Rode' Parker

Ellen Parker gives birth to her son, Rode' (pronounced Rodee) at a time when she and her boyfriend have moved to Charlotte, NC. An alcoholic and drug addict, Olsen Parker beats his common-law wife into submission at every opportunity. However, when he begins beating their son, Rode', Ellen decides she has enough.
She and Rode' move away and after living from the proceeds of prostitution for a while, Ellen finally finds a stable job and a home where she raises Rode' as best she can since the child was born with cerebral disorder. In their new-found lives Ellen meets Josh Balton, who soon plays an important role in her life.
Growing up was far from easy for Rode' but his determination paved the way for him to develop a mind for his school studies as well as a love for baseball.
He then meets an old man in the park where he throws his baseball occasionally. This man, Cecil McNeal soon becomes a mentor and a friend for Rode'. Yet, the teenager has a long road ahead of him before he could conquer his erratic behavior or attain his goal in life. Whether he makes his dream come true remains to be seen.