[Scene opens with a zoomed in shot of the Million Dollar Belt, as it pans out we see the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, sitting back in a luxurious leather chair, arms crossed, a smug smile on his face. The lights are dim, creating a tense atmosphere. Engel Velazquez, a young shortstop, sits across from him, still in his Cincinnati Redlegs jersey, a nervous excitement about him.]
Ted DiBiase: [Leaning forward, his smile almost too wide, a tone dripping with sarcasm] Well, well, well. Look who we have here, folks. Engel Velazquez—the 21-year-old kid who just signed a $30 million contract with the Cincinnati Redlegs. You must be feeling pretty good about yourself, huh?
Engel Velazquez: [Grins nervously] Uh, yeah... it’s incredible. It’s been a dream come true.
Ted DiBiase: [Interrupts, leaning in, eyes narrowing] A dream come true? [Laughs with mock disbelief] You know, I’m trying to figure this out. A 19-year-old kid who hasn’t earned a thing yet—$30 million just handed to him. [Pauses, scoffing] I’ve worked my entire life for every cent I’ve made. I had to step into that ring, sweat, bleed, and work harder than anyone. And here you are, what? Just tossing money around like it’s nothing?
Engel Velazquez: [Pauses, trying to stay calm] I mean, I’ve worked my whole life for this. Playing baseball wasn’t easy, and I’ve given everything to get here.
Ted DiBiase: [Laughs bitterly] Oh, sure, sure. You’ve worked so hard... yet here you are, a millionaire just like that. Must be nice to skip the struggle. But, I guess that’s how it is today, right? No sweat, no struggle. Just a quick check and you’re set for life. [Shakes his head, a look of disdain on his face]
Engel Velazquez: [Takes a breath, trying to hold his ground] It’s not about just the money, Mr. DiBiase. It’s about proving myself, and the opportunity I’ve been given. I don’t take it lightly.
Ted DiBiase: [Leans back, chuckling darkly] Prove yourself, huh? [Raises an eyebrow] You know, I’ve always believed in earning respect—and I don't mean with a fat paycheck. You’ve got a lot to prove before you can say you’ve earned that kind of money. But let me tell you something, Engel. In my world, the Million Dollar Man doesn’t just get handed anything. I earned every single cent of mine—through grit, sweat, and earning my place at the top. Not playing a kid’s game and throwing around cash like you’re already a legend.
Engel Velazquez: [A bit defensive, but still respectful] I get that. I know I have a lot to prove, but I’ve worked hard to get here. It’s not just about the money for me—this is about representing my family, my country... it’s about legacy.
Ted DiBiase: [Snorts] Legacy? Kid, you’ll understand that soon enough. But here’s the thing—you’ve got $30 million right now, but how long is that going to last if you don’t earn the respect, don’t put in the real work, huh? You’re not going to buy your way into greatness. You’ve got to earn it. Every. Single. Day. I’ve had to fight for everything I’ve got. No one just hands you a title, and no one just hands you respect. You’ve got to make people believe you’re worth every penny, not just flash it around like it’s some kind of gimmick.
Engel Velazquez: [Nods, now a bit more determined] I get it. I know I have to work harder. I’m ready for it.
Ted DiBiase: [Leans back, eyes narrowing with a smile that’s part challenge, part mockery] You better be, kid. Because right now, you’re just a millionaire who hasn’t earned a thing in this game. But here’s the thing: it’s not too late to change that. But that starts with earning everything you’ve got, not just being handed a paycheck.
So, when you’re out there on that field, you better be ready to prove you’re more than just some kid with a fancy contract. You better prove you can carry that money and more. It’s all about what you can do when the lights are brightest, the pressure is on, and that’s when the real million-dollar men shine.
Engel Velazquez: [Looks down, then looks up, now with more confidence] I’ll show you, Mr. DiBiase. I’ll show you and everyone that I’m worth every penny.
Ted DiBiase: [Grins, his voice dripping with condescension] Well, kid, you’ve got a long way to go before you can prove that. But hey, here’s hoping you get there. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though. [Leans back in his chair, almost dismissively]
[The camera zooms out, leaving the Million Dollar Man with his usual smug expression as Engel sits there, more determined than ever. The scene cuts to black as the tension lingers.]
