Pitcher List Baseball Podcasts

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 2005 film "Game 6." They introduce the film (2:01), with an overview of this Don DeLillo script, the cast, and filmmakers, and review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (8:35). Amount of Baseball (14:25) considers the dilution of watching someone watch baseball, and reviews the game six events pictured, including the Dwight Evans RBI, Roger Clemens being lifted from the game and the Greenwell pinch hit, Lee Mazilli scoring to tie, Dave Henderson's homer, Wade Boggs scoring on Marty Barrett's hit, and the tenth inning implosion. Sad player comp.  Baseball Accuracy (17:40) considers the references to Bob Ojeda and Daryl Strawberry, the quality of Mets vs. Red Sox losses, a brief Red Sox postseason rundown, the 1949 Red Sox, the 1946 Series vs. the Cardinals featuring Enos Slaughter's mad dash and Johnny Pesky's late throw. Why is there a Red Sox broadcast talking about Roger Clemens in a New York cab? Storytelling (31:08) delves in on the Screenplay by a Novelist issues, and some tone and style disconnect. What's up with the character of Lone Eagle? What is the function of so many taxi rides? They also discuss how the film plays post-2004, DeLillo's understanding of work shifts, scheduling, and existence in a capitalist society, Nick Rogan's arc, and theatrical accuracy. Score (1:08:82) debates how much Yo La Tengo's mystical non-sports-movie score helps tell this story. Acting (1:13:10) praises the ensemble as a whole, with discussion of Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr. and Griffin Dunne, with a shout-out to some legendary actors in smaller roles, such as Arnie Burton, Nadia Dajani, Roger Rees, Harris Yulin, and Bobby Steggert. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:21:39) weighs what we receive from Rich Gedman and Gary Carter, while Delightfulness of Announcer (1:22:47) comes down to an Amount of Vin Scully debate. Lack of Misogyny (1:25:19) balances Nicky and Stephen's treatment of women with the very large number of female characters, who are not all simply defined by the men in the film. Some discussion of repeating "alla puttanesca." No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:31:00), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:35:11), Favorite Moment (1:36:21) Least Favorite Moment (1:39:14), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:40:40), Dreamiest Player (1:42:41), Favorite Performance (1:43:28) and Next Time (1:45:21).  Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1994 version of "Angels in the Outfield." They introduce the film (0:56), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers, and review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (8:30). Amount of Baseball (17:28) appreciates the variety and the strong finish, with a couple of possible player comps. Baseball Accuracy (20:45) delves in on various issues with Mel Clark's last-minute activation, and the film's pitcher use in general. Bass gets no respect. Real-life baseball dives into consecutive shutouts (w/r/t Cliff Lee, Orel Hershheiser and Don Drysdale) and the record of the Cincinnati Reds. Knox's MVP award raises some questions, as does Mel's pitch count in the final game, leading to discussion of Tim Wakefield, Leon Cadore, Joe Oescher, Nolan Ryan, Gerrit Cole, Trevor Bauer. The Angels' losing streak brings up the 1889 Louisville Colonels, the 1961 Phillies, and the 2021 Orioles. There are also some issues with Hemmerling's "home run" and Ben Williams' outfield positioning. Eric dives in on Gene Autry, while Ellen considers precedent for chucking the ball into the stands (Dave Righetti, Rob Dibble, David Wells, Byung-Hyun Kim, Carlos Zambrano, Fernando Rodney, Chris Perez, and Jeremy Guthrie) and broken-bat homers (Jack Howell, Bill Haselman, Glenallen Hill, Damian Jackson, Barry Bonds, Mark Teixeira, Justin Upton, Chris Davis, Miguel Cabrera, Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz, Joey Gallo, Yandy Diaz, and Bryce Harper). What's with the Blue Jays erasure, White Sox? Angels in outfield, yes, kids in the dugout, no. Plus, what percentage of pitches would an angel need to help a pitcher with for an effective start? Storytelling (52:51) takes on this central premise of angels as cheats. What is the angels' motivation? There are many issues with the angels' rules, as set out, including, but not limited to, God picking a side, with a line-reading from Shakespeare's "Henry V." Some moments are overly goofy (angels love crotch shots!). What is up with deciding not to believe in angels in act four? And the court timing? And the sandlot game? And people in this Christian-dominated country freaking out about seeing angels? Trusting your defense might be the real miracle. The Score (1:21:09) does its job, plus "The Hippy Hippy Shake" and Curtis Mayfield. Acting (1:23:03) praises this ensemble (including four Oscar winners) put together by Pam Dixon, specifically enjoying Neal McDonough, Ben Johnson, Milton Davis Jr., Joseph Gordon Levitt, Danny Glover, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd, Brenda Fricker, Jay O. Sanders, and Diane Amos.  