Original subtitles

There were times on Walton's Mountain so filled with

peace and contentment that I might sit in my room

writing and never once be reminded

that I was part of a large and boisterous family.

It was on such a day that Jim-Bob took time out

to watch the grass grow and Hobie Shank came back

into our lives.

I wasn't to know much peace or contentment

after Hobie's arrival.

-Where's your father, son? -In the barn.

You wait here.

You just call Mr. John Walton out here.

He'll know who I am.

-Hey, there, what's your name? -Jim-Bob.

Well, not the Jim-Bob Walton I knew four years ago?

I used to tote you around in my arms. Look at you now.

You remember me? Hobie Shank?

I was just a little fellow then myself. And look at me now.

Strongest man this side of Missouri.

John, I got a boy out here named Hobart Shank.

He says you'll vouch for him.

-Hobart who? -Shank.

Says he spent the summer with you four years ago.

That orphan boy, John.

Oh, Hobie. From the county home.

Yeah, I'd picked him up hitching north on 29.

Figured he was just another hobo looking for a place to light.

Why don't you look at him? See if you know him.

By gum, you're right, Jim-Bob.

Look at that little feller.

Got it right up on his back.

Mr. Walton. I knew you wouldn't forget me.

Well, it's little Hobie. How could I forget you, son?

You carved your initials in our kitchen table.

I was hoping you wouldn't remember that.

Hey, Grandpa! How are you?

I'll never forget him taking me fishing...

and I came back with a string of catfish that stretched...

from here to that porch.

Must have been at least two catfish on that string.

Sounds like you, Hobie.

Good to see you. What brings you to this part of the country?

Well, that's my big surprise.

Hobie, he's still got it.

John, if you say it's okay, I'll take off--

It's okay. Thanks for bringing him by.

Thank you, Sheriff.

He is probably the strongest ant alive.

You ought to see this little-bitty ant

carrying a breadcrumb about a hundred times bigger than he is.

Hey, where's John-Boy? We were regular buddies that summer.

He's up in his room working.

John-Boy, I got a surprise for you!

Guess who's here. Me!

You remember Hobie Shank.

When you were 13, he spent a summer with us.

Yeah.

Get down here, old buddy. Me and you got some catching up to do.

Okay.

I heard some voices.

Let me guess. Erin?

No. Mary.

-Mary Ellen, right? -Right.

You were just a scrawny little tomboy, and look at you now.

-Pretty as a picture. -Thank you.

-Who are you? -Hobart Shank.

Little Hobie?

Big as life and twice as handsome.

You're just in time for my big surprise.

And so are you, old buddy.

Come on, I got a big surprise for y'all.

You remember this, Mr. Walton?

This is my old pitcher's mitt.

Ever since you gave it to me, I knew what I was gonna be.

And, by gum, I am.

I'm gonna tell you all about it at supper tonight.

That is, if I'm invited.

You are invited.

I thought you'd never get around to it.

-Put it there, old buddy. -Hey, Hobie--

Remember you beat me at Indian wrestling?

-Let's do it again. -I don't want to--

Just wanna show what's happened to your old buddy.

Give it your best try. Come on. There you go.

Nice try, old buddy.

My ant. It jumped out of my hand.

There he is.

Put him back in a little jar

so you don't lose him again.

He's the world's strongest ant.

Boy, then why not call him Hobie, Jr.?

That first little go-round just kind of whet my appetite.

Well, now you must be the world's champion eater.

Well, only when I meet up with the world's greatest cook.

So, how's everything, John-Boy? You married yet?

No. I'm still in high school.

I'm getting out this year.

You were a pretty good runner.

Maybe you could make it in track.

John-Boy's gonna be a writer.

You mean sit around all day and noodle with words?

Yeah, I guess that's about it.

Maybe I'll do that when I'm old.

Write down the story of my life.

Boy, there'd be a whopper of a book.

What was the surprise you were gonna tell us about, Hobie?

Oh, sure.

I lit out on my own a while back.

No more three squares a day for free

when I see this sign:

"Minor League Tryout. St. Louis Baseball Club."

Boy, that corn bread sure melts in your mouth, ma'am.

Thank you, Hobie.

So anyhow, I threw out some of my Blue Lightning bolts

for this fellow they called a scout.

