

In 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees. One, Mantle, was universally loved, while the other, Maris, was universally hated. Both men started off with a bang, and both were nearing Babe Ruth's 60 home run record. Which man would reach it?
Acting
Barry Pepper disappears into Maris's quiet agony completely.
Direction
Crystal's love letter to the game he grew up worshipping.
Production
Meticulous 1961 recreation down to the stadium mustard stains.

Director
Billy Crystal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Billy Crystal cast Barry Pepper after seeing him in Saving Private Ryan; Pepper batted lefty for four months despite being right-handed. The real Roger Maris's sons appear as Yankees batboys.
The film directly confronts how the media manufactured the 'Mantle vs. Maris' narrative that tortured two friends. That 1998 McGwire/Sosa chase? This movie helped America remember who actually deserved the record first.