Watch Pastime

Pastime is a 1990 sports drama movie that tells the story of two baseball players from different generations and their struggles and triumphs. The movie takes place in the 1950s, and Roy Dean Bream (William Russ), a 40-year-old veteran of the game, is a pitcher for a minor league baseball team called the Fresno Grizzlies. Roy has been playing baseball for most of his life, but it seems that his dream of playing in the major leagues will never come true. Despite his age, Roy still has a good fastball and a lot of experience, but he struggles with control and often gives up home runs.

On the other hand, there's Tyrone Debray (Glenn Plummer), a 17-year-old rookie player who has never played professional baseball before. He is a gifted athlete and a natural talent, but he also has a lot to learn about the game. Tyrone is signed to the Grizzlies as a shortstop, but it soon becomes clear that he's better suited for the outfield.

At first, Roy and Tyrone don't get along well. Roy is resentful of the young kid who's stealing his thunder, while Tyrone is eager to prove himself and doesn't want to be held back by the veteran's stubbornness. However, over time, the two players begin to respect each other and learn from each other.

The movie is not just about baseball, it's also about the struggles that these two men face off the field. Roy is a recovering alcoholic who's had a few too many bad breaks in life. He's divorced, his son is estranged, and he doesn't have much going on outside of baseball. Tyrone, on the other hand, comes from a tough neighborhood and has to deal with the racism and prejudice that comes with being a black athlete in the 1950s.

Pastime does an excellent job of portraying the culture and the politics of baseball during that period. It deals with issues such as segregation, gambling, and the corrupt business of baseball, showing how it affected the players and the game itself. It also touches on the role that baseball played in American society at that time, how it was seen as a symbol of hope and the American dream for many people.

The acting in Pastime is superb. William Russ delivers a standout performance as Roy, a man who's seen better days but still has a lot of fight left in him. He brings a lot of depth to his character, showing the pain and loneliness that Roy feels, as well as his passion for the game. Glenn Plummer is equally impressive as Tyrone, bringing a level of energy and charm to his role that makes it easy to root for him.

Noble Willingham also deserves a mention for his performance as Dutch, the Grizzlies' manager. He brings a sense of humor and warmth to the film, as well as a level of wisdom that the other characters look up to.

The pacing of the movie is excellent, as director Robin B. Armstrong keeps the story moving while also taking time to explore the characters and their relationships. The baseball scenes are well-shot and exciting, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the mood and the era of the movie.

Overall, Pastime is an excellent baseball movie that's also a poignant and powerful drama. It explores the struggles and the joys of the game, as well as the humanity of the players who play it. Whether you're a fan of baseball or not, this movie is definitely worth a watch.