Did his eyes ever bug out.

He says to this other man

"Kid's whizzer hops like a rabbit."

So that's why I'm here.

I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.

I'll explain it to you later.

The St. Louis team, Grandma.

All them boys just waiting for Hobie

to pitch them to the World Series.

You might not be able to pitch them

but you could talk it there.

Could I have a little more of that gravy, ma'am?

Go right ahead and help yourself.

Dig in, Hob. Anything you want.

So, anyhow, this fellow says to me, what's my address?

Well, I wasn't about to give him the county orphanage.

So I gave him your address.

Why was it you did that, Hobie?

Well, that's my surprise.

I'm gonna be one of the family again.

-What do you say, Mr. Walton? -Well, I don't know.

It's sure good to see you, I'll tell you that

but what do you say, when you're presented with

a bouncing 170-pound baby boy?

Mrs. Walton?

You just make yourself right at home.

And don't worry. I'll only be around long enough

for that fellow to look for me.

And that might even be tomorrow morning.

And anyhow, I figure if I have you to talk for me

that scout will just have to treat me fair and square, right?

-You want me to talk for you? -Well, yeah.

Well, I'd be glad to.

And listen, if you play your cards right

I might even make you my manager.

That's alright. I'll do that, Hobie.

Pass the sweet potatoes, old buddy.

Thank you.

Dig in, Hobie.

You really believe all that hot air about a scout coming out?

-Well, it could be. -Well, I don't.

It appears to me you've been acting

a mite uncharitable toward him.

It's probably just me but I always get

the feeling that he's trying to downgrade me.

Like tonight, all that talk about "aren't you married yet?"

and how he's gonna sit down and write himself

a book when he gets old.

Anyway, he's sure taken you over.

That bothers you, does it?

It does.

Alright, Son. Why don't you ask him to come out?

We'll try to figure out what he's really talking about.

He'll eat us out of house and home.

Boy, he sure can eat.

Heh. He hasn't tried any humble pie yet, has he?

My daddy would like to talk to you out by the barn.

Why, sure, old buddy.

It's easy to see where the Walton girls

get their good looks.

Your turn to dry, Erin.

Isn't he just about the cutest thing alive?

He's just the handsomest.

Mary Ellen, when are you going to stop calling

everything in pants handsome?

Never, I hope.

Hobie's just so funny.

Depends on how you define "funny."

What are you so grouchy about?

Just don't go getting another one of your crushes, Mary Ellen.

Is that the sermon for tonight, Rev. Walton?

Just try not believing anything that anybody says to you.

Does that include you, Reverend?

Remember that drop pitch you taught me?

-I sure do. -I use it all the time.

No kidding.

How long has it been, Hobie, since you left that home?

I just wanna forget that place. Talk about exciting things.

Did I tell you about that game I pitched against Pepper Martin?

I heard you telling Ben about it.

I hear things are kind of lean on the road.

Hardly any work anywhere.

Yeah. Well, that's why I'm sure glad

I got this great pitching arm of mine.

How was it, son, on your own?

I figured there'd be work in D.C

but I just gave up, rode the rails south again.

You know

Richmond, Raleigh, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale.

You'd weasel a day's pay now and then on a farm or a road job

something like that.

Rest of the time you had to hobo?

It's no way to live, Mr. Walton, believe me.

I believe you.

I sure wish there was a job I could offer you around here.

You don't think I came here for a job?

You're welcome to stay. You don't have to work for it.

Don't you believe me?

About me winning that tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals?

I believe you. But if the man doesn't show up?

I'm sure not spending the rest of my life in some hobo jungle.

I'm gonna be a pitcher in the big leagues. He's gotta show up.

Alright. If he says he's gonna show up, I'm sure he will.

We'll just sweat it out.

Hey. Hey, Jim-Bob, you alright?

You had a bad dream.

Hobie, Jr. kept growing until he was a giant ant.

I used to dream like that.

-Boy, was I glad to wake up. -Me, too.

-Come on, back in your own bed. -But you're sleeping in it.

You'll sleep better in your own bed.

Come on, big boy.

I'll stretch out with you till you get back to sleep, okay?

Half Pint used to like me to lie down with him.

