Andrew Jackson Fielder wants to pitch in the major leagues. It should seem a distant dream to a kid in Smackover, Arkansas, in 1939. But for Jackson, it comes true, partly due to the afternoons he and his brother spend practicing pitches in a pipe yard down in the south Arkansas oilpatch.
As the goalie for the girls hockey team, Annie Rogers keen eyesight is crucial to snagging a speeding slap shot out of the air. On a visit to the eye doctor, she learns that she needs prescription glasses, and her confidence is shattered. But she then she receives a gift from Sal's Used Sporting Goods, a helmet once worn by Canadian double-gold medalist goalie Shannon Szabados. Will it help Annie see things differently?
Ben Mason has always been the star player on East Grover Lake boys basketball team. But when a new transfer student takes away the spotlight, Ben is frustrated with his role on the team. After a visit from Sal, owner of Sals Used Sporting Goods, he learns about John Stockton, the NBAs all-time assist leader. Will Ben learn the true meaning of leadership?
On a class ski trip, Gabe Santiago learns that he is a natural on the slopes. When Eliza, a girl he has a crush on, asks Gabe to join the Grover Lake ski team with her, he quickly says yes. One problem: he has never skied slalom before. Then Sal, owner of Sals Used Sporting Goods, hands him a pair of goggles once worn by Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller. Will they prove to be Gabe's lucky charm?
Logan Parrish has a great fastball. Unfortunately, its the only pitch in his arsenal, and hitters are starting to figure him out. After a devastating loss, Logan visits Sals Used Sporting Goods, and its friendly owner introduces him to an ex-minor league pitcher who might be able to teach Logan a few tricks. But will they be enough to help Logan in the big game?
Jim, Mickey and Lisa belong to a secret club called the Sewer Rats. Every Saturday the Sewer Rats reign supreme in paintball wars held in the city's storm drain system. The new kid, Carter, wants to join, but Lisa doesn't want him in the club. When Carter is hurt in his first paintball war, Jim and Mickey suspect that Lisa planned the accident. They try to confront her, but she runs into the tunnels just as a rainstorm begins. Jim and Mickey have to get Lisa out before the tunnels fill with water.
Dorf is all about skateboarding and so far that's worked out fine. But now that he's in a new city, the terrain has changed. He's no longer free to skateboard where he wishes, school is more difficult, and his passion for skateboarding garners him the nickname and reputation of a freak. With daring stunts he gains the grudging respect of local troublemakers, but he needs to tap into another kind of courage to effect real change.
