* Holling's fascination with baseball deepens: Meeting these professional baseball players, especially Joe Pepitone who becomes a mentor figure, fuels Holling's passion for the sport. He starts playing more baseball, learning about the game, and idolizing Pepitone.
* He learns about life beyond his small town: This encounter exposes Holling to a wider world and different lifestyles, making him more aware of the possibilities beyond his sheltered environment.
* He gains confidence and self-belief: Pepitone's encouragement and belief in Holling's abilities help him gain confidence and believe in himself, even when facing challenges in his own life.
* His relationship with his father strengthens: The shared love of baseball creates a bond between Holling and his father, even though their personalities clash. This bond is further strengthened by the fact that his father is a baseball coach.
* He experiences a sense of belonging: Feeling accepted and valued by Pepitone and Clarke gives Holling a sense of belonging and community, especially when he's struggling with isolation at school.
Meeting these baseball stars marks a turning point in Holling's life. It helps him discover his passions, build confidence, and find connections that shape his character and outlook.