Friday, August 7, 1987
Hill Valley, California
3:10 p.m.
ONCE upon a time, both American and National Leagues were on the East coast. But there were a plethora of minor league teams around America. One team was called the Hill Valley Pine Trees in the old California League. Then, came television. Watching baseball in air-conditioned homes instead of sweating out in minor league ballparks, many of these leagues went under. Teams vanished, among them the Pine Needles.
Then during the ‘50s major league franchises started shifting starting with the Boston Braves moving to Milwaukee. In 1958 the the Giants left New York for San Francisco and the Dodgers left Brooklyn for Los Angeles making the national pasttime really national. The Giants spent two years in tiny Seals Stadium, a minor league ballpark before moving into Candlestick Park. The Dodgers spent four years in the humongous Los Angeles Coloseum before moving into Chavez Ravine.
One day, Marty and the Pinheads recieved an invitation to perform a pregame concert at Candlestick Park. before a ballgame. It was almost two years since Jennifer went back in time to meet her parents in the 1966 version of the ballpark. Hopefully, this time when she attends, she would be wearing something warmer.
It was the day before the concert, but Doc was in his lab at Dr. E. Brown Enterprises. He was devising a serum to improve the human armstrength. Nearby, was Doc’s monkey Shemp. Doc poured out a glass and gave it to the chimpanzee saying “Here Shemp, drink this.” The monkey did. Doc’s assistant, Randy came in as the chimp did. Doc turned to him saying “Randy, watch this.” Doc handed Shemp a baseball. Picking up a catcher’s mitt, Doc went to a part of the lab that had a built-in baseball diamond. Shemp stood in a circle resembling a pitcher’s mound. Activating the speed gun Doc crouched down behind the plate and singled for a fastball. Shemp went into a wind-up and threw. The pitch had Doc pinned to the backstop. Looking at the speed indicator, Doc exclaimed “Look. 121 miles per hour. My serum worked.” Randy stood there awstruck. Then, he said “That’s great, Dr. Brown. Is it safe?” “Randy.” said Doc, “If it wasn’t safe, I wouldn’t let Shemp drink it.” Then, the phone rang. Randy answered it. Then, turning to Doc, he said “Dr. Brown. It’s for you.” Doc took the receiver from him and talked into it. It was Marty’s voice. “Hey Doc.” said Marty, “It’s me. Marty.” “Marty. “ said Doc, “What’s up.” “Hey Doc.” said Marty, “Aren’t you coming to my performance tonight?” Doc looked up at the clock. “Great Scott.” he said, “It’s tonight. Where are you now, Marty?” “At a gas station in Vacaville.” said Marty’s voice, “Are you sure you’re gonna make it? ” “Don’t worry about me.” said Doc, “I’ll stop work now and go get Clara and the boys.” “Okay, Doc.” said Marty’s voice, “I’ll see you there.” At that, both phones hung up. Turning to his assistant, he said “Randy, take the rest of the day off.” “Alright, Dr. Brown.” said Randy as he went over to pick up the serum jar, “Do you want me to put this in the refrigerator?” “I’ll handle that.” said Doc, “Just go on home.” Handing the jar to Doc, Randy asked “Dr. Brown. What is in that refrigerator?” “That’s not your concern.” said Doc, “Good night.” At that, Randy left.
Looking at the time, Doc decided to take the jar with him. Turning to Shemp, Doc said “Shemp you’re in charge. You know how to push the emergency pager in case there’s an emergency.” Shemp laughed and bobbed his head up and down. “Alright.” said Doc, “Good night.” At that, Doc left.
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Doc barely made it to his home at 2015 Elmdale Dr. when Clara and the kids came out. His first question was “Has Einstein been fed yet.?” “Yes.” said Clara, “He has.” “Com’on, dad.” said Jules, “Let’s go.” At that, Doc pulled away and started the long journey to San Francisco.
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Marty, his family and Jennifer arrived at Candlestick Park around 4:45 p.m. and entered the park. At that time, the pitchers were taking batting practice. As far as Marty’s family was concerned, this was the first time that those two were in the ball park. However, little did they know that both of them were in this place before, in 1966. But the only thing noticeable to the couple was and upper deck behind the outfield enclosing the stadium. (In 1966 the ballpark was opened end with now upper deck behind the outfield.) Lorraine noticed this and asked “Marty, what are you and Jennifer looking at?” Marty and Jennifer looked at each other before Marty said “Section 62.” “Section 62?” exclaimed Lorraine. “Yeah.” said Marty, “Patty Hearst’s hiding place during the 1970’s.” Lorraine looked at that section, then back so Marty saying “Oh.” There was no more conversation on the subject.
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The rest of the Pinheads arrived and were invited into the Giants’ clubhouse. Jennifer was also permitted to come along. The band and Jennifer were introduced to the players. There was first baseman Will Clark, outfielders Chili Davis, Dan Gladden, shortstop Jose Uribe, pitchers Jim Gott and Scott Garrelts, and the newest Giant, third baseman Kevin Mitchell. When Jennifer was introduced to the Manager Roger Craig, he asked “Are you related to Salty Parker?” “No.” said Jennifer, “But my grandfather once played for the Hill Valley Pine Trees.” “I see.” said Craig.
