"Are you crying? Are you crying? ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!"
Jimmy Dugan
A League of Their Own
1992
That was the infamous line that stuck in my head for the last 18 years. This film was one of those that touched on various elements to society at the time of the draft of World War II. The draft that took many of its men away from the game, and enlisted a plan to keep the American and National leagues going. It was the spring of 1943, and "A League of Their Own" was starting to form; yet, it was missing a manager.
Enter Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks portrayed the character of Jimmy Dugan, a former MLB player and a over excessive alcoholic who blew out his knee that ultimately ended his career. In given another opportunity to manage the game that he became so accustomed to love, Jimmy becomes the manager of the Rockford Peaches; an all girls team.
The question is; when and when is it not, okay to cry?
Overcoming obstacles, and devoting 100% into something can remain the advantage in this argument. Yet, when can we come to terms with the idea that in given circumstance, the cry cannot come from the baby without the baby wanting something in return?
When Dugan coaches a team with mixed personalities, talents and skills, the preface to the anomolie of the game is the belief in one's self. How much does it actually take to believe in yourself? I believe we are all given a chance at being someone remarkable. I believe we are all given the realm of fairness at birth. Yet, as we age, and circumstances change, does that given right change?
Sibling rivalry was also present in this film. It was at times subtle and other times extremely poignant. The chemistry of sisters, Kit (Lori Petty) and Dottie (Geena Davis) demonstrated that in some families sports become and is the rubber band that holds a tradition together. I see this mirrored in many professional athletes. Siblings, their fathers, their grandfathers, and so on become influential in tradition and a catalyst to succeeding in the game.
What Hanks' portrayed on film was a man with a faltered ego. He was a man that gave up on the game that ultimately gave up on him. As we see, he begins to believe in the game again, and believe in himself. When he starts to believe in his team, he becomes the manager, mentor and 10th player on the field. He becomes a Rockford Peach.
"I'm a goddamn Peach!" - Jimmy Dugan
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Comments
Rated.
(Do you remember the interviews where Tom was making fun of how Madonna learned to throw a baseball? He said, "she threw like a dancer: step, step, kick, fling!" How funny is he?!)
Julie,
It was the ultimate classic. It was one of those films that let us see a sport in a different perspective. Can you imagine if that were the case today? Believing is one step in the right direction. Understanding oneself is the ultimate reward.
Madonna was so funny in this film. Tom Hanks gave her more personality. It was a great combo.