Running the Bases follows the story of Coach Ben Thomas, a man who has spent his entire life in the small town of Millfield, where he has established himself as a successful baseball coach. Despite the limited resources at his disposal, his team has consistently performed well, thanks to his innovative and unconventional coaching methods, which stress teamwork, discipline, and hard work.
One day, Ben receives an offer that he cannot refuse - a chance to coach at a larger, more prestigious 6A high school, where he will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, better equipment, and a wider pool of talent. Excited about the opportunity to take his coaching to the next level, Ben uproots his family and moves to the new town.
However, his euphoria soon turns to disappointment when he realizes that the school superintendent, a man of rigid ideas and traditional values, is not happy with his methods. He feels that Ben's unconventional coaching style is undermining the values of discipline and obedience that he holds dear, and wants him to conform to the school's established methods.
Despite his protests and explanations, Ben finds himself facing increasing pressure from the superintendent, who threatens to fire him if he does not change his ways. In the face of this opposition, Ben must find ways to integrate his innovative methods into the school's system, while also standing up for his beliefs and values.
As the baseball season progresses, Ben's team faces mounting challenges on and off the field, and he must use all his skills and experience to guide them to the championship. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and the importance of sticking to one's principles, even in the face of adversity.