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Doc and his family finally arrived at the ballpark. Not wanting to let the serum fall into the wrong hands, Doc picked it up and pocketed it in his overcoat. Managing to sneak it past the security at the gate, Doc and his family got in. In the stands they found Marty’s family. But Marty wasn’t there. Neith was Jennifer. “Where’s Marty and Jennifer?” he asked. “They and the Pinheads were invited into the clubhouse.” said Lorraine. “Which way?” asked Doc. “That way.” pointed Lorraine. “Clara.” said Doc, “You stay here with the boys. I’ll go say to Marty.” At that, Doc went to the clubhouse.
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Marty was by himself sipping a Diet Pepsi when a noise was heard. “I’m sorry sir.” said a guard, “Ball players and invited guests only.” Putting down the Pepsi, Marty went to see what was going on. It was Doc being barred by a security guard. “That’s alright.” said Marty, “That’s my Doc-I mean-my friend, Dr. Emmett L. Brown.” “The Doctor Emmett Brown.” asked the guard looking at Doc. “Precisely.” said Doc. “Let him through.” insisted Marty. The guard did. After the guard left, Doc produced a jar of something. “Marty.” he said, “I’ve just made a scientific breakthrough.” “What is it?” asked Marty. “It’s a new formula to improve the human armstrength.” He opened the jar and put it down next to the Pepsi. Then, a voice was heard. It was Will Clark. “Hey Marty.” he said, “How about throwing me a few sliders?” “Be right with you.” said Marty. Thinking that he was picking up the Pepsi, Marty accidentally picked up the jar and drank it. But it tasted like a Pepsi so Marty didn’t noticed a thing. Unknowingly, he took it along with him leaving Doc behind. On his throught the tunnel to the field, Marty began to feel strange.
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In the clubhouse, Doc was looking for the serum when he discovered Marty’s Pepsi can. “Great Scott.” exclaimed Doc. He ran out through the tunnel, and saw Marty holding the jar in his hand.
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Feeling strange, Marty examined the jar. I thought I was drinking a Diet Pepsi out of a soda can. he said to himself. Standing on the mound, he saw Will Clark standing at the plate. “Com’on, McFly.” said Will, “Throw me something.” Marty reared back and threw. Clark swung and missed. “Wow.” he said, “Where did you pitch like that?” “I don’t know.” said Marty who was suddenly startled, “I never pitched in my life.” Marty threw another curve. Clark swung and missed at that too.
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Doc reached the field when he saw Marty on the mound pitching to one of the Giants. He started after him only to be restrained by a security guard. “Sorry sir.” said the guard, “Unauthorized entry onto the field is prohibited.” “I”ve got to get to Marty.” insisted Doc. “Sir.” said the guard, “You can’t go onto the field. You must go back to the stand or be removed from the park.” Marty turned to see him and said “Hey Doc. What is it?” The guard to Marty saying “You know this man?” “Yeah.” said Marty, “That’s Doc Brown.” Doc waved the soda can that Marty left behind saying “Marty. The serum. Do you have it?” Marty looked at the can in Doc’s hand and was aghast. Coming off the mound he said “Oh shit.” Look at the jar, Marty said “I must’ve been drinking this stuff all along. Is it harmful?” “No, it’s safe.” said Doc, “But your armstrength has cause the velocity on your fastball to increase.” “Far out.” said Marty. “Marty.” said Doc, “You’re a musician. Not an athlete. God knows what effect that serum of mine.” Doc and Marty both looked at the guard who was evesdropping on the coversation and Doc said “Excuse us a minute.” Turning to Marty, he whispered “Where’s your guitar?” “In the clubhouse.” said Marty, “I was performing a number for the players before they went out for their pregame practice.” “We’d better check out what effect it’s got on your playing.” said Doc. At that, Marty turned to Will Clark saying “I’ve gotta go.” “Alright, Marty.” said Will, “Break a leg tonight.” “Will do.” said Marty. After words, the two went into the clubhouse.
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In the clubhouse, Marty picked up his guitar and played a note. But increase in his armstrength was so great, it cut all the strings in half. “Whoa.” exclaimed Marty, “Rock and roll?” Doc took the guitar from Marty and examined it. “Great Scott.” he said, “This is more than I feared. Not only had the serum increase the velocity in your pitching but made your arm so strong, it could break anything in just a light slash!” “Doc.” asked Marty, “How long before it wears off?” “I haven’t figured that yet.” said Doc, “We’ll have to get back to my lab to find out.” “Doc.” said Marty, “I have to perform in a half an hour. How are we going to get back to Hill Valley in less time than that?” “I’ve got a way.” said Doc as he reached into his coat pocket and produced what looked like the remote to the DeLorean, “Just take my arm and hold on.” Marty did. Doc pushed a few buttons and a blue flash of light surrounded them.