Media and Others
The Media
Steve Guttman – New York Independent reporter, the best in New York
Julianne Ireland – Brow-beaten beat reporter still battling every day to be respected, even though she’s a woman
Japanese Paparazzi – The worst of the Japanese media who stalk Kai and his family and go too far.
NY Beat Reporters - A little wary of their Japanese counterparts, a little too competitive.
Warner Mayberry – A gay, in-the-closet reporter who must employ a male gynecologist mindset when interviewing naked players. Has a sense that Elliott is also gay. Spent a year covering the Iraq war, which shields him from potential rumors.
Others
Thurman Gaye – Lyman’s estranged father; homeless, destitute and living in a squatters camp in Florida. A former pitcher who had two great seasons in the mid-1970s but ran into problems with debts, a bad marriage and the wrong group of people.
Anthony DiMaeo – Owner Joan Delaney’s husband; target of the IRS for tax evasion.
Ronald Vanderman - Rival New York team owner who battles Joan for headlines, players, a new stadium and the mayor’s affections.
Ed Greene – The New York City mayor, running for a second term
Ron Miller – Veteran umpire and head of the Umpire’s Union.
Howard Phillips – Old school union head; willing to strike in order to get the right agreement.
Connie Breckman – New neighbor now living three doors down from the Scott family, Connie feels a special kinship with Vanessa since her husband’s a doctor and works crazy hours - just like Jimmy! Thus, the BFF stalking begins.
Dr. Henry Cohegans – Team psychologist who counsels Jimmy occasionally. Has Jimmy sign a non-disclosure agreement so the doctor’s comments and counsel are not posted in Jimmy’s blog. This doesn’t stop Jimmy from posting his side of the story…
Retired Players – Some old school, some only out of the game for a short time, but all a contrast to the new generation ballplayer who’s never been on strike, never had to worry about making ends meet. A collective voice that grows louder with disenchantment as they find out pension and health benefits may be cut.
Jonathan McClaren - Jimmy’s next door neighbor, arrogant Wall Street guy, noveau rich (like many on Jimmy’s ballclub). Made more money than Jimmy last year, so not at all intimidated by Jimmy’s wealth or celebrity.
The Groupies – Obsessed with meeting the players, getting pictures, obtaining gossip, and forming relationships. Not just pretty faces and screwed up minds.
· Reflections of today’s society and its urge to court and be a part of the celebrity culture
· Clever with how they meet the players
· Appear in many places – through snail mail, email, hotel lobbies, front row seats
Alex Smith - Kai’s Translator, an American of Japanese descent who comes to enjoy the trappings of his newfound attachment to fame a little too much
The LaCoste Family – After a horrible natural disaster, the Jimmy and Vanessa Scott “adopted” a family and moved them up to New Jersey. Unfortunately, Ray LaCoste, head of the household, is an alcoholic, abusive husband and perennially indebted man who won’t let his name or picture appear in papers because he’s afraid his first wife will find him and force him to pay the child support he owes.
Daniel Saltibucco, Jr. – Small business owner (auto salvage) being pushed aside by New York City in order to build a “quality neighborhood” around the Veterans’ new stadium.
Obsessive Fans – Four intense, demented and passionate fans who take sabbaticals from their jobs to attend every game at home and on the road for the full season. One handicapped and they all take advantage by getting better seats and access.
Nicole Verdetta – Jon Benson’s mistress throughout his three marriages. Comes out publicly during the season, poses for Playboy, tells the world Jon owes her money.
