In 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees. One, Mantle, was universally loved, while the other, Maris, was universally hated. Both men started off with a bang, and both were nearing Babe Ruth's 60 home run record. Which man would reach it?
Acting
Barry Pepper disappears into Maris's quiet agony completely.
Direction
Crystal's love letter to the game he grew up worshipping.
Production
Meticulous 1961 recreation down to the stadium mustard stains.
Director
Billy Crystal
Barry Pepper
Roger Maris
Thomas Jane
Mickey Mantle
Anthony Michael Hall
Whitey Ford
Richard Masur
Milt Kahn
Bruce McGill
Ralph Houk
Chris Bauer
Bob Cerv
Jennifer Crystal Foley
Pat Maris ('61)
Christopher McDonald
Mel Allen
Haynes Brooke
Detroit Bartender
Bob Gunton
Dan Topping
Donald Moffat
Ford Frick
Joe Grifasi
Phil Rizzuto
Peter Jacobson
Artie Green
Seymour Cassel
Sam Simon
Robert Joy
Bob Fitschel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Billy Crystal cast Barry Pepper after seeing him in Saving Private Ryan; Pepper batted lefty for four months despite being right-handed. The real Roger Maris's sons appear as Yankees batboys.
The film directly confronts how the media manufactured the 'Mantle vs. Maris' narrative that tortured two friends. That 1998 McGwire/Sosa chase? This movie helped America remember who actually deserved the record first.
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Reactions from the web
Most underrated baseball movie ever made. This is a classic that should be right up there with the greats
@bleedblue62 37
AMAZING! I love Barry Pepper so damn much! I honestly think he is one of the best actors I have ever seen, definitely a big favorite of mine!!!
@Sam33-23 16
This is far and away the greatest baseball movie of all time…. And the resemblance of the two main characters to their real like counter parts is incredible……. Great job billy crystal….
@tjseymour3081 3
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