ROBINSON)

Billy is congratulated by the Kings players and staff(TIM)

TIM
(hands Billy the roster)
Welcome back coach

BILLY
Thanks
(pauses checking the line up)
Robinson! Get out there, get us started

ROBINSON
You got it coach

Robinson grabs a bat and heads for the mound

INT. GRIFFINS PRIVATE BOX - NIGHT
(BILLY, SOPHIE)

Sophie claps and smiles as she watches the crowd cheer for Billy.The sound of a bat making contact and the crowd roaring brings Sophie to her feet, clapping and cheering

INT. NASH' PRIVATE BOX - NIGHT
(GRIFFIN, LAWRENCE)

Nash vents his anger at Griffin over the phone

LAWRENCE
What the hell is Busby doing managing my team?

GRIFFIN
Relax Lawrence, I have executive power in cases like this and I believe in giving the fans what they want

LAWRENCE
What the hell do the fans know?

GRIFFIN
May I remind you that ticket sales have gone down since you fired Billy, now is your chance to redeem your self, I won't tell a sole, this can be all your idea, have fun with the media, good bye

LAWRENCE
Christ's sakes!

INT. NEW YORK LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, REPORTER 1, REPORTER 2)

Billy stands in the middle of the locker room, amidst a frenzy REPORTERS

REPORTER 1
Billy, does this mean you are back for good?

BILLY
No, I'm just here until Red gets back on his feet

REPORTER 2
What if he isn't ready to come back for the play-offs?

BILLY
Then myself and the rest of the management will lead this team towards another championship

REPORTER 1
Any thoughts about next season?

BILLY
I said at the end of last season I was retiring and I mean it, this is just temporary

REPORTER 2
How does it feel to wear stripes again?

BILLY
Feels great, excuse me Billy spots Nash standing in the doorway and walks towards him

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE NEW YORK LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, LAWRENCE)

Billy escorts Lawrence Nash out into the hallway and shuts the door

BILLY
(smiling sarcastically)
Feels great to be back, nice to see you Lawrence

LAWRENCE
Don't get comfortable, this is only temporary

BILLY
Fine with me, I warmed up the media for you, now is your time to shine Billy exits down the hallway smiling leaving Lawrence seething

INT. PRESS BOX OF NEW ENGLAND WHALERS STADIUM - NIGHT
(NEW YORK COMMENTATOR, BILLY)

The New York commentating staff travel to New England too call a Kings road game

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
Well fans we are down too the last ten games of the season.New York is a comfortable four and a half games a head of the second place New England Whalers, tonight the Whalers start a three game series, in what could decide the North Division

NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR

After tonight Billy Ball rolls into St.Louis for four games and then it is off to Birmingham for the final three games of the season.That could prove interesting

NEW YORK COMMENTATOR
Your correct, it will be interesting to see if the Birmingham fans welcome Billy back or not

NEW YORK COLOUR COMMENTATOR

I think the Birmingham fans will treat their adopted son to an old fashion southern home coming

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

EXT. NEW ENGLAND STADIUM - NIGHT
(BILLY)

The Whalers batter grounds out for the final out of the game.The Kings down the Whalers and the crowd realizing this could be the last game they see Billy, treat him to a round of chants Billy responds by stepping out onto the field and humbly tipping his cap

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM-ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - NIGHT
(BILLY, STEVE, PETE)

The Billy Ball final tour rolls towards completion as the Kings finish up the regular season in Birmingham

STEVE
Well fans this is it, the Billy Ball train has pulled into Birmingham for the last time, tonight the Barons send young pitcher Terry Carmichael to the mound against future hall a fame inductee Richard The King Johowski

PETE
On paper this game means nothing, the Kings are set to enter the play-offs in first place with a league record one hundred and thirty wins, including an eighteen and 2 stretch under the tutalidge of Billy Busby.On the other side of the spectrum the Barons face an off season of rebuilding

STEVE
With all that said, this stadium is sold out for the first time all season, this is truly a testament to the love and dedication the fans of Birmingham have for Billy

PETE
We are ready for the start of the game, so sit back and enjoy, this is your last chance to witness the Billy Ball phenomenon in Birmingham.To you Steve, it has been an honour to work with you for the lat five years, enjoy your stay in Chicago

STEVE
Thanks Pete, lets go to the field

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD, BILLY, UMPIRE 1)

The crowd boos wildly as Johowski is announced as the starting pitcher for New York.Billy gives a quick pep talk to his pitcher before he takes the mound

RICHARD
(looking around in disgust at the crowd)
I am glad I got out of this dump

BILLY
Those fans put that fancy car in your garage, remember that

RICHARD
Gimme the ball so I can end this misery

UMPIRE 1
(from scene 1)
Play ball! Billy gives a look of displeasure towards Richard as he exits

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD)

A series of time lapse shots of Richard striking out batter after batter.The Kings pitcher gets more cocky and arrogant as the game goes on, mocking, he wipes sweat from his forehead.Over his shoulder the scoreboard reads

Bottom of the ninth New York eight runs, sixteen hits, no errors, Birmingham zero runs, zero hits, two errors

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD, BILLY, UMPIRE 1)

The Barons are down too their last out, Richard stands on the mound smiling.Billy exits the dug out too call time out

BILLY
Time out ump!

