1988
Annie Savoy, a baseball groupie and self-proclaimed "Church of Baseball" devotee, selects young, talented pitcher Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, nicknamed Nuke, as her lover and protégé for the season, much to the chagrin of veteran catcher Crash Davis, who is assigned to mentor Nuke on the Durham Bulls. Crash attempts to teach the wild Nuke control and maturity, both on and off the field, while Annie tries to refine Nuke's cosmic energy into pitching prowess, leading to a complex love triangle as Crash and Annie develop an undeniable attraction. Nuke's performance improves dramatically, leading to a winning streak for the Bulls, but his newfound success and Annie's influence cause him to become superstitious, refusing to sleep with Annie to maintain his pitching streak, which frustrates her and draws her closer to Crash. As Nuke gets called up to the major leagues, Crash is released from the Bulls, seemingly ending his career, but he returns to Annie, and they finally acknowledge their feelings for each other, choosing to build a life together.
Save the Cat beat sheet
BULL DURHAM follows veteran catcher Crash Davis as he mentors rookie pitcher Ebby “Nuke” LaLoosh under the guidance (and seduction) of baseball groupie Annie Savoy.
Open full beat sheetEbby Calvin LaLoosh is listed as Pitcher. Young, energetic, talented but naive, 'million dollar arm and a five cent head'. In the parsed data, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh is connected to 43 scenes, 79 dialogue lines, 79 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
43 scenes / 79 dialogue linesCrash Davis is listed as Catcher. 30, veteran minor leaguer, cynical, knowledgeable, loves baseball, mentor to Nuke. In the parsed data, Crash Davis is connected to 40 scenes, 63 dialogue lines, 66 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
40 scenes / 63 dialogue linesAnnie Savoy is listed as Baseball groupie and mentor. Mid 30's, pretty, confident, cosmic, Southern accent, believes in the Church of Baseball. In the parsed data, Annie Savoy is connected to 30 scenes, 71 dialogue lines, 72 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
30 scenes / 71 dialogue linesJoe Riggins is listed as Manager. 45, manager of the Durham Bulls, cynical, chews tobacco. In the parsed data, Joe Riggins is connected to 14 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
14 scenes / 20 dialogue linesDeke is listed as Player. 25, teammate. In the parsed data, Deke is connected to 12 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
12 scenes / 9 dialogue linesTony is listed as Player. Teammate. In the parsed data, Tony is connected to 11 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
11 scenes / 8 dialogue linesLarry Hockett is listed as Pitching Coach. Late 30's, ex-big leaguer, works with Skip. In the parsed data, Larry Hockett is connected to 10 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 44.
10 scenes / 4 dialogue linesMillie is listed as Groupie. 20, young woman, looks up to Annie. In the parsed data, Millie is connected to 10 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
10 scenes / 3 dialogue linesJimmy is listed as Player. 25, religious, prays in the locker room. In the parsed data, Jimmy is connected to 8 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 51.
8 scenes / 3 dialogue linesMickey McFee is listed as Player. 23, black, teammate, smoker. In the parsed data, Mickey McFee is connected to 7 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
7 scenes / 5 dialogue linesTeddy Cullinane is listed as Radio Announcer. 50, local radio announcer. In the parsed data, Teddy Cullinane is connected to 6 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
6 scenes / 8 dialogue linesJackson is listed as Errand runner. 11, black, Annie's friend and assistant. In the parsed data, Jackson is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.
5 scenes / 2 dialogue linesJose Galindo is listed as Player. Latin player, teammate. In the parsed data, Jose Galindo is connected to 4 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
4 scenes / 2 dialogue linesMax Patkin is listed as Baseball Clown. 60, comic performer. In the parsed data, Max Patkin is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 3.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesWhitey Sherrard is listed as Sportswriter. 40, local sportswriter. In the parsed data, Whitey Sherrard is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 6.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAnnie prepares for the evening, reflecting on her philosophy of baseball and her relationships with players.
Annie SavoyAnnie leaves her house to head to the ballpark.
Annie SavoyCrowds arrive at the stadium while Max Patkin performs.
Annie Savoy, Jackson, Max Patkin, MillieSkip and Larry look for Nuke before the game.
