Willie Mays

This film consists solely of 8mm and 16mm film taken by players and fans from 1934 and 1957. All but a few minutes of the film are in color. Included is color footage of past major league players and ballparks, many of the parks now defunct. Also included are literary readings, remembrances by former players, and baseball related music.

A series of filmed home run contests between two sluggers of the late 1950s/early 1960s. The batters had to swing at every pitch in the strike zone. Any called strike or batted ball that did not go for a home run was an out. (Three outs per inning.) The batter with the most runs at the end of nine innings won $2000. The loser got $1000. As an added incentive, any batter who hit three home runs in a row got a $500 bonus.

When construction worker Greg becomes fed-up with his foreman and the "city life", he takes his wife and kids on a wilderness adventure. (imdb)

The rise of African-Americans to positions of greatness in American sports. Stories are told of boxers, tennis players, runners, and basketball players, athletes who either suffered the indignities of racism, helped break down its walls, or enjoyed the opportunities afforded by past struggles.

Archival footage, contemporary interviews and reflection on Willie Mays and his trailblazing influence in and outside baseball too.