Week 16, Day 110 - "Throwing Chonos"

“Throwing Chonos”
Written by Joe Janes
(Based on characters created by Chris Novoa and Mike Stull)
5/8/09
110 of 365

CAST:
CHONOS, 20s
MILLIE, 60s
STU, 30s


(Lights up far stage left on radio sports talk host, Stu Federson. He sits alone in a booth wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone. Next to him is a small control board. Always within reach is a can of caffeine-free Diet Coke.)

STU

Welcome back to “In The Outfield” with Stu Federson. I’m Stu Federson. Today we’re talking about the Grady VanLehn, pitcher for the Chicago Blaze. This guy is on fire, just weeks away from breaking the no-hitter streak set nearly 20 years ago by Orel Hershiser. Let’s take your calls.

(Lights down on Stu and up on Chonos, in handmade denim cut-offs and a t-shirt, pacing back and forth in his living room. His mother, Millie, sits in a chair on the telephone.)

CHONOS

Well, Ma?

MILLIE

I’m on hold, dear.

CHONOS

Don’t forget what to say.

MILLIE (looking at a note)

I won’t forget. I have it right here. Oh, here I go.

(Lights come back up on Stu while staying on Millie and Chonos.)

STU

This is Stu Dog – woof - and you are in the outfield… Hello?... Millie from Waukegan? You there?

MILLIE

Oh. That’s me. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were talking to me.

STU

Well, I am. Talking right at cha. What’s on your mind?

(Chonos prompts Millie.)

MILLIE

Well, Stu. I am a long time listener and a first time caller.

STU

That’s wonderful, sweetheart.

MILLIE

And I am mad as… (To Chonos) I’m not going to say that… I’m as mad as hail… about Grady VanLehn.

STU

You mean because of his questionable past in the major leagues.

MILLIE

Yes… No…

STU

Which is it, dear?

MILLIE

Both. But what really burns my b-b-buns… is how he’s getting all this attention for breaking a record.

STU

Well, he hasn’t done it yet, but it’s pretty big news. And in press conferences, he’s gone out of his way to acknowledge his teammates, such as fielder Chonos.

MILLIE

Stanley Chonos?

STU

Yes. Stanley Chonos.

MILLIE

Well, that’s nice.

(Chonos non-verbally freaks out at his mom)

STU

Yes. I suppose it is nice.

MILLIE

Baseball’s so much nicer than football. Don’t you think, Stu? In football they do all that rough housing.

STU

Well, I like them both, but I have to admit a slight preference for baseball. Is there anything else I can do for you, today, Millie from Waukegan?

(Chonos prompts some more)

MILLIE

Oh, yes. Yes, there is. I’m still very angry, Stu. VanLehn is getting all this (looks at her notes and winces) movie star attention while his teammates, such as the taller more handsome Stanley Chonos, get pushed aside. I blame the liberal media. It’s all Grady, Grady, Grady. Why not interview someone like Stanley? As a fan of the Chicago Blaze, I would like to hear what he has to say. Don’t you care about him?

STU

Um, sure. I care about Chonos. He’s good in the outfield. He’s sloppy at bat. He couldn’t hit a beanbag chair with is ass, let alone a ball with a stick of wood.

MILLIE

He can too hit a beanbag chair with ass, oh, you’ve made me so upset.

STU

It’s okay. Calm down, Millie. I concede the beanbag point.

(Chonos tries to grab the phone.)

MILLIE (struggling with Chonos)

Listen, here, young man, you are nothing but a mean, mean man. Stanley Chonos is a good boy. He works very hard. And he loves his mother. -No, Stanley! I’m not done telling him what for!

STU

Um, ma’am? Mrs. Chonos? Could you put your son on?

MILLIE

Fine. But watch what you say. You’re not too old to have your mouth washed out with soap.

STU

You talking to me or Stanley?

MILLIE

Both!

CHONOS (takes phone)

Um, hi, Stu.

STU

Chonos, buddy! Your mom sounds like a staunch supporter. She also the president of your fan club?

CHONOS

Yes, but, look… I didn’t know she was going to be calling you. I just walked in.

STU

Moms can be sneaky that way.

CHONOS

No kidding. Well, hey, it was nice talking to you. Love the show-

STU

Chonos, you really have a problem with VanLehn being treated like a movie star?

CHONOS

I actually thought it was more like a rock star, but, yes. I do. You guys started off treating him like he had the plague and now you act like his, his – (looks at his mother)… doo-doo don’t stink and tastes like caviar to boot. Ain’t nobody scrambling to talk to the guys busting their buns to help him.

STU

You’re right, Chonos, You know what? I’d love to have you on the show.

CHONOS

Really?

STU

Yeah. Do a full hour. We’ll talk about whatever you want. Tomorrow night, okay?

CHONOS (giving his mom a thumbs up)

Yes!

STU

Just one catch.

CHONOS

What’s that?

STU

Bring your mom.

(Millie gives Chonos a thumbs up. Blackout)