Watch Born to Play

Born to Play is a documentary film released in 2020 that charts the journey of a group of adult softball players, aged 25-75, as they participate in the 2018 National Senior Games held in Birmingham, Alabama. The film explores the passion, camaraderie, and dedication that these players have for the game and the community they've built around it.

At the center of the documentary is Brian Sweeney, the 52-year old coach of the San Francisco Seals, who himself is an accomplished softball player with a storied career in the sport. He guides his team of players through the grueling months of practice leading up to the Games and instills in them a sense of team spirit and purpose. But while the San Francisco Seals may be his focus, Sweeney's infectious enthusiasm and joyful temperament magnify the larger themes of the film, emphasizing the simple pleasures and values of community, leadership, and teamwork.

The film also features several other players competing at the Games and highlights the physical and emotional struggles that come with the sport as players try to balance their playing career with other responsibilities like jobs and family. We see them adjust their training routines, cope with injuries, and, in some cases, share the losses of loved ones that make their participation in the Games all the more poignant.

What makes Born to Play stand out is its realism and authentic portrayal of its subjects. It is not a dramatized retelling of a softball team's great season but a behind-the-scenes account of the lives of people who, despite their age and limitations, continue to play the sport they love. The film shows the players in both their high moments of triumph and the lows of injury and defeat, but through it all, their love of the game never wavers. The filmmakers, having no prior background in sports documentaries, approach the subject with an open mind, bringing the audience along for the journey.

Born to Play is also a story about senior athletes, and the barriers they face in a society that can be dismissive of their abilities. We see how these athletes push back against the limitations society imposes on them, continuously challenging themselves in ways that could be seen as going beyond their means.

Furthermore, the film is a testament to the importance of community, showing how the softball field has become the center of the players' social lives and a source of support and friendship. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, the players demonstrate a rare sense of goodness and sportsmanship, where the win takes a back seat to camaraderie and mutual respect.

In sum, Born to Play is a captivating story that takes us through the joys, triumphs, and challenges of playing senior softball. For anyone who's ever doubted the athleticism or determination of mature athletes or the true meaning of teamwork, this film is a must-watch. With its richly drawn characters, genuine emotion, and uplifting spirit, it reminds us all of the timeless truth that it is never too late to chase our dreams and find joy in the journey.