Eastbound and Down tells the story of washout major league baseball pitcher, Kenny Powers. After years of jerkassery towards the media and professional sports, Kenny finds himself back home in North Carolina, living with his brother's family with a sad look on his face and an even sadder pitch. He gets a job at his alma mater, Jefferson Davis Middle School, as a substitute gym teacher, working with spastic principal Terrence Cutler, obsessive music teacher Stevie Janowski, and art teacher (plus teenage-flame) April Buchanon. Kenny is willing to do whatever it takes to get back on top; whether it be the Majors or April. He aspires for both.