He's a kid back at the home.

He used to follow me all the time, pulling on my coattails.

Closest thing to a little brother I ever had.

You know, a real pain, but you couldn't help liking him.

Hobie. I'm sorry. Did I frighten you?

Well, I guess I shouldn't be down here, ma'am.

-Is something the matter? -No, ma'am.

It was just for a moment there

I remembered a time when I was a little kid.

First night in the home, and I got caught out of bed

after hours, without permission.

And they thought I was being bad, and I wasn't.

You have my permission to stay up as long as you want

if you can't sleep.

Strange surroundings sometimes affect me that way, too.

It isn't strange, ma'am.

I remember every little thing about this house.

Guess that's why I couldn't sleep.

I'm too excited being back here.

We're glad to have you back, Hobie.

Jim-Bob had a bad dream tonight.

I used to have them all the time.

I had one while I was here.

And I'll always remember you coming in to me

and how just the sound of your voice made it alright.

I guess I'd better be getting back upstairs.

Mrs. Walton, you're some lady.

Goodnight, Hobie.

I wondered if you could put in a word for me in your prayers.

'Cause if I can't make it pitching for them,

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

Hobie, you will always have a home with us.

I sure hope you mean that, ma'am.

It means a whole lot to me if you do.

I do, Hobie.

-Goodnight. -Goodnight, ma'am.

At what time do you think we're gonna be getting home?

You expecting Marcia Woolery?

How'd you guess?

-I thought you two busted up. -Well, we did.

I tell you, Daddy, I don't know why I put up with that woman.

Well, now, Son...

there's one thing you should understand about women.

-What's that? -I don't know.

I'm looking for the Walton place.

You've found it.

-You John Walton? -Yes, sir.

Clyde Harroway, scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.

-"Preacher" Harroway? -One and the same.

Well, I'll be.

Son, this is "Preacher" Harroway.

-Pleased to meet you. -How are you?

-Is there a Hobart Shank here? -Sure is.

I'm here to see if he can pitch as good as Abe Taylor says.

You hear that, Son? Go get Hobie.

Is there a ball field in these parts?

There's one right down the road there.

I'll meet you and Shank there

as quickly as you can get there.

You know, I saw you pitch, 1912, in an exhibition game.

I was just a kid.

"Look to today," Mr. Walton. That's my motto.

-We'll be right there. -Right.

Now you grip your fastball tight, you hold it pretty deep.

And you kind of just let it slip straight off your fingers.

Go ahead, you try it, Jim-Bob.

You sure do learn fast, Jim-Bob. Just like Half Pint.

Show us your curveball, Hobie.

Look. You hold your curveball same as you hold your fastball.

Hey, Hobie!

Yeah, old buddy?

He's here.

I can't wait to see the look on that man's face

when he sees my smoke ball hop, skip, and jump.

He's got a young fella with him.

Probably the one to catch for you.

You'll be my catcher, Mr. Walton. For good luck.

Alright, Hobie.

-Welcome to Walton's Mountain. -How are you?

-Calvin! -Excuse me, girls.

-Hey, Sheriff. -Hi.

Sixty-six feet, six inches.

Measured some of these backwoods slabs.

They've been a little short of regulation.

-This the boy? -Hobie, meet Mr. Harroway.

-I sure am tickled to meet you-- -Let's get started.

Sir, you don't mind if Mr. Walton catches me

instead of that fellow there, do you?

That fellow there is here to hit the ball, son.

I never recommend a boy unless I see him throw

to something besides a catcher's mitt.

That's Calvin Trask. Plays first base for the Richmond Rebels.

Hiya, kid.

You better get warmed up good, kid.

We're not playing patty-cake.

Alright.

We were in Mr. Godsey's general store when they came in.

You could tell right away they was real celebrities.

-Alright. Loosen up a little. -Good luck, Calvin.

Here you go, son.

Mr. Godsey says he's just tearing up triple-A pitching.

Whatever that means.

Rub a little snake oil on it, Ben. For luck.

Anything else I should do?

Eddie Collins had a way with him.

He'd take chewing gum and stick it on the lid of his cap.

When things got tight, he'd chomp on it.

-Can I borrow your gum? -Sure.

Thank you.

There you go.

Thanks, Ben.

