Regarding Joe Valdez’s comment about the movie’s adhering to reality, it is important to suspend disbelief about Crash Davis. A sports column I read years ago put it best: Crash Davis is a catcher who hits for power, in addition to being smart, a leader, and good with pitchers, yet spends his career in the minors. Rick Dempsey spent 15 years in the majors and he couldn’t hit out of his own shadow.

This comment is right on the money! I am, by no means, a fan of Costner but he was perfectly cast in this film. It doesn’t hurt that he and Susan Sarandon have incredible chemistry in this film.

But you’re right, this film works so well and still works because it is about more than just baseball but also about how men and women relate to each other. This is one of those films that I can watch any time. Great write-up!

Jim: I also read that Stanley Kubrick wanted Anthony Michael Hall to play Joker in Full Metal Jacket, this right after The Breakfast Club, but his handlers held out for more money. I think Hall’s okay, but cannot imagine him in a Ron Shelton sports movie, especially this one, boning that baseball groupie in the locker room or wearing a garter. Next!

Although I have to correct one thing. Robbins had a couple starring roles. There was HOWARD THE DUCK as well as FRATERNITY VACATION, where he played a character called “Mother”. He was one of the leads in that, and I won’t let him forget it.