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Recap / Little House Onthe Prairie S 2 E 4 In The Big Inning

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Tropes present in this episode:

  • Accidental Athlete: Charles recruits Jebediah Mumford after seeing him trying to hit a chicken hawk with a rock, throwing so hard it puts a hole in the side of a barn. Jebediah helps Walnut Grove overcome poor sportsmanship and cheating by rival Sleepy Eye to win the game.
  • Baseball Episode: And as part of the bargain, viewers get a look at the early era of how America's pastime was played – a much different game than today.
  • The Bet: Why Jebediah Mumford's wife will not allow him to play – she is completely opposed to gambling, and has learned that townsfolk from both sides have wagered heavily on the outcome of the game.
  • Cheaters Never Prosper: The Sleepy Eye team gains only a temporary upper hand through their underhanded tactics.
  • Down to the Last Play: Charles scores the game-winning run for Walnut Grove with a bases-loaded, two out inside-the-park grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning … after the Sleepy Eye catcher drops the ball on the throw to home. Reverend Alden, who was serving as the home plate umpire, confirms to the arrogant catcher what happened.
  • Henpecked Husband: It's clear that once Jebediah's wife declares she won't allow him to play, there's nothing he can do unless she changes her mind (she does with a little help from Caroline).
  • Not So Above It All: When Margaret Mumford explains her disapproval of betting on the game, comparing it to gambling, Reverend Alden hesitates to agree and seems relieved when Caroline presents a loophole to make the bets acceptable, implying that he made a bet of his own.
  • Opposing Sports Team: The Sleepy Eye Green Stockings.
  • Running Gag: The players insisting on their own ideas for the Team name.
  • Throw the Dog a Bone: Nels is seen as the least skilled member and the Ingalls girls think the game is doomed when it's his time to bat in the final inning, but he's able to bat the ball at the third try and reach the base in time, marking a decisive point for the team.
  • Underdogs Never Lose: Sleepy Eye was the heavy favorite to beat Walnut Grove … and by a crushing margin at that.

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