Let's see what you can do with that toothpick of yours.

Big mouth, you better get ready to chew horsehide.

It's too scary. I can't watch.

Here he goes.

-Goodness! Was that a home run? -Yeah.

It was just a lucky hit. You'll get him next time!

That ought to teach old big mouth a thing or two.

Now listen, Hob.

Hey, kid, the next one's gonna tickle your tonsils, okay?

Save your breath and give me the ball.

Now, take it easy, son.

Give me one finger for Blue Lightning

and two for the jug handle

and I'll rear back and just fog it by that big bag of wind.

You kids can sit down now.

Ain't gonna be another ball hit nowhere today.

Here we go, son.

Ride it here, boy.

There you go.

Strike!

Strike!

-Attaboy, Hobie. -Keep at it, boy.

Strike three!

Not bad.

Watch your fat head, kid, 'cause I'm just getting warmed up.

Put your bat where your mouth is.

Strike!

Attaboy, Hob.

Strike two.

You're out.

He's out!

Strike him out again, Hobie.

Strike one.

Attaboy, Hobie.

Strike two!

Strike three! Side's retired.

Cool off, Trask.

I've seen enough of the kid.

I imagine you have, too.

Mr. Walton, we did it.

Hey, old buddy. How you doing?

I knew I could do it all along. I just knew it.

He's quite a pitcher.

Then there's the one about the dumb blonde.

Well, not you, little darling.

She says to her boyfriend at the ballgame:

"I like the pitcher best. He can hit the bat almost every time."

-I'm sorry, John-Boy. -There you go, old buddy.

So....

Tell us another one, Hobie.

Mary Ellen, get yourself busy.

Well, did I tell you girls about the horse

who wound up in the big lakes?

I'm prepared to offer him $50 a month

to pitch for Raleigh in the North Carolina League

plus a bonus of $50 for signing the contract now.

We were hoping for a little more, though.

We never haggle with a raw prospect, sir. Club policy.

You either take it or leave it.

I guess we're gonna have to leave it.

Does this boy know you're throwing away

his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

He knows I might if I don't think you're treating him well.

Then we have nothing further to discuss, Mr. Walton.

-Good afternoon to you, sir. -Mr. Harroway.

Have a nice trip back.

Alright, what do you want?

We'll take triple of that offer.

Triple?

I might consider double.

Mr. Harroway, we don't haggle with our guests.

It's against family policy.

We'll take triple the pay, but to show our good faith

we'll take only double on the bonus.

It's a deal.

-You want me to call Hobie. -Yes, Son, I do.

Let's just check this out.

There I was, lifting the entire car with my back, when--

Hobie, put the car down. They want you inside.

Why, sure, old buddy.

As one base line said to the other

"Meet you at home, sweetie."

Why are you working so hard?

Somebody has to.

You invited me over. The least you can do is join us.

You seem to be doing fine without me around.

That's not fair, just 'cause I'm paying attention to Hobie.

You pay all the attention you want to him, but let me tell you

you have had your way with me one too many times!

My goodness, John-Boy. You don't have to get all upset about it.

We are just friends. Nothing more than that.

I'm ready for the big leagues.

If you throw like you did today...

you won't be in the D League long enough

to have coffee, as the saying goes.

If you don't mind, I'll be on my way.

-Sorry you can't stay. -So am I.

Hobie, I hope you pitch half as well

as your friend Mr. Walton here bargains.

He got you three times more than we pay any green kid

So you listen to what he says. See you later.

-Bye now. -Bye, Mr. Harroway.

Well, son, you did it.

You should've made that man put me in the majors.

Hey, come on!

You girls ever seen a real $100 bill?

-Here. -Come on, little darlings.

Come on, you're gonna get to see your first $100 bill.

Let me see!

Come on.

I swear I try to like him, but he doesn't make it easy for me.

I know. He can be hard to take sometimes.

I wouldn't mind so much...

if he made eyes at girls that were sweet to me.

I mean, that's life, I guess.

But when he starts walking all over you, I just can't take it.

I suppose he doesn't mean it that way, Son

You gotta remember that he has had a hard life.

He's just riding high right now.

If you don't mind, I'm gonna go to my room.

This is just not my week.

