Details
Movie Description
Set in 1945, when professional baseball's color barrier had yet to be broken, this drama chronicles the relationship between the three Negro League players who vied to be the first to cross over--pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige, slugger Josh Gibson and soon-to-be Brooklyn Dodger, Jackie Robinson.
Synopsis
"Soul of the Game" chronicles the professional and personal lives of three baseball players -- Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Jackie Robinson -- who vied to become the first Black man to enter the major leagues.
All three were stars in the Negro Leagues. Of the trio, best friends and teammates Paige and Gibson were clearly the top players; however the former's age and the latter's emotional problems hindered their chances.
That left only the physically and emotionally sound Jackie Robinson. Soon Brooklyn Dodger owner Branch Rickey signed Robinson to his club, making baseball history and breaking the racial barrier.
For both Paige and Gibson it was a severe disappointment -- and the latter never recovered from the slight.
Film Notes
Originally broadcast on HBO April 20, 1996.
Shot on location in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada; Huntingburg, Indiana, and Birmingham, Alabama.
Co-produced by Mike Medavoy Productions, in association with Gary Hoffman Productions.
Additional cast: J.D. Hall, Michael Jace, Armand Asselin, Jesse Goins, Joey Banks, Harvey Williams, Edwin Morrown, Al Rossi, Mimi Cozzens, David Johnson, and Stacey Branche.
Additional credits: Joey Banks (technical advisor) and David Giella (casting).
Industry Reviews
"...This clear-minded and deeply felt movie avoids most of the mushy pitfalls of baseball cinema. It's a heroically human home run..."
USA Today - Matt Roush (04/19/1996)
Quotations
"They came to play ball. They stayed to make history." -- marketing line for the film
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