Delightfulness of Catcher (1:31:34) considers Triscuitt Messmer and a bonus catcher, while Delightfulness of Announcer (1:34:41) weighs Jay O. Sanders' performance vs. Ranch's inaccuracies and antagonism. Lack of Misogyny (1:40:28) considers how embarrassed this film should be that the 1951 film was infinitely better, regards this tool. Lack of female roles--even for angels! No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:44:30), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:46:01), Favorite Moment (1:47:00) Least Favorite Moment (1:49:17), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:50:05), Dreamiest Player (1:53:04), Favorite Performance (1:54:42) and Next Time (1:57:03).   Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 2019 Lonely Island special, "The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience." They introduce the "visual poem" (2:04), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers, and review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (9:39). Amount of Baseball (14:28) includes whether or not our scouts have to swear on a holy book and their ruling on whether or not eating the brains of a baseball counts. Baseball Accuracy (16:28) addresses the central premise, with reference to 80s raps from the Mets and Chicago Bears, before moving on to Alf, Alex P. Keaton, Steven Segal, Kathy Ireland, and IHOP. Were they Gold Glove Goliaths? The scouts dive in on 40/40 players (Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Alfonso Soriano), Canseco's career homers and stolen bases, Vince Coleman, Mickey Mantle, Mark McGwire's home run to at bat ratio, plus years leading the league in BBs, OBP, SLG and OPS. Tax evasion, Jose Canseco's martial arts career, issues with fathers, the Athletics' "Monster Bash," side effects of steroids, and Canseco and McGwire's relationship today are all discussed. The scouts have different nits to pick with the expansion teams that are included and not included in the baseball team verse. Storytelling (44:24) addresses the history of visual albums such as Beyonce's "Lemonade," The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night," and Pink Floyd's "The Wall," and enjoys the overlap of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire with the fandom of Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer, referring in particular to Kirk Gibson, and his homers off Dennis Eckersley and Goose Gossage. The videos' aesthetics reference Def Jam, Bad Boy, Hype Williams, Busta Rhymes, TLC's "Creep," and home movies. They assess the non-traditional storytelling, with appreciation for the Terrence Malick tropes and heroic grandiosity. They lavish The Score (59:07) with unambiguous praise, with some conversation about similarities to the Beastie Boys, the Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest, the Sugarhill Gang, Janet Jackson, and the Lonely Island's own "We Like Sportz." In fact, they are still listening to the score. Acting (1:12:40) praises Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer as well as the supporting players (Jenny Slate, Hannah Simone, Sterling K. Brown, Jim O'Heir).  Delightfulness of Catcher (1:18:52) isn't, but Delightfulness of Announcer (1:19:32) discusses, again, a nonzero amount of Vin Scully, and others.  Lack of Misogyny (1:20:32) weighs the misogyny of the 1980s sports world and hip-hop culture, versus the Lonely Island's lampooning of it, and some structural anti-misogyny. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:29:19), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:34:27), Favorite Moment (1:35:14) Least Favorite Moment (1:36:52), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:39:09), Dreamiest Player (1:41:33), Favorite Performance (1:43:38) and Next Time (1:45:18).  Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the Dizzy Dean biopic, "The Pride of St. Louis." They introduce the film (1:13), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers, and review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (5:54). Amount of Baseball (11:46) addresses the consistency of the baseball as particularly good for the era, and provides a 2021 player comp.  