Come on, Hobie, why are you sulking?

I've decided, I don't wanna go back to that place.

Now, we talked about this, son. You agreed.

The kids at the orphanage will get a big kick out of this.

They know about the contract. They're all excited.

I don't care.

Hobie, your dreams are coming true.

It'll mean something to these kids, give them a kind of hope.

How about that one you always talk about, that Half Pint kid?

Listen, I earned my way out of this place.

Look, I scrubbed floors, I peeled potatoes...

I put yelling brats to bed.

I just want to forget all this.

Alright, Hobie. If you feel that way, we can go home if you want.

We might as well

Alright, but, I don't wanna waste all day here.

How nice of you to pay us a visit, Hobart.

The boys are looking forward to seeing you.

Especially Sam. Remember, you used to call him Half Pint.

Things haven't changed around here very much, Mrs. Baker.

No, unfortunately.

Well, I guess you're gonna be anxious to see everybody.

Come on, Hobart.

-Do you have to leave so soon? -Are you gonna come back?

You didn't show me how to cover second on a steal.

How far is where you're going?

What about the double-play pivot? You promised to teach me?

Hobie's gonna be in the big leagues.

-Can I come with you? -Will you stop hanging on me?

I didn't mean that, Half Pint.

You know what I'm gonna do?

As soon as I make it to the Cardinals, I'll send for you.

Why, you can be my own personal batboy, okay?

What are we waiting for?

Hobie's back!

I don't care if I never see that place again.

Hey, you sweet things! Hobie's back.

I just came over to say goodbye, Hobie.

Got an hour before I have to leave.

I don't care, but somebody's gotta set that kid straight.

How about a game of one-legged tag?

-That makes you it, angel. -You are the craziest thing.

Well, a lot's happened to him in a short time, Son.

Maybe he's just trying to sort it out.

So he's gonna cash in on being an orphan

for the rest of his life?

What you gotta remember is...

he was real little when he was in that orphanage...

just Elizabeth's age.

So that's going to excuse him from being a loudmouth?

Maybe he feels like he's gotta shout a lot...

because he feels so alone and lost inside.

Hey, Marcia!

No, Hobie, don't!

I'm coming after you, Marcia.

He probably thinks being a big-time pitcher...

is the only chance he's got to be somebody.

-Me, Tarzan, you, Jane. -Hobie, you're a riot!

No, I'm king of the jungle...

See you later.

...and I'm flying through the air.

-See that branch? -Hey, Hobie!

Hobie? Don't touch him. What is it, your arm?

-Let me see, son. - Oh, boy.

The boy has a compound fracture of the elbow

which must be reduced surgically.

Now, the orthopedic man is on his way.

We want your permission to operate.

It's as bad as that, is it?

He may never have proper use of the arm if we don't.

What did Hobart say about that?

He told me to ask you.

Will it be alright if we operate?

Can never be sure about recoverable mobility...

in cases where the injury involves a joint.

I guess you'd better go ahead and do all you can for him.

Good.

This operation will take about three hours.

You can leave and come back if you want to.

No, let's wait.

We'll stay on, thank you, doctor.

Hey, Hobie.

Hey, yourself.

Welcome back.

What did they say? Will I be alright?

They won't know till the cast comes off, but they're hopeful.

Everyone's pulling for you back home, Hobie.

Now listen, everything's gonna be alright.

I'm even gonna be a better pitcher...

once they get this darn thing off my arm.

Hobie, I think you'd better get some rest.

The nurse, she wants to give you something for your pain.

We'll see you, Hobie.

John-Boy, you just bring them pretty girls by to see me.

Will do.

Hey, you ever been kissed by a one-armed fast ball pitcher?

About time somebody washed this truck.

Not wash, Son. Bathe. This truck's one of the family.

Well, it's easier than giving Elizabeth a Saturday night bath.

At least it doesn't scream when the water hits it.

It'll find some way to act back.

I thought this was Ben's job.

It is Ben's job.

If he doesn't get better at it, I'll give it to Jim-Bob.

Lord knows what he'd do with that car.

This is gonna look as good as new, I tell you.

Son, it's not going to look as good as new.

It'll never do that, like a lot of things around here.

But spruced up a little, we can get down the road a mile or two.

