Drama Presents. DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH From All Star Sports Collection. by John Cashion. Put Me In, Coach

Transcription

1 Lillenas Drama Presents DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH From All Star Sports Collection by John Cashion Editor s Note: The following four scripts can be used quite effectively in a series for sermons, retreats, or even group discussions during a spring training or baseball season. All of these pieces deal with some of the perfecting that Christ can do in our lives to help us become better followers and people for Him. Put Me In, Coach Running Time: 3 minutes Themes: Living for Christ means putting priorities in order, as does church involvement Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Synopsis: Baseball manager deals with a player who is eager to play, but has not been willing to practice or prepare himself. Humorous dialogue occurs in dugout between a frustrated manager and a clueless player. Cast: MANAGER PLAYER Setting: Dugout with Manager standing; Player on bench Optional SFX: Crowd noises, crack of bat, groans, etc. 1

2 PLAYER: Coach, hey Coach... (MANAGER ignores him.) PLAYER: Coach, hey Coach... (Continues to be ignored) PLAYER (standing, waving arms): Mr. Manager, Mr. Manager... MANAGER: What? PLAYER: I was just, uh, sort of wondering, if... maybe... I don t know... do you think that possibly... MANAGER: What is it? PLAYER (inaudible): Could I get in the game? MANAGER: What? PLAYER (still inaudible): Would you put me in? MANAGER: Will you speak up? PLAYER (yelling): Do you think I might get in the game today? MANAGER (holds ears, grimacing): Get in the game? You mean this game? PLAYER: Yeah... MANAGER: You want me to put you in this game? PLAYER: Or maybe the next one... but, you know... we are behind a little bit... MANAGER: A little bit? Have you looked at the scoreboard lately? PLAYER: Well, 17 to 2 isn t that bad... MANAGER: Listen, fruitcake, what makes you think I would put you in a game? PLAYER: Uhhh... I can t make it any worse? MANAGER: Well, that s debatable... PLAYER: Well, I am a member of this team... MANAGER: Your name may be on the roster, but I don t think you re part of the team. PLAYER: What makes you say that? MANAGER: How many practices did you miss last week? 2

3 PLAYER: Well, let s see Monday uh, Monday was the day my cousin was visiting and he wanted to try out my Xbox. Then Tuesday, oh Tuesday I had to get a haircut looks pretty good don t you think? Then Thursday Thursday oh that s the day I had this horrible hangnail. Do you ever get those? You know they just hurt and hurt and then you pull them out cause you can t get the clippers in there, and then they bleed and the next day they get all kind of runny and infected and this green stuff... MANAGER: All right. That s enough. In other words, you didn t make a single practice. PLAYER: But I had really good reasons... MANAGER: And what about the conditioning program? Have you been lifting weights? PLAYER: Well, my new video game controller is a lot heavier than my old one. MANAGER: And the nutrition plan what have you been eating? PLAYER: Stuff from the four basic food groups: Pizza, ice cream, cheeseburgers, and German chocolate cakes. MANAGER: So let me get this straight you don t practice, you don t exercise, you eat junk, and you think you re ready to get in the game? Are you crazy? Do I look like an idiot? PLAYER: Uh... can we skip that last question? MANAGER: Listen before you can get back in the game you have to get your act together get your priorities in order. Every game is important, and when the going gets tough the tough get going. We need players who can step up to the plate, keep their eye on the ball, give 110 percent, keep their focus, bring their A-game, play one game at a time, stay hungry, come ready to play, leave everything on the field, dig deep, crank it up, turn it up a notch, move up to the next level, and above all, put first things first. PLAYER (after a pause): I don t think I can remember all that. MANAGER: Just watch ESPN tonight you ll hear it again. Look, the point is this I want you to be on the team, the team needs you, but you ve got to decide if you re ready to get back in the game. I can t make you, and I won t decide for you. So what do you say? Ending 1 PLAYER (with enthusiasm): I ll start today. MANAGER: You gonna do what it takes? 3

4 PLAYER: I ll cut out the cakes. MANAGER: And what about training? PLAYER: No more complaining. MANAGER: Will you quit that! PLAYER: Is it my time to bat? MANAGER (increasingly frustrated): I said stop it. PLAYER: OK, I ll drop it. (MANAGER threatens to hit with cap) I mean, uh, I m outta here. (Starts to walk off) And Coach thanks for the second chance. I ll see you at practice. Ending 2 PLAYER: OK thanks for the second chan... wait a minute, did you say the team needs me? MANAGER (realizing the implications): I guess I did. PLAYER: Wow... just how important am I? MANAGER: Don t push it just show up for practice tomorrow and stay away from that German chocolate cake tonight. PLAYER: You got it, Coach. (Walking off, speaking to himself) They need me... they really need me... MANAGER: What have I done now? 4

