When Little League pitcher Rod Bixby accidentally breaks an opposing hitter's arm at the age of eleven, he develops a fear of hitting batters that marks the end of a promising pitching career. Instead, he becomes a successful writer and marries an exceptionally wealthy woman.

Soon after their son Marshall is born, Rod's wife abandons the marriage-forcing Rod into the role of single parent. When Marshall shows early interest in baseball, an ecstatic Rod slips easily into the role of mentor. Rod becomes the batting practice pitcher for all of Marshall's teams-from Little League to college-but Marshall's promising career is derailed at Stanford after a series of personal and academic problems. After each experiences a personal epiphany, Marshall's desire to play baseball returns, and Rod's fear of hitting batters vanishes. Soon, he is dominating Stanford's hitters-some of the best in the country.

Years of hard work and training finally come to fruition when Marshall and Rod are scouted and both are offered contracts to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dreams become reality as father and son take the field when the Dodgers compete in the World Series.