Every evening, Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) is out practicing pitching. His minor league career ended with a shoulder injury 12 years ago. Now, Jim coaches a struggling high school team. When he tries to motivate them, they challenge him--if they reach the play offs, he must try out for the majors. The team starts to win, and makes the play offs. Not realizing how strong his arm has become, Jim is apprehensive as he sets off for the try outs with his son and baby daughter. The coaches recognize him, but think he has brought a young prospect. Late in the day, as he's changing a diaper, Jim is called. When he throws his first pitch, he surprises the coaches--and himself.

Director John Lee Hancock, director of photography John Schwartzman, and composer Carter Burwell have made a glowing movie based on the true story of Jim Morris, investing it with a touch of myth. Dennis Quaid is convincing as the pitcher. His scenes with Brian Cox, playing his father, bristle with unresolved anger. The great Australian actress Rachel Griffiths shows her extraordinary chameleon-like ability--as Jim's tough-minded wife, she captures perfectly a woman who has to deal with life's practicalities and with her husband's dreams.

Theatrical release: March 29, 2002

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85:1
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Dolby Digital 5.1 - French
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes Introduced by Director John Lee Hancock
Audio Commentary - 1. Dennis Quad - Star, John Lee Hancock - Director
Featurette - 1. SPRING TRAINING
2. TIPS FROM THE PROS
Documentary - 1. THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF JIM MORRIS: MEET THE REAL ROOKIE
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Distributor Notes: Disney's The Rookie

From the studio that brought you REMEMBER THE TITANS comes an inspirational film based on a true story. Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid), father, teacher, and high school coach, thought his dream was over. He'd had his shot playing baseball, blew out his shoulder, and retired without ever making it to the big leagues. Then, in 1999, Coach Morris made a fateful bet with his perpetually losing team. If they won the district championship, Morris -- who threw a 98 mph fastball -- would try out for the majors. The team went from worst to first, and Jim, living up to his end of the bargain, threw caution to the wind and was on the road to becoming the oldest rookie in the major leagues. This heartfelt, uplifting story about not giving up on your dreams will have everyone cheering.

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Dennis Quaid: American Actor, FREQUENCY (2000)
Rachel Griffiths: Actress, SIX FEET UNDER
Brian Cox: British Actor, L.I.E. (2000)
Jay Hernandez: Actor, crazy/beautiful (2001)
Beth Grant: Star, HARD SCRAMBLED (2006)

John Lee Hancock: 

Mark Johnson: Producer, "Donnie Brasco"
Mark Ciardi: Producer, THE ROOKIE (2001)
Gordon Gray: Producer, THE ROOKIE (2001)

Mike Rich: screenwriter, FINDING FORRESTER

Carter Burwell: American Composer

"...Unabashedly lyrical and beautifully photographed....Its stately pace and appreciation of the austere grandeur of the Texas landscape and the eerie beauty of night baseball contribute to its aura of modern American folk tale..."
"...The movie keeps its eye on the ball....[The filmmakers] touch the heart without being sticky..."
"...A sweet, engaging, truth-based celebration of America's favorite pastime....THE ROOKIE will feel like a home run..."
"...John Lee Hancock's heartfelt movie scores a solid hit..."
"...[The filmmakers have] given THE ROOKIE a lovely, relaxed feeling that makes us happy to be in this film's company..."
"...Smoothly directed....Schwartzman's attractive color lensing is splendid....Quaid's effortlessly compelling and engagingly earnest performance keeps the pic grounded in down-to-earth reality..."
"...[Quaid] brings an appealing humility to his role..."
"...This gently played story of an ordinary second chance is actually quite a treat..."