61*
Two baseball fans hunt for Maris's record ball.
About 61*
Released: 2001
Platform: Hulu
Rating: TVMA
Run time:
Cast
Thomas Jane, Barry Pepper, Anthony Michael Hall, Richard Masur, Bruce McGill
About 61*
The movie "61*" was released in 2001 and directed by Billy Crystal. It focuses on the 1961 Major League Baseball season, particularly the record-breaking home run race between New York Yankees players Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
Making/Production
The movie was filmed in Detroit and produced by HBO. Billy Crystal directs the baseball drama. The number in the title, 61*, refers to the controversial asterisk that was allegedly proposed to denote Maris's 61 home run record due to the season being eight games longer than Babe Ruth's time.
Actors
- Barry Pepper as Roger Maris: He effectively encapsulates the intense pressure and public scrutiny his character faced during the season.
- Thomas Jane as Mickey Mantle: Jane authentically portrays the legendary player's vivacious character and personal troubles.
- Anthony Michael Hall as Whitey Ford: Hall throws himself into the role of Maris's supportive teammate.
Trivia/Interesting Facts
- The film was the directorial debut of famed actor and comedian Billy Crystal.
- Director Billy Crystal's lifelong love for the Yankees led him to make this movie featuring two of his childhood heroes.
- The director's personal memorabilia was used as props in the film, including his own Mickey Mantle cards.
Awards
"61*" was nominated for 12 Emmy Awards, and won two, for Outstanding Sound Editing and Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Miniseries or Movie.
Quotes
- "You know what we get to do today, Brooks? We get to play baseball."
- "This is a team, gentlemen, and I will not tolerate players who think they're bigger than the team."
- "Every time I look up, you're there. What's the secret, kid?"
Music, Soundtrack
- The film's original score was composed by Marc Shaiman who created an emotional and inspiring soundtrack to complement the movie's tense and dramatic moments.
- "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" - Traditional
- "Fools Rush In" – Johnny Mercer & Rube Bloom
About 61*
61* is a movie depicting the race between baseball legends Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle to surpass Babe Ruth's home run record.