Rice, Sam

by Rand Higbee

Sam Rice made a spectacular catch in the 1925 World Series. Or did he? Some insist that he actually dropped the ball and it should have been ruled a homerun. Years later, after Sam has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, a reporter tries to uncover the truth behind that controversial play.

Inquire About Rights
Recommend
Download
Save to Library

Rice, Sam

Recommended by

Greg Mandryk: Rice, Sam by Rand Higbee

“

I'm no sports fan, but Rand Higbee's love for the American pastime is infectious and flavors every single scene in this delightful short play. Also, the Amazing Bob is hilarious!

I'm no sports fan, but Rand Higbee's love for the American pastime is infectious and flavors every single scene in this delightful short play. Also, the Amazing Bob is hilarious!

”
Steven G. Martin: Rice, Sam by Rand Higbee

“

I love this play, this ode to lore, legend, and storytelling as seen through a famous play in World Series history. I love that Rand Higbee's focus is on point of view -- the "Rice, Sam" title referring to "Rashomon" as mentioned in previous recommendations -- rather than a definitive answer. Not everything needs to be understood or explained. "People want to know." "They do." "God knows why. It's only a game." And Higbee brings playfulness, a game to the stage in this short comedy. Wonderful.

I love this play, this ode to lore, legend, and storytelling as seen through a famous play in World Series history. I love that Rand Higbee's focus is on point of view -- the "Rice, Sam" title referring to "Rashomon" as mentioned in previous recommendations -- rather than a definitive answer. Not everything needs to be understood or explained. "People want to know." "They do." "God knows why. It's only a game." And Higbee brings playfulness, a game to the stage in this short comedy. Wonderful.

”
John Busser: Rice, Sam by Rand Higbee

“

06.18.26 - I missed this charmer at the Valdez Theatre Conference recently, but luckily, I caught a video of it while I read the script alongside it. Needless to say, this was quite a catch for the audience. Rand Higbee gives us a "Rashomon"-style series of interviews concerning an infamous World Series catch and whether it played out according to history. Details may differ, but not your enjoyment of this play. The characters and the playwright have hit a home run. Catch it if you can.

06.18.26 - I missed this charmer at the Valdez Theatre Conference recently, but luckily, I caught a video of it while I read the script alongside it. Needless to say, this was quite a catch for the audience. Rand Higbee gives us a "Rashomon"-style series of interviews concerning an infamous World Series catch and whether it played out according to history. Details may differ, but not your enjoyment of this play. The characters and the playwright have hit a home run. Catch it if you can.

”

View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

Dawn Mallard

A sorts reporter for the Washington Star newspaper.

Character Age

30

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Sam Rice

Former star outfielder for the Washington Senators who has just been elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Character Age

73

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

White

Character Gender Identity

Male
Taylor Kaufman

Now in his 50s, in his youth he worshipped the Washington Senators.

Character Age

53

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Mary Keller

Ahe attended in 1925 World Series despite the fact that she's never liked baseball.

Character Age

57

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
The Amazing Bob

Works as a psychic medium.

Character Age

42

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Little Theatre of Alexandria (Alexandria, Virginia), Year 2026

Awards

Second Place Winner in the 2025 One Act Contest

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (Alexandria, Virginia)

Runner Up

2025