UMPIRE 1
Time! Billy walks out to the mound

RICHARD
(confused and angry)
What the hell are you doing! I've got a no hitter going here

BILLY
Relax, don't worry, I am not pulling you, I just need some time

RICHARD
Time for what? I have had enough of these fans and Billy Ball, lets end this misery, can we get on with the game?

BILLY
As you wish

The umpire comes out to the mound to break up the confrontation.Billy exits smiling.Richard shows his displeasure by forcibly throwing the rosin bag down into the dirt

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(BILLY)

Billy gives a nod to the Barons coach, the coach nods back and then waves back his pitcher who is the next batter.The pitcher sits down confused

INT. ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - NIGHT
(PETE, STEVE)

Pete and Steve look on in confusion as they try to commentate on the change of events

STEVE
It looks like the Barons are making a batting change, but why? Oh my god look who is stepping out of the dug out! Pete picks up on the situation and doesn't hide his amazement to see Chuck coming out of the dug out

PETE
I can't believe my eyes! The Barons are sending retired pitcher Chuck Burowski to the plate! What is this all about?

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(CHUCK, EILEEN)

Chuck steps into the batters box, adjusts his helmet and takes a couple of practice swings.Chuck looks up into the stands and smiles at Eileen who returns the smiles

EILEEN
(sitting in the crowd)
Come on Chuck!

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD, CHUCK)

Richard stands on the mound with his hands out in a show of disbelief

RICHARD
(yelling towards Chuck)
Christ, what is this Burowski? Don't think I'm going to take it easy on you!

CHUCK
Would not want it any other way, just pitch

RICHARD
(smiling arrogantly)
I hope you don't blow your shoulder out

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(CHUCK, UMPIRE 1)

The crowd is hushed as they wait in anticipation of the first pitch.Richard throws a fast ball that Chuck watches sail past into the back catchers mit

UMPIRE 1
Strike one!

EXT. ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - NIGHT
(STEVE, PETE)

STEVE
Wow! Johowski isn't showing no mercy, that fast ball was clocked at ninety-eight miles per hour

PETE
I think he is trying to embarrass his contemporary

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD)

Richard unloads his second pitch, high inside.Chuck is forced off the plate.Chuck gives a look of disdain towards Richard.Richard returns a cocky smile

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM-CROWD AND BENCH - NIGHT
(CHUCK, EILEEN)

Eileen sits behind the Barons players clapping and cheering for Chuck.The players offer encouragement for their mentor

EXT. ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - NIGHT
(PETE)

PETE
With that curve ball, the count is full, this could be the last out, bringing to close a disappointing Barons season

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

Billy stands by himself in the corner of the dug out.He puts his head down and says a prayer for Chuck

BILLY
(whispering to himself)
Come on Chuck, you can beat this bastard

EXT. BIRMINGHAM STADIUM - NIGHT
(RICHARD, BILLY)

Richard throws the next pitch, a slider that gets away from him.The pitch sails high and into the strike zone.Chuck swings and connects.Billy hears the crack of the bat and looks up and begins to smile.The ball sails past Richard into the gap between the third baseman and the shortstop.Chuck hesitates for a second out of surprise and then makes his way down too first base .The Barons bench stand and clap in unison.Eileen is hugged by the other players wives.Billy begins to clap and tips his hat to his friend.Richard throws his hat down in disgust as he watches the run go up on the board, breaking up his no hitter

RICHARD
God damn it!

Richard looks over to Billy and shakes his head, Billy returns with a smile and a shrug

EXT. ANNOUNCERS BOOTH - NIGHT
(STEVE, PETE)

STEVE
With that swing this game is over, the final score New York eight, Birmingham zero

PETE
The high point of the game for me was the surprising appearance of Chuck Burowski

STEVE
Amazing, a thirty three year old who left the game three years ago with a blown rotator cuff, comes out of the dug out and breaks up the leagues MVP pitchers no hitter, unbelievable!

