Ever since Hopper (Johnny Simmons) was a child, he has dreamed of becoming a major-league pitcher. Relentlessly pushed and punished by his abusive father (Ethan Hawke), he's on the verge of becoming one of the game's most promising players when he unexpectedly breaks down on the mound. Now Hopper's only hope for a future lies with an unorthodox sports therapist (Paul Giamatti) who urges him to piece together the past and confront the man who is both bully and family.