61*
Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
Why did America have room in its heart for only one hero?
One was the Yankees' best loved player, the other was their most valuable. In the summer of 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle took on Babe Ruth's record, the 1927 single-season 60 home run slam. It would be a summer that no one who loves baseball will ever forget.
In 1961, Mickey Mantle is a Yankee favorite. The smiling sun god of the season, a hit with fans and sports writers alike and natural heir to his predecessors Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. Also at bat is a young Midwesterner, Roger Maris. A hard-hitting right fielder, Maris is Mantle's opposite in almost every way. Quiet and soft-spoken, he doesn't add up to everything a sports legend should be, and finds himself losing the support of the fans when he refuses to try.
As the summer of 1961 unfolds, both Maris and Mantle find themselves approaching Babe Ruth's benchmark of 60 home runs. Facing mounting pressure from the media and the stands, they both know there's only room for one winner. The people make their choice known. But the people's favorite isn't the favorite to win.
Member Reviews
Loved it! - Sheenie
I really liked this movie and I'm not even a sports fan. It takes us back to the golden age of a well-loved sport when being a gentleman and sportsmanship mattered. This is a great story of real people leading a life that young boys all over North America dream of. Well acted and well told, this is definitely a classic.A Mustsee for All Baseball fans - woodman95
Baseball fans who remember the great homerun race of the M & M boys, Yankees Mantle and Maris, in 1961 will really enjoy this film. You'll learn of what went on behind the scenes that we never knew then - very interesting stuff. For those who weren't around then, you'll learn the history of that great pre-steroid homerun race, to beat Babe Ruth's then longstanding record of 60 homeruns.
This film was made by funnyman Billy Crystal who is a bigtime Yankee fan. He includes some old footage plus some great behind the scenes footage of how this film was made. Like how Detroit's old Tiger Stadium was transformed into "Yankee Stadium, circa 1961" where the recreated baseball scenes were shot. Along with a TOTAL paint job and computer generated Yankee Stadium facade, you can't believe it's not Yankee Stadium in 1961.
This is definately one of the best factual sports films ever made!Baseball history Lesson at its best! - cbspools
Not being able to see this sports feat live, I really enjoyed seeing what they had to go through to achieve the magic number. With the enhancement drugs in baseball now helping the number be easier to hit, more respect is given to the Baseball players of late. I suggest any baseball fan watch this movie and show the kids of the day what baseball players were like before their time.
Member Reviews
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Loved it! - Sheenie
I really liked this movie and I'm not even a sports fan. It takes us back to the golden age of a well-loved sport when being a gentleman and sportsmanship mattered. This is a great story of real people leading a life that young boys all over North America ...A Mustsee for All Baseball fans - woodman95
Baseball fans who remember the great homerun race of the M & M boys, Yankees Mantle and Maris, in 1961 will really enjoy this film. You'll learn of what went on behind the scenes that we never knew then - very interesting stuff. For those who weren't around ...Baseball history Lesson at its best! - cbspools
Not being able to see this sports feat live, I really enjoyed seeing what they had to go through to achieve the magic number. With the enhancement drugs in baseball now helping the number be easier to hit, more respect is given to the Baseball players of late. ...