ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- Baseball season is upon us. And as with every spring for the past 160 years, people pack baseball stadiums throughout the country, taking part in America’s favorite “past time.” Many people throughout the country pick their favorite teams, players, and coaches, predicting the outcome of the season—sometimes before the game is officially underway.

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Now I have a very “un-American” thing to confess: I am not the biggest baseball fan. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the game and even attend some games here and there (I recently attended the Colorado Rockies play the Seattle Mariners. Colorado won).

I played as a child growing up in New Mexico. I even know some professional baseball players; they’re fine people. If you were to press me for my “favorite” team, I could give you a semi-legitimate answer: the Padres (I knew some players) and the Angels (where our family would catch some games).

But for some reason the game hasn’t stuck in the true “fan” sense of the word. Rather, I am a soccer fan. I know, I know, I can hear the hisses.

So when my youngest son’s principal gave us tickets for a sneak preview of the forthcoming movie, “The Perfect Game”, I wasn’t too inclined to attend.

But let me say, I’m glad I did.

For those not familiar with the 1957 Youth World Series Game—where an unlikely team from Monterey, Mexico played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania against the much-favored American team—this movie is a must, if only for the little known historical facts offered.

But this movie is even more important for other reasons. First, in a very honest way, it tackles the problem of racism in America. What I appreciate is that it doesn’t criminalize any one group, but instead shows the good and the bad within each population.
 

Still with Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins, and boys

Second, Christians are portrayed with care. “The Perfect Game” doesn’t portray the Christian people as ignorant, insincere, or intolerant—as do so many other contemporary movies. Rather, the priest (played by Cheech Marin) and the pastor (played by John Cothran) are celebrated members of their community. They offer hope, love, and guidance for this rag-tag group of boys. For me, the portrayal of the clergy alone was worth going to the movie.

Third, the movie celebrates the importance of family. The relationship between the pitcher, Angel Macia, and his father (played by Carlos Gomez) portrays a real-life story of a valuable father-son relationship. Without giving away the movie, the story is very heart-warming.

Fourth, “The Perfect Game” is a fun-loving, feel-good movie: great for the whole family. With performances by Cheech Marin, Louis Gossett, Jr., Clifton Collins, and a cast of great young actors, the movie is sure to tug at your heart and perk your curiosity for the history of the game, still the only perfect game ever thrown in the World Series of youth baseball.

Furthermore, “The Perfect Game” gives us a glimpse into Mexican society in the 1950’s, showing a people of strong resolve, family ties, and hard workers. No stereotypes here.

Overall, “The Perfect Game” is about much more than baseball: it’s about life, family, faith, and hard work.

Do yourself a favor and go watch this perfect baseball game of the summer. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, go to http://www.theperfectgamemovie.com/

Brian Nixon is a writer, musician, minister, and family man. You may contact him at www.briannixon.com