PETE
Who says miracles can't happen

STEVE
Tonight we saw the magic of Billy Ball, to all our fans goodbye, and to you Pete good luck next year

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
(CHUCK)

A press conference is in full swing.Chuck is at the mike answering questions from a crowded press gallery

CHUCK
Thank you for all bring here.Firstly, I would like to quell any rumours before they start, tonight was a one shot deal, I am definitely retired.That sort of brings me to the real reason I wished to talk to you all.As of now, I officially retire my bachelor status.I have asked Eileen Madison to marry me and she has excepted
(clapping)
I have one more announcement, Billy if you wouldn't mind coming up Billy makes his way to the front of the room

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

Chuck has a special offer for Billy

CHUCK
Billy, on behalf of myself and Eileen, would you be my best man?

BILLY
(grabs Chuck and hugs him)
Of course buddy, it would be my honour

The gathered clap

INT. PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, CHUCK)

Billy takes the opportunity to make an announcement of his own

BILLY
Well it seems this is a day of announcements, so to keep the theme going, I would like to announce that after the play-offs I am retiring for good.Since I left the game over a year ago, I have realized that there was much more to life than baseball and since then I have grown more closer to my wife Sophie and to my son Bill Jr. This is not to say that Billy Ball is officially dead.As of today my son has taken on the positions of batting coach for the Kings as well as head scout for their triple A team in Scranton.Thank you all

Chuck congratulates his friend as Billy steps off the podium and exits through the crowd of cheering and clapping media

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE PRESS ROOM - NIGHT
(BILLY, RUTHIE, GERTRUDE, BERTHA)

Billy steps out of the press conference door into the hallway and is greeted by the Bingo Ladies

BILLY
Hi ladies, what brings you to New York?

RUTHIE
We are here to officially announce the opening of the Billy Busby memorial in Urquhart

BILLY
(humbly)
I am flattered

GERTRUDE
We were wondering, if isn't to much of a bother, would you mind signing this jersey?

BILLY
I don't know what to say, this is such an honour, look I'll take the shirt and have all the guys sign it and at the end of the play-offs I'll come down and personally dedicate the museum

BERTHA
Thanks Billy, I hope you win the championship

BILLY
If we do, you can be the first to wear the ring.Excuse me now, enjoy your stay in New York

Billy exits, leaving the ladies beaming with happiness

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY)

The play-offs are over and Billy has kept his promise to return to Urquhart and dedicate his memorial.The hall is full of friends, staff and fans.Billy also comes with a few surprises.

BILLY
Thank you for all attending this dedication ceremony.First of all, in case you haven't heard

Billy unfolds a copy of the New York Times sports page and shows the gathered the headline, "New York Kings Win League Championship" The crowd cheers loudly

BILLY
Thank you all, to show my gratitude to all the people of Urquhart, I have brought you a few gifts.Firstly, this is the Jersey I wore in the final game of the series, as you can see, it is hand signed by every New York player.I also had Chuck sign it because I know he is still dear to all your hearts.Unfortunately Chuck couldn't be hear tonight
(the crowd cheers wildly)
Wait! There is more.No display would be complete without something flashy, so here is the best I could do,

Billy reaches into his pocket and takes out his championship ring

BILLY
I would also like to donate my two thousand three championship ring

The crowd is now whipped into a furry of whistling and cheering

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY, GERTRUDE)

Billy moves over to the display case and places in the shirt and the ring

BILLY
(addressing the crowd)
I have one last gift, well a couple, firstly, if you may ladies, would you kindly come forth

The four ladies step up to the front

BILLY
I have truly enjoyed working with you ladies and all the staff.I think the time has come to say goodbye to this place and to show my gratitude, I officially turn over the running of Billy Ball too the four finest friends I have ever known

GERTRUDE
Thank you Billy.Billy hugs and kisses each women

INT. BINGO HALL - DAY
(BILLY)

Billy unveils his final surprise

BILLY
Now for my final gift, as you all know I have had the pleasure of being the chair person of Billy's Kids for many years.Billy's Kids is a collection of non-profit organizations that help needy children and parents affected by cancer.Over the last year Billy Ball Bingo has raised in excess one million dollars

The crowd oohs and aahs

BILLY
That is right, one million, you all should be proud.I have a couple of special guests here tonight, from Billy's Kids, where are they?
(motioning)
Come on up

The crowd claps as two young children are brought up with their parents

BILLY
I would like to introduce ELIZABETH and ASHLEY, five and eight and their parents TED and LUANNE Nelson and GARY and ROSE Edwards.These two beautiful children and their parents are currently staying at Billy's Kids Pavilion until their treatments are completed

The crowd cheers wildly

BILLY
This is where your hard earned donations wind up, please on my behalf would you accept this check

The families hug Billy.Billy hands each child and autographed hat and bat

BILLY
I may be leaving Urquhart but the people of this wonderful town will always have a special place in my heart.Thank you

The crowd roars as Billy exits

FADE OUT

THE END