The Rookie (2002)

Release date: 2002-03-29
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: John Lee Hancock
Production Co: 98 MPH Productions, Gran Via, Walt Disney Pictures
Genre: Drama, Family
Rating: 6.9/10
Length: 2h 7min

Storyline

Jim Morris is a Texas high school chemistry teacher and coach of the school's baseball team. He's always loved baseball and as a way of motivating his players, he agrees to go to a professional try-out if they win the championship. He once had aspirations to be a professional baseball player but an injury brought that to an end. Sure enough, the 39 year-old father of three finds himself at a camp for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and he somehow seems to have regained his pitching arm, easily throwing a 98 mph fastball. Signed to a contract, he toils in the minor leagues while his supportive wife stays home raising their children. He soon finds himself called up to the big club and pitching for Tampa which is in Texas playing the Rangers. Based on a true story.

Plot Keywords

baseball, texas, high school, based on true story, baseball field, underdog, two word title, second chance, science teacher, high school teacher, family relationships, baseball movie, sports team, small town, marriage, self doubt, family man, baseball player, baseball team, reference to babe ruth

Short Review

At two-plus hours, The Rookie is a good 20 minutes too long, but for father-son teams waiting eagerly for the umpire's "Play ball!", it's an uplifting season opener.