Baseball Accuracy (14:23) delves into the details of Jerome Dean's early life, his stint in the army, the Texas League, and signing by the Cardinals organization. Various possible origins of the nickname "Dizzy" are discussed, along with his courtship of Pat, and fact vs. fiction with his first MLB game. Diving into Dizzy Dean stats references Van Mungo, Corbin Burnes, Aaron Nola, and Jacob deGrom. They discuss the hardworking Paul Dean and Dizzy Dean and their strike, the brothers' injuries, Dizzy's retirement, Dizzy as broadcaster with the Cubs and St. Louis Browns, Navin Field vs. Briggs Stadium, and English teachers vs. Dean. Storytelling (46:28) addresses Dizzy's folksiness and audience's familiarity with the character of Dizzy Dean, Ted Lasso, the attempts at darkness at the end of the movie, the Johnny Kendall confusion, the rehab montage, and some blocking choices. The Score (58:33): the horror. Acting (1:03:06) praises Dan Dailey and Joanne Dru, Richard Crenna, Richard Hylton, and does not praise the terrible doctor.  Delightfulness of Catcher (1:07:04) considers whether or not Paul functions as a catcher, with some discussion of Gus Mancuso, Jimmy Wilson, Spud Davis, Bill Delancy, and Bruce Ogrodowski. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:11:00) discusses the cornucopia of announcers and the supreme delightfulness of Dizzy as an announcer.  Lack of Misogyny (1:13:49) delves in on the portrayal of Pat, with Dizzy steamrolling Pat in their courtship vs. the film's possible comeuppance. That woman in the stands with her boyfriend definitely comes up. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:20:55), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:23:44), Favorite Moment (1:25:22) Least Favorite Moment (1:27:18), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:28:44), Dreamiest Player (1:31:26), Favorite Performance (1:32:12) Review Thank You (1:33:14) and Next Time (1:33:37).  Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and writer/director/filmmaker Scott Leger discuss the 2023 film "Reverse the Curse," written by and starring David Duchovny. Introduction to Mr. Leger (0:35) and then an introduction to REVERSE THE CURSE (5:39) with cul-de-sac into where Scott and Ellen were when the Red Sox won in 2004, which is not at all what this movie is about, to our surprise. A summary of the film (12:57), followed by discussion of writer/director and other leads. We review the 20-80 scouting scale (17:02), meet Scott's Scouting Director (17:39) and then begin with Amount of Baseball (19:00). Mostly, the lack of baseball has these scouts cranky, plus how this led to Ellen's mammoth discovery of how this is a Trojan Horse of a Red Sox movie, changing literally everything. Baseball Accuracy (30:09) discusses the curse reversal possibility within the film, Harry Frazee's sale of Babe Ruth being erroneously attributed to "No No Nanette," the film failing to reckon with the larger context, ie, 1986 or 1975 and the oddness of it being set in 1978, a rundown of what happened in the Red Sox 1978 season since this movie doesn't really get into it, the Boston Massacre, everything that happened in the 1978 tie-breaking game, background on Ron Guidry and Mike Torrez, context on Bucky Dent, bad blood between Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson and Jackson and Billy Martin, the origin story of the "Mr. October" nickname, the inaccuracy of the Red Sox final eight games, and the inaccuracy in Marty's final monologue. Storytelling (56:51) dives in on superstition in sports and the equivalence of your team losing an important game and death, along with the utility of the tribalism. They discuss the ways in which the film undercuts Marty's Red Sox fandom, the disappearance of the Eva Gonzalez plotline and the issues this creates, Marty & Teddy trying to get to the tie-breaking game, Marty's attachment to the Red Sox, David Duchovny as multi-hyphenate, this story as novel vs. screenplay, the aging makeup, and the dialogue. An Intermission: Nine Innings with Scott Leger! (1:19:15) The Score Tool (1:26:00) discusses music by Vincent Jones and the album Africa by Amanaz. Acting (1:30:03) considers the performances of David Duchovny, Logan Marshall Green, Stephanie Beatriz, Pamela Adlon, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jason Beghe, Evan Handler, Santo Fazio, and Bryce Feeser. In Delightfulness of Catcher Character (1:37:06), Ellen talks about Carlton Fisk because this movie does not. