THE STORY: THROWING SMOKE, deals with the tragicomic problems of a minor league baseball coach, Earl, whose team is so dispirited by the opposing pitcher (who is “throwing smoke” that day) that they have defected. In desperation Earl sends in his West German catcher, Ernie, to pitch, and details the third baseman, Buzz, to search the stands and parking lot for willing replacements. All is finally (and very comically) resolved, but to no avail; the game is canceled, and Earl and Buzz, left alone, light cigars while Earl regales Buzz (for the umpteenth time) with the story of how he once met Jesus in a bar in Panama.
