When Ross, portrayed by comedian Bernie Mac,
gets hit number 3000, a feat accomplished by only 25 players
in baseball history, the cocky first baseman instantly quits
the game and leaves his Milwaukee Brewers teammates to finish
the season without him. Ross defines himself solely by the
milestone as he launches a series of small businesses that
play on the number 3,000.
However, when it comes time for Ross to
be elected into the baseball Hall of Fame, a statistician finds
that three hits
were counted
twice and Mr. 3000 has only 2,997 hits. The news devastates Ross
who feels his identity too has been lost. The star decides to
make a comeback to the game he once took for granted but is faced
with the daunting challenge of getting back into playing shape.
To start the comeback, Ross learns new fitness techniques including
weight training exercises and Pilates poses.
Ross also endures tough competition from
younger, more talented players like rival star T-Rex Pennebaker
(Brian White) as well
as ridicule from the media he used to scorn. Head coach Gus Panas
(Paul Sorvino) holds a grudge after Ross abandoned his team 10
years earlier while General Manager Shembri (Chris Noth) uses
the pursuit of 3,000 hits as a way to draw fans to the ballpark.
While on the quest for three more hits, he discovers the meaning
of teamwork and a true passion for the game.
Ross also rekindles a love interest with
ESPN reporter Mo Simmons (Angela Bassett). The two shared a
fling earlier in their careers
and the comeback allows the couple to reconnect.
The plot in the movie is predictable, but
the viewer is kept laughing from beginning to end thanks to
Mac’s edgy humor.
Also, the audience doesn’t have to know much about baseball
to enjoy the movie. The film is focused more on the emotions
and interactions between characters rather than jock jargon.
There are numerous cameo appearances by
personalities such as actor Tom Arnold, talk-show host Larry
King and ESPN
Sports Center
anchor Stuart Scott. The film is rated PG-13 for strong adult
content and language. |
