Brad Lord, the head football coach at Howard Middle School, took it in stride when he didn’t land one of the extra parts for a baseball drama starring Clint Eastwood.

“I got cut on the first station -- throwing,” the 29-year-old Lord said with a laugh.

Lord was among nearly 300 people who lined up for tryouts Saturday morning at historic Luther Williams Field in Macon. City officials have confirmed that Eastwood’s production company is in the process of finalizing a deal to shoot some scenes for the movie at the baseball stadium built in 1929.

Casting crew members were looking for a “certain look” as well as skilled baseball players who could perform at “a high level,” Lord said.

The stations ranged from throwing to infield to running a 60-yard dash.

College students Joe Fisher, 19, and Blake Mahoney, 19, both of Macon, were each disappointed that they didn’t make the cut but were glad for the experience.

“Regardless, it’s pretty cool,” said Fisher, a pre-law major at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton.

Retiree Ephariam C. Peek, 64, of Macon, peered through a chain-link fence to watch the tryouts. He said he’s been a Clint Eastwood fan since the 1959-1966 television western “Rawhide.”

“It’s an exciting time for Macon,” said Peek, who may seek another extra slot. “It puts us on the map.”

Daniel Livingston, 29, of Macon, was late coming from work but made it in time to try out.

“You have a little dream in mind,” Livingston said of desiring ‘10 minutes of fame’ but not making the cut. “But if you don’t make it, you’re not offended.”

Those trying out were told the casting crew was putting together a Class A Minor League Baseball team, with players between the ages of 18 and 30, said Livingston, a construction project manager.

He said he threw ball with a very strong player.

“These are good ballplayers,” said Livingston of those who were still on the field working with casting crew members.

He said the crew was looking for talented players in order convey the game.

Livingston said he hopes to land another extra slot in the film.

“The game is still on,” he said with enthusiasm.

According to the Internet Movie Database website, “Trouble with the Curve” will feature Eastwood as an ailing baseball scout who goes on one last road trip with his daughter to check on a top prospect.

Other actors who have roles in the movie include Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard, John Goodman and Eastwood’s son, Scott Eastwood. The movie is scheduled for a September release, according to the website.

Information from Telegraph archives was used in this report. To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559.