Back at the ballpark, Ranch Wilder has the next opponent for us: The “long-time nemesis” of the Angels, the Detroit Tigers. I didn’t realize that was a thing, but alright. Maybe things were different without a Central Division. For context in the movie, the Tigers have been the hottest team around lately, which seems weird to type. So for these purposes, the Angels will be tested this series. We’re treated to some pregame shots of players warming up, fans entering the stadium and Bass signing an autograph.
Roger spots an angel with pitcher Mel Clark (Tony Danza) standing
down in the bullpen, so he clues J.P. in to commence operation Get Rid of
David. J.P. delivers another gem, turning to David: “I gotta go to the bathroom.
I can’t go alone. Bad guys might get me.” Oh, this kid.
So, Roger is free to make his angel arm signals and talk to
Knox. Of course, mini-manager Roger and his angel sense think Clark should
start the game, even though Knox reminds him that Clark’s “arm is gone.” He’s
not even on the active roster either, which also begs the question: Why is Mel
hanging out in the bullpen in uniform?
Put him in, coach
Roger cares not for these logistical concerns. “If the angel pitches with him,
he’ll be awesome!” He appears to have convinced Knox yet again, eventually. So,
Knox strolls down the first baseline to the Angels bullpen. The fact that the
‘pen is tucked away down the baseline reminds me of the way they used to be at
the Metrodome, too.
Clark, leaning against the fence with his hands stuffed in
the pockets of his team jacket, is already visibly annoyed that Knox is coming
over to talk to him. These two really don’t care for each other. Knox waits a
beat, folds his arms and then matter-of-factly tells the pitcher he’s off IR
and starting the game today. Can’t even look the dude in the eye.
Clark is confused at the nod, understandably. This seems
like quite the movie-move here. Not only is he not on the roster, and he’s
presumably still hurt, but how soon is it to game time? He’s expected to start
on a few minutes notice? So much for the pregame rituals and routines of
pitchers.
No one understands the pitching decision
Ranch, as always, narrates for the viewers. Dan Prince, whoever that is, was
supposed to start, but he officially announces the starter change to the
“long-injured” Clark. Ranch clarifies the roster question, too, saying the
league is OK with the roster being altered up until game time. But I would
guess that’s active roster moves. Oh well, it’s a movie. Clark is going
to pitch because that’s what the writers want.
Fans are apparently very interested in Clark’s warm-up tosses; they start booing him after he bounces one foot in front of the plate. Ranch is still on the air, cigarette in hand again, and then starts berating his sidekick Wally and the poor producer. He also notes that Clark hasn’t started a game in the decade. That seems significant since this movie was released in 1994.
With the first pitch coming, sure enough, an angel shows up
right behind Clark on the mound. He helps guide a fastball into the catcher’s
mitt with such force that Clark loses his ballcap upon delivery. That draws
cheers from the crowd, though Ranch is pretty certain it’s beginner’s luck of
some sort.
Clark brings the fire
Then we’re treated to a montage of Clark throwing strike after strike to the
bewildered Tigers hitters. I’m sure it would have been tough for the opponent
anyway, with no scouting report to read.
We don’t see much of the game. Ranch pours himself another
adult beverage with a full count and two gone in the top of the ninth. You
think Clark is still hurling?
Clark strikes out a lefthanded batter with a swinging strike
in slow motion to end the game. Roger and the crowd go wild as Knox politely
claps at the top of the dugout, acknowledging Roger’s call along with his
team’s win.
Angels win 1-0. I guess the writers couldn’t get very
creative with the final box scores or something. Clark completes the shutout.
Ranch is up in the booth lamenting that his old pal Knox gets the credit for
the brilliant pitching decision.
Postgame festivities
Knox is down in the media scrum, where he should be this time, in the
clubhouse. Ranch, who’s like the FSNorth reporter equivalent, asks what
inspired him to start Clark. Knox spews some garbage about an instinct, feeling
and faith. Ranch isn’t buying. Knox continues by saying Clark has always been
“an extraordinary athlete.” A little different dialogue than when he talked
about pain pills with Clark earlier in the movie.
Roger, J.P. and Knox prepare to head out in the Angels
minivan, mentioning the team has won three in a row. Knox feels he owes the
boys something, although free baseball games, food and souvies seem to be a
fair trade. But we need something fun to break up the Angels baseball, so let’s
have some sandlot baseball.
Not sure where all the kids came from, but they’re wearing
baseball caps and jerseys from all across the leagues, prepping to play
baseball with Knox on the makeshift mound – wearing a button-down shirt and
slacks. A junked-out car and dingy looking trailer are parked behind home plate
in whatever dirt lot this is.
Maybe Clark took care of business in a tidy 2:15, giving them plenty of time for a game during daylight hours.
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