You take a look at this picture and realize professional baseball has come a long way. What surprised me most was how all the would-be players arriving at the New York Giants tryout camp showed up for their first practice wearing the uniforms of their hometown travel teams. Not one wore civilian clothes, blue jeans or a t-shirt. This was somewhat of an odd vehicle for Edward G. Robinson, who made his mark in the Thirties and Forties in topflight gangster and tough guy roles. Cleared of associations with Communism by the House Unamerican Activities Committee before this picture was made, Robinson found himself in lesser roles the rest of his career, even when at the top of the bill. Playing against type here as the Giants tryout camp coach, his character, John 'Hans' Lobert, is a jack of all trades mentor, disciplinarian, and fatherly giver of advice to the young men who come under his leadership. Not to mention his expertise as a ball player, having played third base for the Giants himself. Which is why he takes a particular shine to the prospect for that position, the imposing and talented Adam Polachuk, portrayed by Jeff Richards. Polachuk also catches the eye of Lobert's niece Christy (Vera-Ellen), whose words of advice when he finds himself conflicted about remaining in camp help him make a life changing decision.
The picture would not have been complete without the typical game defining moment coming in the final inning of a crucial contest that would determine which players would go on to receive contracts to join the minor leagues at a hundred fifty dollars a month. The story offered the opportunity for one of the player's father to sell Polanchuk's own Dad (Mario Siletti) on the idea of Adam becoming a pro ball player. Mr. Polanchuk was dead set on Adam going to school to become a lawyer, but his superb play and Walter Mitchell's (Frank Ferguson) raves about his son helped seal the deal. The game winning homer by Adam helped as well.
Though the film isn't in the same league (no pun intended) as say, "Field of Dreams" or "The Natural", baseball fans will probably find something to like about this decades old flick. It's also a good chance to see Edward G. Robinson in an atypical role, and since he's one of my favorite old-time actors, I had a pretty good time with this one.
The picture would not have been complete without the typical game defining moment coming in the final inning of a crucial contest that would determine which players would go on to receive contracts to join the minor leagues at a hundred fifty dollars a month. The story offered the opportunity for one of the player's father to sell Polanchuk's own Dad (Mario Siletti) on the idea of Adam becoming a pro ball player. Mr. Polanchuk was dead set on Adam going to school to become a lawyer, but his superb play and Walter Mitchell's (Frank Ferguson) raves about his son helped seal the deal. The game winning homer by Adam helped as well.
Though the film isn't in the same league (no pun intended) as say, "Field of Dreams" or "The Natural", baseball fans will probably find something to like about this decades old flick. It's also a good chance to see Edward G. Robinson in an atypical role, and since he's one of my favorite old-time actors, I had a pretty good time with this one.