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:38:45) weighs Colin Cosell as "Sports Broadcaster" plus Dick Stockton and Ken Harrelson. Lack of Misogyny (1:39:44) discusses the well-roundedness of the love interests and Marty's occasional misogyny. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:41:42) Six Degrees of Baseball (1:44:17) Favorite Moment (1:44:41) Least Favorite Moment (1:45:40) Scene We'd Like to See (1:46:23) Dreamiest Player (1:46:52) and Favorite Performance (1:47:22). Find Scott Leger on @scotterybarn on Twixter and Bluesky and @scotbot3000 on IG and Ellen @ellen_adair on Twixter, @ellenadair on Bluesky and Tikotk, and @ellenadairg on IG.  Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1983 Disney movie "Tiger Town." They introduce the film (1:52), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (6:16). Amount of Baseball (12:47) considers photos of baseball, tight shots, and slow-mo, with reference to Wesley Snipes in "Major League." Don't hate the player comp. Baseball Accuracy (20:36) discusses the "Angels in the Outfield Without the Literal Angels" premise and the quantum physics observation principle, Roy Sheider's age and athleticism, the Tigers' record of the previous 30 years, Al Kaline, and the 1968 World Series vs. the Cardinals (Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Roger Maris). Eric shouts-out to Gate Brown, and Ellen breaks down the Tigers' required second-half winning percentage. Billy Young's batting average and RBI are problematic. The scouts also examine Alex's Dream Ballet, weekday games for the 1983 Tigers, Sparky Anderson, and score discrepancies in the final game. Storytelling (43:53) considers the various beliefs and superstitions and many issues with the cinematic storytelling. Why is the dad both unemployed and dying, and why the structural suddenness of his death? Why isn't there a B plot? Are we in MOMA? From whence this disposable income? Why not help anyone else? The ride to the stadium is long but that bike deal is absolutely INSANE. The Score (1:11:46) debates the usage of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," the Renn Faire music, and the drum solo.  In Acting (1:17:21), they assess Justin Henry's performance as a young actor, Roy Scheider's limited involvement, and the atrocious scenes with mom. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:21:11) doesn't offer much, but Delightfulness of Announcer (1:21:27) appreciates the inclusion of Ernie Harwell, Al Ackerman, and Ray Lane. Lack of Misogyny (1:24:32) bemoans the lack of development or consistent point-of-view for the mother, with a brief digression about the "Star Spangled Banner" record. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:28:51), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:32:18), Favorite Moment (1:33:13) Least Favorite Moment (1:35:48), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:37:15), Dreamiest Player (1:38:34), Favorite Performance (1:39:06), Review Thank You (1:40:10) and Next Time (1:40:22).     Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 2001 movie "Summer Catch." They introduce the film (1:15), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers, and diatribe about the title. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (5:35), with a why-not metaphor. Amount of Baseball (10:20) is helped by the fullness of the baseball narratives. Baseball Accuracy (12:54) attacks the film's mysterious attitude towards relief pitching and warming up, with the sub-category Brian Dennehy Is a Bad Manager. They dive into the Cape Cod Summer League history and a few CCBL alum (Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Nomar Garciaparra, Mo Vaughn, Frank Thomas, Carlton Fisk, Pie Traynor, Henry Davis, Spencer Torkelson, Adley Rutschman, Casey Mize, Pat Burrell, Aaron Nola, Jason Varitek, Chase Utley), the use of wooden bats in CCBL, Chatham A's championships, and Cape Cod League baseball cards. There are some in/accuracies with scouting and signing (references to Joe Mauer and Adrian Gonzalez), signing deadlines (references to Stephen Drew, Jered Weaver). The scouts wonder about the sample size on Billy's batting average, issues with the Hyannis Mets, and the practicality of the Greg Maddux advice. WTFork with the called/swinging strikes. Velocity then and now! Ellen predictably gets into the Phillies lineup at the end (Bobby Abreu, Jimmy Rollins, Doug Glanville, Marlon Anderson, Mike Lieberthal, Pat Burrell, Travis Lee). Points for the Batavia Muckdogs. Storytelling (44:55) tries to sort out the preponderance of storylines, including the American Pie / Bull Durham mashup plaguing Dom (Wilmer