Local stage veterans Matt Merrell (right) and Alan Martin have lead roles in the Davidson Community Players‘ production of “Rounding Third,” which runs March 8 to 11 in the 900 Room of the Davidson College student union.

“Rounding Third,” by Richard Dresser, kicks off the Davidson Community Players’ Rupert T. Barber Jr. Season of Theatre 2007, which is named in honor of the longtime local actor, director and producer.

Mark Sutch, a visiting assistant professor of theatre at Davidson College , directs the play, which follows the tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season — from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game.

Don, played by Mr. Merrell, is the rough, blue-collar, win-at-all-costs veteran coach whose son is the star pitcher. Michael, played by Mr. Martin, is a newcomer both to town and to baseball. A corporate executive, Michael agrees to be Don’s assistant because he wants to share an activity with his son, who has never played baseball.

“Out of their conflicting philosophies, the real issues of the play emerge. How should we raise our children? Should we prepare them to be tough enough to win? What does it mean to be an American man?” Mr. Sutch explained.

By the end of the play, Don’s personal life is in shambles, forcing him to see his son and the team differently, and Michael must confront an unfamiliar but powerful sensation: He really wants to win.

Mr. Merrell and Mr. Martin last appeared together in Davidson Community Players’ “Art” in 2004. Mr. Merrell recently appeared in “Noises Off” at Piedmont Players Theatre. And Mr. Martin had the lone male role in “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” produced by Charlotte’s Barebones Theatre Group.

Performances of “Rounding Third” are March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $17 and $15 for students and senior citizens. The play contains some mature language. For reservations call 704-892-7918.

The Davidson Community Players is a non-profit organization established in 1965 to produce theatre that entertains, enriches and encourages community participation in the dramatic arts. Davidson Community Players 2007 season sponsor is The McIntosh Law Firm.

DETAILS

Davidson Community Players Website, http://www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org