Overview

Synopsis

The Sweetest Swing in Baseball by Rebecca Gilman follows the story of Dana Fielding, a successful but troubled artist who suffers a breakdown after a scathing review of her latest gallery show. Admitted to a psychiatric hospital, Dana fears losing her health insurance and livelihood. In a desperate attempt to extend her stay, she pretends to have dissociative identity disorder and claims to be the troubled but talented baseball player Darryl Strawberry. Her impersonation unexpectedly gives her the psychological distance she needs to confront her anxieties about failure, identity, and the pressure of success in the art world.

As Dana continues her ruse, she begins to explore the parallels between her life and Strawberry’s—both burdened by public scrutiny, expectations, and personal demons. Through interactions with fellow patients and the development of her new artistic voice, Dana slowly regains a sense of purpose and control. The play balances humor and emotional depth as it examines the thin line between sanity and survival in a competitive, image-obsessed culture. Ultimately, it’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and the unexpected ways people find healing.

Show Information

Book
Rebecca Gilman
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Dana Fielding

Lead

Female

Spoken

Roy

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Gary

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Rhonda

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Dr. Gilbert

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Brian

Featured

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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