Joe Riggins, Larry Hockett, DekeSkip finds Nuke with Millie in the clubhouse.
Joe Riggins, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, MillieThe game begins and Nuke's first pitch hits the press box.
Teddy Cullinane, Whitey Sherrard, Ebby Calvin LaLooshCrash Davis arrives and is tasked with mentoring Nuke.
Joe Riggins, Larry Hockett, Crash DavisPlayers and groupies gather at the bar; Crash meets Annie.
Crash Davis, Annie Savoy, Max PatkinCrash and Ebby face off in a fight, but Annie intervenes and they end up going to her place.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Max Patkin, Millie, TonyCrash and Ebby have a confrontation where Crash teaches Ebby a lesson about thinking.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Millie, TonyAnnie, Crash, and Ebby leave the bar together.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Max Patkin, Millie, TonyAnnie sets ground rules for her relationship with the players; Crash leaves.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisAnnie and Ebby spend the night together.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshEbby arrives at the locker room; Crash gives him advice.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Jimmy, Deke, Mickey McFee, TonyCrash strikes out during a game.
Crash Davis, DekeAnnie and Crash meet at the batting cage.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, JacksonNuke calls his father from a pay phone while the team warms up.
Ebby Calvin LaLooshThe Mayor hosts a cash drop event for Little Leaguers.
Joe RigginsCrash and Larry coach Nuke while players interact in the bullpen.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Larry Hockett, Millie, Deke, Jose GalindoThe helicopter drops money and the kids scramble for it.
Crash mentors Nuke on the mound before the game starts.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisTeddy the announcer re-creates a baseball game for broadcast using sound effects and notes from his assistant.
Teddy CullinaneThe team bus travels through a small town.
The team arrives at a motel, exhausted.
Nuke hides red panties in his bag.
Ebby Calvin LaLooshNuke pitches during a game.
Ebby Calvin LaLooshTeddy broadcasts Nuke's poor performance.
Teddy CullinaneSkip removes Nuke from the game.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Joe RigginsAnnie and Millie listen to the game on the radio.
Annie Savoy, MillieNuke showers while listening to Teddy's critique.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Teddy CullinanePlayers discuss the Holiday on Ice skaters.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Deke, Mickey McFee, TonyCrash and others break into the stadium.
Crash DavisCrash turns on the sprinklers.
Crash DavisPlayers watch the field flood.
Crash DavisThe G.M. cancels the game due to the flooded field.
The team watches the ice skating show.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Deke, TonyPlayers prepare for the party.
Deke, Mickey McFeeNuke tries to convince Crash to join the party.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisThe party begins with the ice skaters.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Deke, Mickey McFee, TonyThe wives watch TV and discuss their husbands.
Annie SavoySkip interrupts the party.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Joe Riggins, Larry HockettNuke rounds up the players.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Jimmy, Jose Galindo, TonyNuke tells Crash about the meeting.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisSkip gives a speech to the team.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Joe Riggins, Larry Hockett, Mickey McFeeCrash and Nuke talk at Annie's house.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisNuke has a nightmare about pitching naked.
Ebby Calvin LaLooshCrash wakes Nuke from his nightmare.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisThe team arrives back in Durham.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshAnnie drives Nuke home.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshAnnie coaches Nuke on his pitching.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, JacksonThe team discusses theology and Nuke's panties.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Joe Riggins, Larry Hockett, Jimmy, DekeA gospel group sings at home plate.
Skip yells at the team for being noisy despite their losing streak, then pays tribute to Max Patkin.
Joe Riggins, Larry HockettAnnie sprinkles Max's ashes on the pitcher's mound while Jackson fills rosin bags.
Annie Savoy, JacksonNuke pitches a great game while wearing women's underwear.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Annie Savoy, Jackson, Joe Riggins, Larry HockettNuke and Crash discuss Nuke's pitching performance.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisCrash hits a home run.
Crash DavisTeddy comments on the game.
Teddy CullinaneCrash visits the mound to talk to Nuke.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisCelebration after the victory.
Nuke refuses to sleep with Annie to maintain his winning streak.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshAnnie sits alone, frustrated by the situation.
Annie SavoyThe team adopts religious rituals during their winning streak.