Valderrama). Ellen outlines this movie's early assault on rational thought. Is Dede an ally or a hindrance? Why is Tenley interested in Ryan? Does this movie think this league is important? What are the stakes for these characters? Can we get some consistent points-of-view pls? Everyone Has to Be a Ten, fat phobia, other issues with Miles's (Marc Blucas) storyline, and the extremely, extremely weird relationship with the Mulligan siblings. The Score (1:19:09) weighs the onslaught of pop music, highlights including LL Cool J, Tarsha Vega, and the Dandy Warhols, with the hotel lounge jazz combo score. Acting (1:22:21) considers the performances of Jessica Biel, Freddie Prinze Jr., Brittany Murphy, Matthew Lillard, Brian Dennehy, Fred Ward, Bruce Davison, and John C. McGinley. Everyone deserved better. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:27:27) balances Matthew Lillard's charisma and the good pitcher/catcher dynamic with the unheroic things about the character. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:25:11) generally appreciates Curt Gowdy's contributions to the film. Lack of Misogyny (1:22:21) considers the fat phobia / misogyny Venn Diagram, but appreciates the character of Katie Parrish, and has a brief digression on the topic of her search for a mascot for the A's. A quick psychoanalysis of the writers of this film, vis-a-vis their depiction of female characters. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:41:54), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:48:42), Favorite Moment (1:50:12) Least Favorite Moment (1:51:34), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:54:47), Dreamiest Player (1:57:16), Favorite Performance (1:58:11), Review Thank You (2:00:35) and Next Time (2:00:54).      Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1996 film "Soul of the Game." They introduce the film (1:16), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (4:32). Amount of Baseball (7:50) highlights baseball in credits, some Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Jackie Robinson heroics, and a quick player comp. Baseball Accuracy (10:36) begins with a discussion of Josh Gibson's erratic behavior and drinking depicted in the film, versus his real-life diagnosis of a brain tumor, with anecdotes from Buck O'Neil, Orlando Cepeda, Don Newcombe, Josh's sister and Sean Gibson. Gibson's history with the Pirates and William Benswanger, Wendell Smith and Cum Posey, as well as his meeting with Clark Griffith of the Senators, are discussed. Degree of blame for Kennesaw Mountain Landis. Satchel Paige as Rookie of the Year (Alvin Dark says, Excuse me)? Satchel Paige's age? What were the mechanics of his hesitation pitch? Context for the team assembled by Trujillo, in addition to Paige's experience and performance on the team, with reference to Sam Bankhead and Cool Papa Bell. Satchel's arm pain and the number of teams Paige pitched for are also discussed. Conversation about Willie and Cat Mays in Chattanooga and Harrisburg, the 1945 East-West All Star Game, Satchel Paige sayings, Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin, Hilton Smith, Marion Anderson, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Josh Gibson's power (972 homers?), the absence of Clyde Sukeforth and Wendell Smith, Jackie Robinson's number on the Monarchs, and the weird Black/white All-Star Game. Storytelling (55:38) considers the mythic nature of the Negro League stars, the opening montage, the dynamic between Paige and Robinson, and the story of why Robinson was the Black ballplayer who was chosen. They discuss the Willie Mays bookends, the girl at the gas station, and Steve Buckley the scout. The Score (1:10:02) includes usage of jazz, blues, and music that gets an entirely disproportionate response from Ellen. In Acting (1:12:52), admiration is lavished upon the ensemble, but particularly on Delroy Lindo, Edward Hermann and Mykelti Williamson. Blair Underwood, Salli Richardson and Gina Ravera are also praised. Delightfulness of Catcher (1:22:57) presents a conundrum of evaluating the real Josh Gibson versus the delight of this portrayal. "Light seasoning" for Delightfulness of Announcer (1:25:11). Lack of Misogyny (1:27:10) considers whether this film has actually improved upon the truth in this area, with the exception of the omission of Josh's dead wife Helen. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:31:02), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:34:52), Favorite Moment (1:36:19) Least Favorite Moment (1:38:11), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:40:28), Dreamiest Player (1:44:00), Favorite Performance (1:44:28), Review Thank You (1:45:38) and Next Time (1:46:05).    Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1951 comedy, “Rhubarb.” They introduce the film (0:55), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (7:17), then begin their grading with Amount of Baseball (13:58). Baseball Accuracy (18:09) considers the origin of the term “rhubarb” and its journey into baseball terminology (Red Barber), as well as Rhubarb the cat’s luckiness (Brad Miller). Also considered are the 1914 Braves (Joe Connolly, Rabbit Maranville, Johnny Evers, Bill James, Lefty Tyler, Dick Rudolph), cats on the field, and the rally squirrel (Dominic Brown, Scott Kingery, Aaron Altherr), suspended and tie games, and mascot origins. Storytelling (43:55) wrangles with the film’s silliness, as well as Banner’s will, the many cats of the courtroom, Rhubarb’s capture, Polly’s sniffing abilities, making it rain (literally), pets inheriting money, as well as a quick overview of Rhubarb’s two sequels. The Score (1:17:17) does not have a lot going on, but there are some definite highlights to the Acting (1:21:16). With little in the way of baseball, however, Ellen and Eric are limited in their consideration of Delightfulness of Catcher (1:25:06) and Delightfulness of Announcer (1:25:28). Myra’s athleticism and attitude are a big part of the discussion of Lack of Misogyny (1:27:39), as is the pretty admirable character of Polly. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:38:56), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:44:11), Favorite Moment (1:45:29) Least Favorite Moment (1:47:02), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:48:30), Dreamiest Player (1:50:59), Favorite Performance (1:51:37) Review Thank You (1:54:07) and Next Time (1:55:28).  Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the classic 1984 film, "The Natural." They introduce the film (2:00), with an overview of the story, cast, and filmmakers. They review the 20-80 baseball scouting grades for rating the film (6:52), and then Ellen issues the first apology in Take Me In to the Ballgame history. Amount of Baseball (15:88) kicks us off with a disagreement, as they discuss the Amount of Non-Baseball versus the iconic, thirst-quenching nature of the baseball depicted, plus a player comp. Baseball Accuracy (21:27) discusses Eddie Waitkus and Ruth Ann Steinhagen, Ted Williams, Wheaties and Lou Gehrig, the Wrigley clock and Bama Rowell, and spitballs and Burleigh Grimes. Is there an issue with Roy Hobbs hitting a walk-off homer on the road? Eric enlightens us on the process of boning a bat. Ellen wonders if Pop is a bad manager. They also address baseball superstition (with reference to Rhys Hoskins and Wade Boggs), commemorative patches, the 1939 Giants (Mel Ott & Carl  Hubbell), Reds (Ernie Lombardi & Bucky Walters) and Pirates, the bribe amount, and disintegrating baseballs (Martin Maldonado). Ellen considers the One Baseball Superman problem, the Baseball Is Hard problem, and does a breakdown of Hobbs's final at bat. Storytelling (54:20) addresses Arthurian and Homeric legends, the beautiful cinematography, the "16 years later" cut, the nature of Harriet's mental illness, and some confusion around Roy's flaw and the shame of being shot. What was Roy doing for 16 years? Can someone explain these medical issues? They also discuss Roy's magic, the newspaper photos of Iris, various issues with Judge, the son's whereabouts, and Roy's stay in the maternity ward. The Score (1:24:29) lays praise at the majestic feet of Randy Newman's score. Acting (1:28:56) lauds the ensemble, with special mention of Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Wilford Brimley and Richard Farnsworth, and a question about Kim Basinger.  Delightfulness of Catcher (1:39:15) considers Olsen's catcher-esque story function and recognition of Hobbs despite not knowing he was a pitcher, without being a prominent character. Plus, some bonus catchers. Delightfulness of Announcer (1:42:44) is another disagreement. Get ready for Lack of Misogyny (1:46:31), in which our scouts discuss women as either bad-luck seductresses or patient angels in a Madonna/Whore binary, where ultimately women are only a function of their impact on men. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:55:37), Six Degrees of Baseball (2:03:21), Favorite Moment (2:05:33) Least Favorite Moment (2:08:09), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (2:10:22), Dreamiest Player (2:12:09), Favorite Performance (2:13:26) Review Thank You (2:17:58) and Next Time (2:18:25).   Join: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network