Silas is a sixth-grade boy and a talented baseball player for the Renegades. He loves making his teammates laugh by wearing his uniform upside down and backwards, and he is a devoted fan of the movie *The Sandlot*. Silas knows he is gay but has not yet shared this with his friends or family, causing him underlying anxiety as he manages middle school and his athletic life.

Zoey is Silas's smart and fiercely loyal best friend. She is heavily involved in her school's robotics club, spending much of her free time coding for a robot named "Destiny's Child." As the first person Silas trusts with his identity, she attempts to support him while balancing her own busy academic schedule.

Coach Webb is the head coach of the Renegades baseball team. He prioritizes good sportsmanship and team unity over simply winning games. Webb works to create a positive and inclusive environment for his players, frequently acting as a supportive mentor for Silas.

Erica is Silas's overworked mother who recently opened a coffee shop and performance space called Jump & Grind. The demands of running a new business leave her constantly busy and exhausted, creating a chaotic household dynamic despite her genuine care for her children.

Gil is Silas's father, an accountant whose demanding boss keeps him overworked and highly stressed. He frequently relies on a nickname ("Swade") that Silas dislikes, highlighting a slight disconnect between him and his son during the family's hectic daily logistics.

Haley is Silas's younger sister who is obsessed with gymnastics. She frequently practices her routines around the house, sometimes using her athletic skills to diffuse the tension when their parents argue.

Semaj is Silas's four-year-old sister who requires medication and occupational therapy for an unspecified disability. Her high energy and specific needs contribute to the Wade family's chaotic household environment.

Ms. Washington is an observant and theatrical middle school English Language Arts teacher. She directs high school theater shows and acts in local productions. She values historical truth and creates an encouraging classroom environment for her students.

Glenn Burke is a historical figure and former Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Famous for inventing the high five in 1977, he was also the first openly gay MLB player, making him a deeply personal role model for Silas.

Grace is Zoey's older sister who works as a costumer at a local theater. She is highly accommodating, regularly offering her room for Zoey's robotics work and lending Silas authentic costumes for a team prank.

Malik is a friendly and observant player on the Renegades baseball team. He frequently joins in on Silas's pre-game antics, and Silas harbors a secret crush on him.

Ben-Ben is a player for the Renegades who shares Silas's passion for the game. Outside of baseball, he participates in the same school robotics club as Zoey.

Theo is a young baseball player on the Renegades who occasionally uses thoughtless, derogatory language without understanding the impact it has on others.

Kareem is a member of the Renegades who follows along with the team's group dynamics, occasionally participating in teasing behavior alongside Theo.

Coach Noles is an assistant coach for the Renegades who frequently clashes with Coach Webb's leadership style. He believes in a more traditional, hands-off approach to coaching and pushes back against rules he views as needlessly political.

Brayden is Coach Noles's son and a player on the Renegades. His participation on the team is closely tied to his father's coaching status.

Kaila is an enthusiastic employee at Erica Wade's coffee shop. She admires her employer's dedication to creating an authentic, welcoming community space.

Nina is Coach Webb's wife. She attends community events with him, presenting a united and supportive front outside of his baseball coaching duties.

Dolores is Zoey and Grace's mother. She maintains a busy schedule but ensures her daughters have the space they need for their various projects and activities at home.