I'll be going to see Hobie soon as I finish this.

Wanna go along?

I gotta catch up on a little reading, I think.

You know, Son...

he's gonna be getting out of the hospital in a couple of days.

There's a chance he'll never be able to use that arm

for professional ball.

I know.

I'd like to welcome him back here for a while.

Let that arm get limbered up a little.

Well, what if that arm is gone for good?

Let's just wait and see about that, alright?

Okay.

-Mr. Walton. -Doctor.

Boy's ready.

You sure you can take the responsibility?

Yes, the family's decided.

Well, a certain Mr. Taylor stopped by...

representing some baseball team.

He asked me to give you this.

He thought it'd be best if you told him.

Come in.

Good morning, Hobie.

You all set to go?

You don't have to take me back, you know.

-I've got a buddy-- -We want you to come.

Maybe I'll just hit the road again.

You're gonna stay with us.

It's never gonna be the same, is it?

-What's that? -My pitching arm.

That scout feller, Mr. Taylor...

he says to me, "Keep your chin up, kid."

That's right after he talked with that doctor out there.

-Hobie-- -It's bad news, isn't it?

They've cancelled your contract, You can keep the bonus, but....

I don't wanna talk about it.

Let's just get outta here.

-It was my idea! -Last one in is a fat pickle!

-Erin, you cheated. -I didn't!

Girls, Hobie's resting.

I'm sorry, Hobie. Were you asleep?

-If he was, he isn't anymore. -Look, surprise.

We picked them especially for you from Mama's flower garden.

We thought they might brighten up your room.

Thanks.

I think I'd better put these in water.

Here, Hobie, I brought you a present.

It was where the world's strongest ant used to live...

until he climbed out of an air hole.

Where do you want me to put them?

Let's put them over there. He can see when he wakes up then.

Hid it for an emergency, you can have it to stick it on your cap.

Thanks, Elizabeth.

-If y'all don't mind-- -Look what we brought you.

Caught it from the same lake where we were.

There's a trail of water from the door.

Sorry, Grandma, but we caught them for Hobie.

Well, alright, I'll cook them.

You can eat all you want, Hobie.

I just wanna be left alone.

Elizabeth, come on. Erin, out.

Thank you.

I'm worried about that boy eating so little.

Picks like a bird at whatever I give him.

-We should make him get up. -Don't rush him.

Maybe we're trying too hard to cheer him

and it's just making him feel worse.

Sounds like good sense, Grandma.

The problem isn't how we can help that boy...

but how we can help him help himself.

I've been kicking around with an idea.

What is it, John-Boy?

Well, how about a baseball game...

between us, the Walton's Mountain team,

and Jefferson County Boys' Home team?

That sounds like fun.

The important thing is that the manager of the visiting team...

-could be none other than-- -Hobie!

-Hobie Shank. -That's a real good idea.

Can I tell Hobie?

Not sure he'd be in a mood to hear that now.

Let's get it started first?

I can round up some guys for our team.

-I'm playing -Well, that's a good idea.

Well, I think Jason....

What?

Hobie's packing his bag. He's gonna leave.

Maybe we shouldn't have waited so long to tell him.

I think he guessed. That's why he's ducking out.

Where's Daddy?

He's delivering some wood over at the paper mill.

-Hobie still up in his room? -Yeah.

You figure with my daddy gone, you can just take off

without saying goodbye?

You're running away from that baseball game tomorrow, right?

You think I'll watch a bunch of orphans playing ball...

and all of a sudden I'm gonna feel better?

We were going to tell you tonight.

I heard Jim-Bob and Elizabeth talking.

Didn't take much to figure out what's going on.

-Tell me, where are you going? -Who cares?

Poor Hobie! Run into a little bad luck...

he's gonna spend his life sulking, and the devil.

You don't give me that guff about me owing somebody.

It's the truth.

Look, you run away all you want to.

You spend the your life running when something bad happens...

but you're not gonna hurt my father.

-What do you mean? -He cares about you.

He's been good, he's treated you decently...

and he's gonna be treated decently too.

You're not leaving without saying a proper goodbye to him.

Because he cares about you. A lot of people here do.

Alright, I'll do my duty to your daddy, but tomorrow morning...

