For Love of the Game (1999)

My Review

Director Sam Raimi (“The Quick and the Dead” 1995) and screenwriter Dana Steven have created a soppy and overly sentimental sports drama about a forty-year-old major league pitcher facing his last season with a romantic subplot.

The film was adapted from the 1991 novel of the same name by Michael Haaara. It is the perfect part for Kevin Costner, with the material fitting right into his narrow acting range. Kelly Preston is also the ideal fit as the cute girl friend straight from central casting. Co-stars include John C. Reilly, Jena Malone, Brian Cox, J. K. Simmons, Daniel Dae Kim, Michael Papajohn, and Rick Reed. The play-by-play of the game is announced by legendary Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully and Steve Lyons. New York Yankees announcer Bob Sheppard also appears as himself, introducing the players.

“For Love of the Game” was a flop at the box office for Beacon Pictures, Renaissance Pictures, Tig Productions, and Universal Pictures. Kevin Costner was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. It was filmed in New York City, Los Angeles, and Aspen, Colorado.