Clocking in a just short of hour, this compilation made by the National Film Board of Canada of two seasons in the life of premier starting pitcher Ferguson Jenkins from Chatham, Ontario does not disappoint.
Focusing on the attempt by the Cubs to finally win something in the late 1960s, it looks at Jenkins in particular, but also at the manager Leo Durocher, the catcher Randy Hundley, the third baseman Ron Santo and Jenkin's best friend on the team, Billy Williams.
Of particular note is the story of Pete Reiser, the Cubs' third base coach, who played the game so hard that he had to be carried off the field unconscious eleven times in his career and eventually retired due to multiple injuries. He even had the last rites performed over him once in the dugout.
Cap Anson, a prior player/manager with the Cubs in the early part of the century helped enshrine the segregation of the game which lasted until 1947, by refusing to field his team until 'those ni**ers were taken off the field' by the other side. Jenkins and Williams still encountered hotels and restaurants which would not serve them since they were black.
Finally, the precariousness of a major league athlete's career is outlined by the examination of 'purpose pitches', i.e. Those thrown at the batter's head and the sad story of the pitcher Dizzy Dean, whose abilities were never the same after taking a line drive off his toe. The resulting change in his pitching motion led to a swift deterioration in his arm.
Earnest, insightful, not overly sentimental but still replete with profound respect for these athletes.
Highly recommended.
Focusing on the attempt by the Cubs to finally win something in the late 1960s, it looks at Jenkins in particular, but also at the manager Leo Durocher, the catcher Randy Hundley, the third baseman Ron Santo and Jenkin's best friend on the team, Billy Williams.
Of particular note is the story of Pete Reiser, the Cubs' third base coach, who played the game so hard that he had to be carried off the field unconscious eleven times in his career and eventually retired due to multiple injuries. He even had the last rites performed over him once in the dugout.
Cap Anson, a prior player/manager with the Cubs in the early part of the century helped enshrine the segregation of the game which lasted until 1947, by refusing to field his team until 'those ni**ers were taken off the field' by the other side. Jenkins and Williams still encountered hotels and restaurants which would not serve them since they were black.
Finally, the precariousness of a major league athlete's career is outlined by the examination of 'purpose pitches', i.e. Those thrown at the batter's head and the sad story of the pitcher Dizzy Dean, whose abilities were never the same after taking a line drive off his toe. The resulting change in his pitching motion led to a swift deterioration in his arm.
Earnest, insightful, not overly sentimental but still replete with profound respect for these athletes.
Highly recommended.