The story of a New York pro baseball team and two of its players. Henry Wiggen is the star pitcher and Bruce Pearson is the normal, everyday catcher who is far from the star player on the team and friend to all of his teammates. During the off-season, Bruce learns that he is terminally ill, and Henry, his only true friend, is determined to be the one person there for him during his last season with the club. Throughout the course of the season, Henry and his teammates attempt to deal with Bruce's impending illness, all the while attempting to make his last year a memorable one.
Acting
De Niro's understated vulnerability before he became 'De Niro'
Writing
Heggen's novel adapted with zero sports movie clichés
Editing
Quiet moments land harder than any grand speech
Director
John D. Hancock
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was De Niro's first major film role after Mean Streets, and he based his Southern accent on recordings of actual Georgia catchers.
Released the same year as the American League adopted the designated hitter rule, the film mourns a version of baseball—and male friendship—that was already disappearing.
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