“Feel-good” does not have to mean lightweight. This film is so much fun. I don’t even like baseball but something intrigued me enough to give it a try. Besides, having recently foisted a number of artsy documentaries on my husband, I figured a sports-themed one would be good for marital harmony. The Battered Bastards of Baseball takes you on a ride that gently fills your emotions, expands your sense of what is possible and teaches you a lot about how to accomplish something truly successful.
“What is Kurt Russell doing in this film?”, I thought. It turns out that he is the one who gave his accomplished father, Bing Russell, the kick on the behind that took him out of retirement doldrums and into a “What are you thinking???!?” venture: Creating a minor league baseball team in Portland Oregon, The Portland Mavericks.
This story makes a strong case for being joyfully unrealistic in your objectives– and for betting on people to save yourself from looking like a fool. Bing had few assets other than his love of the game and some start up capital that was way under what was realistically needed. I’m sticking to my no-spoiler policy, but will say that across the board, Bing picked people based potential and attitude. He also ran the business so that both the team and their customers (the public) had a good time. These two management practices go a long way no matter what you are trying to accomplish.
Have an assured good time watching this film, then think about what totally unrealistic objective you would just love to make happen.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Better You Value: Great Story **** Big Goal *** Great Regular People ** Business Mgmt. ****
