The Bronx Is Burning (2007– )

A look at the New York Yankees attempt to win the 1977 World Series. Based on Jonathan Mahler's book "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx Is Burning."

Stars:

Oliver Platt, Kevin Conway, Daniel Sunjata

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Oliver Platt	...	George Steinbrenner (8 episodes, 2007)
Kevin Conway	...	Gabe Paul (8 episodes, 2007)
Daniel Sunjata	...	Reggie Jackson (8 episodes, 2007)
John Turturro	...	Billy Martin (8 episodes, 2007)
Erik Jensen	...	Thurman Munson (8 episodes, 2007)
Alex Cranmer	...	Graig Nettles (8 episodes, 2007)
Darby Brown	...	Cliff Johnson (8 episodes, 2007)
Joe Grifasi	...	Yogi Berra (8 episodes, 2007)
Aric LeClair	...	Sparky Lyle (8 episodes, 2007)
Louis Mustillo	...	Maury Allen (8 episodes, 2007)
Arthur J. Nascarella	...	Tommy LaSorda (8 episodes, 2007)
Leonard Robinson	...	Mickey Rivers (8 episodes, 2007)
Alan Ruck	...	Reporter (8 episodes, 2007)
Bob Dunsworth	...	Radio Sports Reporter (7 episodes, 2007)
Hans Hartman	...	Reporter (7 episodes, 2007)
Evan Hart	...	Bucky Dent (6 episodes, 2007)
Joe Cappelletti	...	Sports Announcer (5 episodes, 2007)
Bill Forchion	...	Elston Howard (5 episodes, 2007)
Tim Keinath	...	Mike Torrez (5 episodes, 2007)
Rob Lavin	...	Kenny Holtzman (5 episodes, 2007)
Dock Pollard	...	Willie Randolph (5 episodes, 2007)
Lou Provenzano	...	Ron Guidry (5 episodes, 2007)
Max Casella	...	Dick Howser (4 episodes, 2007)
A.J. McClain	...	Jimmy Wynn (4 episodes, 2007)
Keith J. Stevens	...	Uniformed Police Officer (4 episodes, 2007)

Storyline

In the year 1977, Major league Baseball has officially inaugurated the free agent market. A baseball player named Reggie Jackson came to New York to sign a contract with the ball club called the "Yankees". But, what Jackson does not know that he will soon bring controversy to the club, by saying that he's the "Straw that stirs the drink", causing his fellow teammates especially, Thurman Munson to not like him. Plus, manager Billy Martin and owner George Steinbrenner also have their won private arguments about Jackson and the team. Meanwhile, other things are happening in New York as a killer using a .44 magnum and calling himself as "The Son Of Sam" is lurking around the city, and the infamous blackout.

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Plot Keywords:

baseball | george steinbrenner | murder investigation | interview | john livingston seagull | 

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

July 2007 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

ESPN Original Entertainment, Tollin/Robbins Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In several scenes in Billy Martin's (John Turturro) office, there is an old black and white picture that can be seen on the shelf behind his desk. The picture is of the REAL Billy Martin as a Yankees player with then Yankees manager Casey Stengel.

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Goofs

Several of the peripheral characters (policemen, the reporters prominently featured, etc.) are all wearing obvious wigs and mustaches to better blend in with the time period.

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Quotes

Thurman Munson: [to Reggie Jackson] I don't want to fight with you Reggie. But, I don't like you.

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Connections

Featured in 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2008)

User Reviews

Innovative Sports Show

I am a big baseball fan and have always enjoyed movies like Bull Durham, The Natural, and Major League. The Bronx Is Burning is quite different.

First of all, it is a television show depicting actual events; the New York Yankees run to the World Series during the 1977 series. Second, this show is not your typical "feel good" sports movie. The players, owner, and manager have gripes with each other. It is interesting to see the true nature of a sports team. They are not always slapping each other on the rear ends and high fiving each other. Some of the players, and even the manager, can't stand each other. It truly was The Bronx Zoo.

One aspect of the show I don't particularly care for are the scenes involving the Son Of Sam murders. These scenes get a little too much attention. It is interesting that events of the day are intertwined throughout the show though, it helps put the show in its appropriate time frame and sets a good mood.

The cast of the four main characters Billy Martin (John Turturro), George Steinbrenner (Oliver Platt), Reggie Jackson (Daniel Sunjata), and Thurman Munson (Erik Jensen) is superb.

You don't have to be a Yankees fan to admire this show. It has a catchy story line that keeps you wanting more. The music for the show is also very good. ESPN has hit a homerun with this one. Rating 9 of 10 stars.