The Rookie (2002)

In the heart of Texas, Jim Morris, a high-school chemistry teacher and baseball coach, clings to the fragments of his abandoned dreams. Once a promising player, his aspirations of professional baseball were shattered by a shoulder injury that prematurely concluded his minor league career. Now, in the confines of a classroom and on a dusty baseball field, he imparts his passion and knowledge to a team of wide-eyed students. Motivated by his love for the game and a desire to inspire his underdog team, Jim strikes a daring agreement with them - if they secure the district championship, he will dust off his cleats and step back onto the try-out field. The team, spurred by this challenge, surges from last to first place, achieving a historic victory and earning their school its first-ever state championship berth. With no room for backing down, 39-year-old Jim, a devoted father of three, finds himself on a professional try-out ground, facing skeptical scouts and his own self-doubt. The stakes are high, but as he steps onto the mound, a miracle unfolds. His arm, once defeated by injury, springs back to life, clocking successive 98 mph fastballs. The scouts, initially dismissive, are left astounded. Signed to a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Jim embarks on a grueling journey, straddling the line between his obligations as a teacher, a father, and his resurgent baseball career. His wife, his biggest cheerleader, stands by him, tending to their family while he toils away in the minor leagues. The story, based on true events, spirals towards an exhilarating climax as Jim earns a call-up to the big leagues. With renewed vigor and a revived dream, he finds himself pitching for Tampa on Texas soil against the Rangers. The Rookie is not just a tale of baseball but a testament to the resilience of dreams and the power of perseverance.

The Rookie is a drama movie featuring Dennis Quaid.

The Rookie is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

It is also possible to buy The Rookie on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.