Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

During the Second World War, the United States needed something to keep the people back in America entertained. With all of the men going into the service, and many professional baseball players enlisting as well, America needed something that would help baseball survive until the war finally came to an end. The thought process came about that they should give women the chance to play baseball instead of men. The call went out to find women across the country that could play ball and would come to New York to give it a try. Most of the players that responded were avid softball players in their areas of America. They became interested in the prospect of being able to go across the country and play organized ball with other women.


The movie does not follow every fact about the original female leagues, but it does tell a gripping story of what it was like to participate in the leagues at that time. The main actors and actresses in the film are Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, and Madonna. This film also once again sticks to the theory that Tom Hanks can make a film great just by himself. The lead part of the film is played by Geena Davis. The film starts with her getting ready to go to the Hall of Fame celebration in the present. The Baseball Hall of Fame put a section for women players in the Hall in 1991, and it shows as she is getting ready to go to the ceremony. Soon, we are taken back to a distant memory of how she became involved in playing, and what led up to this point of her life.


Davis, and Lori Petty, play sisters in the movie from the state of Oregon. When they hear about the call for women ball-players, Davis is at first hesitant, but her sister convinces her to give it a try. The two women join a group of 100's of women that are trying to make it on to one of the four teams that the league is putting together. The teams pretty much draft out of the pool, to decide which girls will be put on which team. Davis and Petty end up on the same team, and it turns out that Tom Hanks will be the manager of the team. Hanks plays a former ball-player that has turned to being a manager simply because he needs the money to survive. He has a serious problem with alcohol, and that becomes apparent as soon as he hits the screen. Hanks once again thrives in a role that he had not tried out, and I was disappointed that he did not get the nod for any awards for his part in the film. Hanks shows what it is truly like to be a manager, and embodies the role quite well.


Other people that end up being on their team (The Peaches) are Rosie O'Donnell, who plays a 3rd baseman, and Madonna, who plays an outfielder. They go by the names Doris and May respectively. All of the people involved with the team are good actors in this film, and it was actually quite exciting to see a movie about the female aspect of our "National Pastime." I had not known exactly how big of an impact that women had made on the sport of baseball, until I decided to sit down and give this movie a chance. Boy was I grateful that I had done just that.


The movie itself follows the season of The Peaches, as they play other teams in the league, deal with the fans, and have to keep their lives straight when they are not on the field. The movie depicts just how grueling a full season of baseball can be, and one quote that I love from the movie is at the very end where Geena Davis is talking about what she likes best about the season. For those of you who have seen it, I am sure you know what I am talking about, but I do not want to post it here, because that would ruin the moment for those people who have not seen the film yet.


Another aspect of the story-line that was very intriguing, was the fact that one of the players on the team has a son that she has to bring with her to the ballpark everyday. When I think about it, I think that it would be cool to be in the place of the kid, and get to experience the thrill of the games, but at the same time I have to feel compassion for the mom that had to deal with a career and her child by herself.


This movie is itself a historical document, as it shows exactly why and when the women's leagues were formed in the United States. Although they did not last the test of time in out country, they played an important part in the History of baseball, and in the women's movement itself. I highly recommend this movie as one that anyone claiming to be a baseball fan see. It covers everything that you need in a good movie, and also fills you in on the History of the game as the same time. The acting is superb, and as I have said before, Hanks makes this film. His acting helps to carry the film along, and it even enhances the other people around him. See this movie if you have any interest in baseball, or in the human spirit, because this film is full of just that; spirit.


In a film that gives us a look at a true story that has helped shape baseball as we know it, the key to pulling off this movie was getting a cast together that would not only be very believable, but that we would remember well after watching the movie. Hanks and Davis have great on-screen chemistry, that in most other movies would turn into then becoming a couple. But, with Davis devoted to her husband that is off fighting the war, romance does not become a motivating factor to the main characters. Instead, what motivates them is their passion for the game, and their willingness to play it under any conditions. In a time when money was short, and our sports heroes were not being paid what they are today, it was a struggle just to make a living at a sport. But, being able to play a game that they loved help separate these people from the sports figures that we have today.

Not only is this film important as a look back at our History, but also because of what it represents. We live in a country where men and women share the same talents, even if one sex may be better than the other at something. In times of need, like that which our country was going through during WWII, it is comforting to know that we have people who can step up to the plate and keep American traditions alive. I am a big fan of what once was the great Women's baseball league, and seeing this movie translated into me becoming a big fan of women's fast-pitch softball. I am glad that there is now a movie out there that shows the impact that women can have not only on sports, but in the fabric of what has made our country great.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8