The story begins in the Chesterfield Orphanage in Los Angeles, where Calvin Cambridge, a smart and resilient boy who loves basketball, faces challenges from bullies. When a boy named Ox challenges him for his jersey, Calvin refuses to back down, despite warnings from his friends Murf and Reg that he will likely lose. Unfortunately, they are right, and Calvin loses the jersey to Ox, who spitefully damages it. Annoyed but hopeful, Calvin mentions that he will have new jerseys once he gets adopted by a loving family, expressing his desire for a supportive family like those seen on TV. Just as he shares his dream, the television is abruptly turned off by Stan Bidlan, hinting at further complications in Calvin's journey.