Long Gone Summer (2020)

"Long Gone Summer" is a cinematic voyage back to a defining epoch in baseball history, the summer of 1998. This season was one that echoed through the annals of the sport, when Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs raced against each other and time to break one of the sport's most revered records. Their electrifying chase, filled with anticipation and exhilaration, sparked a wildfire of passion that transcended the field of play, captivating both fervent fans and casual observers alike. Yet, the thrill of the chase was only the beginning of a narrative that would morph into an intricate tapestry of emotions over the years. Directed by AJ Schnack, "Long Gone Summer" plunges the audience into the heart of the unforgettable 1998 season, capturing its glorious peaks, far-reaching influence, and the inevitable knots that would soon unravel. The film offers an unprecedented glimpse into the exclusive world of McGwire and Sosa, featuring intimate interviews where the duo break their silence after more than two decades. The narrative seamlessly weaves through the dramatic pursuit of Roger Maris's legendary 61 home runs in a single season, encapsulating every unexpected twist and adrenaline-fueled turn. The film's narrative pulse is set to a stirring musical score by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, a St. Louis native and current Chicago resident, enhancing this compelling journey back in time. "Long Gone Summer" paints a vivid picture of a story that was as moving as it was groundbreaking, even as the validity of its central achievements would later come under scrutiny. This film is more than a chronicle of a season; it's a deep dive into the complex emotions that evolve over time, reminding us that history, like baseball, is a game of intricate layers and unexpected turns.

Long Gone Summer is a documentary movie featuring Sammy Sosa and directed by AJ Schnack.

Long Gone Summer is currently streaming on Disney Plus.