You know, it's funny. I imagine that most of the people who watch this movie may not like it. It's not humorous, in fact it's quite sad. The only redeeming value that it should bring is that if you are really good at something it's important to realize that there are always going to be times when you just aren't allowed to be yourself.
That's what Bill "Spaceman" Lee found out after pushing the limit one too many times. He was a good pitcher and I grew up in Boston and watched him often, while he was in the prime of his career. He has a great mind for this great game and yet he allowed his inner demons to take that away, albeit is was towards the end of a decent career. There are a lot of people who play this game and to get to the Pro level is not an easy thing to do, never mind win almost 120 games. He did that and I will say that he did it with style.
That style is also what ended his career in the Professional level. Was he the worst of the offenders at that time, probably not, but he certainly was one of the most outspoken about it.
Josh Duhamel did, what appears to be a fairly decent representation of the character that Bill Lee was and still is today. A man with an abundance of talent who really didn't like being told what to do or when to do it. It's not hard to figure out that at some point that will get you more than a slap on the wrist.
With all of that said, if you like baseball and ever felt as if your life would end if you couldn't play anymore then it's possible you will enjoy film for what it is. It's just a story. A story of a guy who never wanted to do anything but play baseball. Inside the lines he followed the rules, outside the lines had a negative impact on his later years, as a Pro.
Give it a shot. The acting is fine and the sadness is real. It's not a long time commitment, so I suggest checking it out. I liked it enough to write this review and although I still see Mr. Lee, once in a while in and around Boston, he has the same smile, he's always talking the game and he does hold one pretty impressive record you will see in the credits at the end of the movie.
I love baseball and I wish I could be a kid all over again, whenever I watch it live or get to see it in a film.
Just my thoughts!