5 I ve Got an Idea, Coach Running Time: 3 minutes Theme: The body of Christ needs everyone to do their part with a servant attitude Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12 Synopsis: Baseball manager deals with a player who wants to give everyone a chance to play other positions. Humorous dialogue continues in the dugout between a frustrated manager and a clueless player. Cast: MANAGER PLAYER Setting: Dugout with Manager standing; Player on bench Optional SFX: Crowd noises, crack of bat, groans PLAYER: Coach? (Ignored) PLAYER: Uh, Coach, can I talk to you? (Still ignored) PLAYER: Coach, there is something I would like to discuss with you. 5

6 MANAGER: You know there s a game going on. PLAYER: Well, yes. MANAGER: You realize that our team is playing in this game sort of. PLAYER: Yes, but I... MANAGER: Has it occurred to you that one of the reasons we re behind 8 to nothing is a lack of focus a lack of attention to the task at hand. PLAYER: But you see... MANAGER: And that maybe this isn t the best time to be engaging me or anybody else for that matter in some discussion about whatever is troubling that overtaxed little mind of yours? PLAYER: That s what I want to talk about. MANAGER: Your overtaxed little mind? PLAYER: Not exactly but it is something I ve been thinking about. MANAGER: And this is supposed to make me feel better? PLAYER: And it is baseball related. MANAGER: Well, that s a relief. Oh, go ahead maybe if I ignore the game like the rest of the team it will get better. It sure can t get any worse... PLAYER: Exactly, and that s what I want to talk about I have a plan to improve our strategy. MANAGER: You have a plan? Oh, how wonderful my job is saved. PLAYER (oblivious to the sarcasm): I think what we need is some changes of position kind of like those long bus rides where the tour guide makes everybody change seats... MANAGER: Changes of position? PLAYER: Yeah you know, to give everyone a fresh start. MANAGER: And just who would you move where? PLAYER: Well, pretty much everyone. MANAGER: Everyone? PLAYER: For instance... maybe you could move our shortstop to catcher. MANAGER: But he s tiny the first time a runner barrels in from third he ll be in the hospital. 6

7 PLAYER: Well, the team has good insurance and how about moving the first basemen to left field. MANAGER: But he s slow as molasses by the time he gets to a long ball the other team could score their whole lineup... twice! PLAYER: And I think I should pitch. MANAGER: Pitch? Pitch?!? Are you kidding? When you throw the ball it s so slow I can read the label from the dugout. Pigeons rest on it when they fly across the field. Why would I let you pitch? PLAYER: Because I think everyone deserves to be on the mound at least once the pitcher gets more attention than any other player and I don t think that s fair. It could cause some people to be jealous not that I would feel that way. MANAGER: So you want to switch everyone s position just so you can get a little camera time? PLAYER: No... not exactly... well, maybe... sort of I mean, don t you think we should try to make everyone happy? MANAGER (syrupy): How sweet. Let s make everyone happy. (Pause then bellowing) That s the dumbest thing I ve ever heard. How about making me happy? Do you know what makes me happy? When players do what I say. When they play where I tell them to. When they play as a team. When they don t whine. And you know why I ll be happy? Because then we ll be playing good baseball. We might even win a game. And then I ll really be happy because my players won t have time to dream up these ridiculous schemes because they re too busy playing good baseball! PLAYER: Oh. MANAGER: And would you like to make me happy now? PLAYER: Uh, sure. MANAGER: Then get out there on the field while we ve been gabbing they struck out the top of the batting order. (Sarcastically) Hmm... do you think maybe their pitcher is in the right position? 7

8 Should I Go? Running Time: 2 minutes Theme: There are times our fear keeps us from doing what God wants Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:6-9; Numbers Synopsis: Player makes it to third base for first time in career. Has humorous dialogue with himself over whether to head for home when he has the chance. Cast: PLAYER Setting: Player on base Optional SFX: Crowd noises, crack of bat, groans, etc. PLAYER: Ooh, ooh. I can t believe it. I m on third base. I haven t been on third base since... since... have I ever been on third base? I can t remember. Gosh, this is pretty close to the other team s dugout... I hope they don t spit on me. (Ducks) Ooo, gross... Uh, oh here comes the coach. (Pause, as if listening to the coach) Yes, I m paying attention... OK, I should watch for a fly ball if it s deep enough, you might send me home. Home? Oh, you mean home plate. Wow, I ve never been there before... OK I ll watch you, Coach. Home plate, what a concept. I could actually score a run. Wait a minute, I think the game is tied. Let me sneak a peak at the scoreboard. It is. It is! We re tied up. I could score the winning run. (Suddenly terrified) It s all up to me! Better pay attention, now. Watch the coach, get a lead, watch the catcher. There s the pitch... oh, ball one. 8

