The Rookie (2002)
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A high school science teacher and baseball coach attempts to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the major leagues at the age of 35.
The story
Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and baseball coach in Big Lake, Texas, harbors a long-suppressed dream of playing professional baseball after a shoulder injury ended his youth prospects. When his struggling high school team offers him a deal to try out for the majors if they succeed in the playoffs, Jim agrees. After the team's success, Jim discovers he still possesses a formidable fastball. Despite his wife's concerns regarding his health and their family responsibilities, Jim pursues a series of tryouts, eventually catching the attention of professional scouts and beginning a journey toward the big leagues.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and baseball coach in Big Lake, Texas, seeks to revive his dream of playing professional baseball after a career-ending injury in his youth. His high school team, the Big Lake Owls, agrees to support him if they win their district. After the team succeeds, Jim's fastball is revealed to be still elite. He attends a tryout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, which leads to a minor league deal. Despite his wife Lorri's initial hesitation due to safety concerns and family life, she eventually supports him. Jim moves through the minor leagues, eventually reaching Class AAA. After facing doubts about his ability to make the majors, he is inspired by his own media coverage and his son's interest in the game. In September, Jim receives a call-up to the Major Leagues to play against the Texas Rangers. He arrives at the stadium with his family and townspeople. During a late-game situation where Tampa Bay is losing, Jim is called in to pitch. He strikes out Royce Clayton on three straight fastballs. Following the game, Jim reconciles with his father, who apologizes for his past lack of support. The film concludes by noting that Jim played in the majors for two seasons before returning to his teaching career.
- First release year
- 2002
- Runtime (minutes)
- 128
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- John Lee Hancock
- Writers
- Mike Rich · writer
- Cast and characters
- Dennis Quaid · Jim Morris; Rachel Griffiths · Lorri; Jay Hernandez; Brian Cox; Angus T. Jones
- Genres
- sports drama; biographical drama; children's drama
- Themes
- overcoming adversity; father-son relationships; pursuing dreams; community
- Tone and mood
- heart-warming; emotional
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; sports; true story; underdog
- Source material / true-story basis
- true story of Jim Morris
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, being described as a heart-warming sports flick with emotional honesty.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 84% · review count: 154; Metacritic · score: 72 · scale: 100 · review count: 31
- Production trivia
- The film was filmed in 2.40:1 widescreen.; The city of Thorndale, Texas, was used predominantly in the opening half of the film as the small town of Big Lake.; The film was released on VHS and DVD on August 27, 2002.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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