Jimmy, Jose GalindoCrash teaches Nuke how to handle interviews.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisAnnie tries to seduce Nuke, but he remains committed to his vow.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshAnnie visits Crash and expresses her frustration.
Annie Savoy, Crash DavisAnnie tells Crash about her history and why she loves baseball.
Annie Savoy, Crash DavisAnnie and Crash discuss baseball and life before Millie and Jimmy arrive to announce their engagement.
Annie Savoy, Crash Davis, Millie, JimmyNuke struggles on the mound while his father watches; a chaotic mound meeting ensues.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash Davis, Joe Riggins, Larry Hockett, Deke, Mickey McFeeAnnie and Millie work on a wedding dress while listening to the game on the radio.
Annie Savoy, MillieCrash gets into a heated argument with the umpire and is ejected from the game.
Crash DavisNuke and his father visit Annie; Nuke receives news he is being called up to the Big Leagues.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshNuke tracks down Crash at a brothel to tell him he is leaving.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisNuke and Crash share a final moment before Nuke leaves for the Big Leagues.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Crash DavisNuke says goodbye to Annie before leaving.
Annie Savoy, Ebby Calvin LaLooshNuke and Annie say goodbye before Nuke leaves for the Big Leagues; Nuke also says goodbye to his father.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh, Annie Savoy, Crash DavisMillie and Jimmy get married on the pitcher's mound.
Millie, Jimmy, Joe Riggins, Annie SavoyDurham wins a game in the ninth inning with a close play at the plate.
Jimmy, Crash DavisThe team celebrates the victory and Jimmy's wedding with a cake.
Jimmy, Tony, Deke, Crash DavisSkip informs Crash that he is being released.
Crash Davis, Joe Riggins, Larry HockettI was raised in a Baptist church got dipped in the water when I was 5 -- born again before kindergarten... by the time I was 10 I knew it was bullshit and at 15 I ran away from home... pregnant, had an abortion, got pregnant again, had an abortion again... gave up men. Tried women. Missed men. My mother died. I bought a car for $200 and drove to Ft. Lauderdale to bury her. And after we'd sung some hymns in some wretched Florida funeral home, I went outside and something happened -- The smell of cut grass in the warm March air overwhelmed me and I heard a noise -- tok, tok, tok -- and some men shouting... then tok, tok, tok.
I believe in a double standard for guys hitting .350. Look, men -- you got a choice. You wanta be roasting your nuts off for Midas Muffler welding exhaust pipes up the assholes of Cadillacs... or -- You wanta be sitting in the Caddy while some other guy's crawling around in a monkey suit with a blow torch? There's only two places you can be in life -- in the Caddy or under it. These are the best years of your lives. These are the glamor days. It don't got any better than this. But... if this club don't start winning soon, there's gonna be changes made!
And he's right! A ballplayer on a streak has to respect the streak. They don't happen very often. You know how hard this game is? If you believe you're playing well because you're getting laid or because you're not getting laid or because you wore red silk panties -- then you are! And I still think Thomas Pynchon is full of shit.
Hello? Dad? This is Ebby. Yeah, I know, I know -- you got the Durham papers yet? Well I been a little wild... These hitters down here are better than the ones in high school... How's Mom? Yeah? Well I am trying hard... I am bending my back... you're not coming down' here to visit just yet, are you? Can I talk to Mom?
It's time to tell it like it is, sports fans -- and this is the most wretched road trip I've seen in 20 years, and possibly the worst Durham team in half a century. Where are the great Bull players of yesteryear? Where are the Footsie Blakes, the Digger O'Dells, the Gus Palowitzes?
If you know where home plate is, then you know where 1st base is, and 2nd, and everything else -- 'cause they're always in the same place in relation to home. Don't you see? If you know where home plate is, then you know where everything else in the universe is!
Annie says her panties will keep one side of my brain occupied while I'm on the mound, thus keeping my brain slightly off center, which is where it should be for artists and pitchers. She also said I should throw whatever pitches you call for.
Look, guys -- I'm a man, I got needs too. I understand this party -- but... sex is the one thing you can get further behind in and catch up faster than anything I know. There's a baseball lesson in there somewhere. Where's Crash?
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