9 Great. Maybe they ll walk me in. Here s the wind-up, there s the pitch... ball two! Terrific. There s goes the catcher out to talk to the pitcher. Gosh, look at that guy. He s big. Look at those arms, they re huge. Now he s taking off his mask. He s talking to the pitcher, but he s looking right at me. He s not only big, he s ugly. And he s pointing at me. And laughing. Oh, dear... Please, God, just two more balls. Let him walk the batter, please, please. Here s the pitch. Line drive coming right at meee! (Falls on face; on knees, looking at coach) What, Coach? You think I should stand up? (Stands) Yeah, it is a good thing that was a foul ball. I promise it won t happen again. OK, pay attention, get ready... There s the pitch... it s a long fly ball... wait, wait... Oh, he caught it. What, Coach? You want me to what? Run home? Oh, run home! (Starts to run, pauses) Wait a minute, are you sure I have enough time? I m really not that fast... OK (Starts again, stops) Wait, look at that gorilla with a catcher s mitt he looks like a brick wall. You want me to run into that? Really? OK. (Starts again, stops) But Coach, I have a family, people who love me. OK, I m going, I m going... (Starts again, looking back) (To self) What? Come back? Why? Oh, it s too late. Yeah, I see. I m sorry, Coach. I can t believe it. My one chance to do something great, and I blew it. One more out and the inning is over. Everyone s booing me they could have been cheering me. Why didn t I do what the coach said? Why didn t I trust him. He trusted me. If I could only have one more chance, just one more chance. Please God, just give me another chance... I promise I ll go this time... 9

10 What Happened to the Rookie? Running Time: 2 minutes Theme: Making new Christians and new Church members feel welcome Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:1-4 Synopsis: A rookie joins a baseball team, and his desire to contribute and fit in is squelched by the negative attitudes and responses of his teammates. Cast: MANAGER ROOKIE PLAYER 1 PLAYER 2 PLAYER 3 PLAYER 4 MANAGER: OK guys, huddle up and listen up. The front office has blessed us with another rookie but of course they believe he s got lots of potential. Anyway, I need you guys to show him the ropes. He s comin down to the locker room now so, uh... let him know how we play ball around here. (MANAGER walks off; ROOKIE walks in.) ROOKIE: Hey, wow, it s so great to be here. I am so excited to be part of the team now. 10

11 (Team walks by, shakes hands, then go off in little clique, leaving ROOKIE alone; talking among themselves, then leaving clique one at a time for next few lines.) PLAYER 1 (to audience): Another rookie well that s great wonder if he ll stick it out. First time he gets booed for striking out and mommy s not in the stands, he ll be on the next bus home. So many guys with potential don t have a clue what it s like up here. ROOKIE (comes up to PLAYER 1): Hey, could you help me with the signs. I never can remember if this (makes some gesture) is bunt or steal, and which sign is the sign that tells me the next sign is the real one and... PLAYER 1: Yeah, well I would, but right now I need to hit the whirlpool just need a little rest and relaxation just talk to Manny the third base coach he ll be around tomorrow... (goes back to clique) ROOKIE: Yeah, OK, that s a good idea. (Walks away, a little disappointed) PLAYER 2 (to audience): Man, this locker room is tight I mean we get along better than any team I ve ever been on. How s this guy gonna fit in? Messin with the team like this can put us in a slump. Why did those yo-yos upstairs rock the boat... ROOKIE (to PLAYER 2): Hey, listen, I was wondering if maybe we could grab a bite to eat after practice today... PLAYER 2: Oh, uh, well that would be great... but we ve already made plans. I think Joe made reservations and you know it s kind of hard to add people at the last minute... maybe next time. (Goes back to clique) ROOKIE: I understand, sure... (walks away, deflated) PLAYER 3 (to audience): I don t know about this guy. If he thinks he s going to come in and play right away he better adjust his thinkin. I ve been playin shortstop ever since I joined the team and I don t feel inclined to share it with anybody just yet. ROOKIE (to PLAYER 3): I really admire the way you play when I watch you it s like you know where the guy is going to hit the ball before the pitch. And the double play you guys make it look so easy. Could I sit with you on the bus tomorrow... maybe you could give me some pointers? PLAYER 3: Well, I like to sit by myself before the game get my head right, sort of get mentally prepared and all I don t think that would be a good idea... you get the picture? (Goes back to clique) ROOKIE (sarcastically): Yeah, right... I get the picture. (Walks off and out the door) (Pause) 11

12 PLAYER 4 (to audience): Wonder whatever happened to that rookie. Seems he was all gung ho bendin everybody s ear, takin extra battin practice, hustlin like crazy. I remember him askin me about hittin the curve ball now I never see him. Wonder if he got cut, or sent back to the minors, or what. Seems like that happens a lot new guy shows up, and after a while you never hear any more about him. (Brief pause) I don t get it... PLAYER 3 (turning to audience): I don t get it... PLAYER 2 (turning to audience): I don t get it... PLAYER 1 (turning to audience): I don t get it... The purchase of this sketch entitles the purchaser to make photocopies of this material for use in their church or nonprofit organizations. Please include the copyright statement on each copy made. Sharing of material with other churches or organizations not owned or controlled by the original purchaser is strictly prohibited. Lillenas Publishing Company Drama Resources P.O. Box Kansas City, MO Questions? Please write, call, or Phone: Fax: drama@lillenas.com Web Site: The All Star Sports Collection ( ) collection is available for purchase from Lillenas Drama or from your local Christian bookstore. For a full description of the rest of this collection, or to purchase other individual sketches, refer to 12