I'm gonna shake off the dust of this mountain

so fast it'll make your head spin!

That's fine with me.

I didn't have any better luck with him than you did.

He's gonna hit the road if it kills him.

-It's 2 a glass. -I only have a penny.

Well, I guess you can't have any.

Well, our mama did make the lemonade.

Alright, half a glass for a penny.

Let's play ball.

Come on, Dad. Let's show them some Pepper, huh?

Alright.

Alright, now, team, let's get out there and play.

-Come on! -Alright.

I brought you here. Might as well take you away.

That's alright, Sheriff.

There's a law against hitchhiking.

So unless you want to walk to the county line

you'd best get in.

-Alright. -Come on.

Safe!

Alright, now. Take it easy. Settle down, fellas.

Just settle down. Take it easy.

Come on, Jason.

-What inning is it? -Top of the last inning.

Only one out. But we're ahead five to two.

Well, we might as well stay for the end.

Not me.

Suit yourself.

Come on, Jason, you can do it.

Strike!

Come on, Jason, make him eat that horsehide.

They can't hit his fast stuff, so now they're bunting.

-Give them the wrecker's ball. -Alright.

Come on, brother!

Strike! Double steal!

Hold up.

Hey, Hobie's back.

Okay, kids. We need three runs now. Back on the bench.

Let's keep this rally going, okay?

Come on, big boy, you can get a hold of one.

Alright, let's play ball!

-Come on, big boy! -Come on, Jason.

-Get a hold of one. -Right down the old pipe.

Strike!

He should have hit that.

Come on, Jason.

-Come on, brother. -Right down the tube!

-Get a hold of one. -Right down the old pipe.

-Strike three! You're out! -That's okay.

Now, if the orphanage hits another run home...

and they hit some more strikes...

then it's gonna be all tied up.

And when they do this...

that means something.

-Right across the plate. -Come on, big boy.

Two down, one to go.

One more. Come on, do it.

Strike!

That's a good swing, Half Pint. You'll give the next one a ride.

-Come on, big boy. -You got this one, Jason.

-Come on, Jason. -Show me your fast stuff.

Strike two!

That's okay, big boy. Watch out for him.

-Play the ball. -Watch out for him.

Keep your swing level. Come on, big boy.

Come on, big boy!

Take it home!

We won.

Got to play heads-up, Half Pint.

You ran right by my "hold up" sign.

-Don't run away. -Let me go.

You're just like I am. Bullheaded.

You got to get to that next base no matter what.

-We lost, and it was my fault. -The devil it is.

Why, you almost won it, Half Pint.

Why, you boys played one whale of a game.

I'm so proud of each and every one of you, I could almost bust.

And, by gum, next time we will win.

With a little more practice

and a lot better coaching at third base.

Let's show these folks we know how to lose.

Let's have a cheer for the Walton's Mountain team.

-Hip, hip-- -Hooray!

Last one on the bus is a rotten egg.

Miss Baker, those kids need a man to tell them what for.

I know, Hobie.

Then there's no sense in me beating around the bush then.

I need a job, ma'am. What do you say?

Looks to me like I just hired an athletic director.

First thing I'm gonna do is set up a training table, okay?

That's just fine.

Mrs. Walton, how about sending Miss Baker...

some of those mouthwatering recipes of yours?

As soon as I can copy it down.

I haven't congratulated the winning manager.

-You got some team there, -You got a team there, too.

You'll beat us next year.

Won't forget what you taught me.

And that includes you, John-Boy.

Well, I gotta get my bag.

-Bye-bye. -Bye, fellas.

-Good game. -You all take care!

-Bye, Hobie. -Good luck.

You help me, now.

It's late now in Virginia.

That ball field which once echoed

to the sounds of our games is quiet...

Except for the call of crickets...

and the ghost of the children we were.

For my brothers and sisters and I are all grown now...

and our children play other games

in places far from Walton's Mountain.

Still, there is something about the fall of night...

that turns our thoughts homeward.

Jason?

If you lose an ant one day, you reckon you find him the next?

If you tied a can to his tail, maybe.

You ought to study up on ants, Jim-Bob.

They're a regular curiosity.

What you boys had better study up on is getting some sleep.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Mama.

Goodnight, boys Goodnight, everybody.