A high school baseball star, whose love of the game has been tarnished by overwhelming pressure and expectations, is sent down a dangerous path with every step on the field.

SYNOPSIS:

James “Jimmy” Ryan Jr. was born to play baseball, but as his talent grew, so did his father’s expectations and the chance to fulfill a childhood dream.

Now a high school senior, Jimmy is the projected first-overall pick in the MLB draft with a full-ride scholarship to Stanford. But years of “tough love,” usually during the car ride home, have tarnished his love of the game. To make matters worse, his parents have different plans for his future: Kirsten wants Jimmy to get an education, while James wants him to turn pro. Caught in the middle is his younger brother, Max, who quietly feels overshadowed by Jimmy.

A few weeks before the draft, Jimmy gets a phone call from Mike Carter, a big-time sports agent interested in representing him. But during a crucial game, he makes a costly error that spirals into every baseball player's worst nightmare – the yips. Furious, James expects Jimmy to “handle it,” but his school counselor, Mr. Turner, recognizes that his struggles run deeper than baseball and urges Jimmy to talk to his parents. Meanwhile, Jimmy forms a connection with Sienna Clarke, a free-spirited classmate who encourages him to step outside his comfort zone. As their bond deepens, Jimmy begins to question what and who he’s really playing for.

At practice, Jimmy gets into a fight with a jealous teammate, leading to a heated argument with James about his relentless criticism, but James refuses to listen. Nowhere to turn, Jimmy convinces his coach to let him play, knowing Mike Carter will be watching. When James unexpectedly shows up, Jimmy makes another costly error, causing the yips to return. Unable to watch, James leaves, heartbroken. Afterward, Sienna tries to comfort Jimmy, but he angrily pushes her away, fighting back tears. Alone, he imagines hitting a World Series-winning home run, just like he did with James in the backyard as a child.

The next morning, Kirsten finds Jimmy unresponsive in his bed, a bottle of her Oxycodone prescription on the nightstand.

At Jimmy’s funeral, James delivers an emotional eulogy. He recalls Jimmy’s childhood, realizing that his own pride had become his son’s burden and that it was Jimmy who made their backyard his favorite place on earth.

Years later, James picks up Max after a bad game. Reminded of Jimmy, he asks Max if he had fun, having learned from his mistakes. Max replies with a heartfelt “Always,” turning up the radio as they drive off.

THE RIDE HOME