this be a wonderful piece of work from director and executive producer billy crystal . a powerful and personal story of the little known amiable relationship between roger mari and mickey mantle during that dramatic home run race of 1961. the two slugger be always picture a be bitter rival . this be a whole different tale . mantle ( thomas jane ) be the yankee golden boy and mari ( barry pepper ) the ridicule interloper learn to coexist and become the m and m boy . mantle be jade by the press offer his best advice to the often stoic and sullen mari on matter of survive publicity . most of the home run chase be like a masterpiece on canvas . maris never seem to get the respect he deserve and but his fortitude garner him a place in baseball history . 61 would of course become 61 and then later shatter and surpass by another home run chase . this movie deserve be rank among the elite of sport movie and one of the best baseball flick ever . pepper be outstanding a mari . jane take a little warm up to a the mick . a very talented support cast include represent richard masur and bruce mcgill and christopher bauer . plus most impressive be billy crystal daughter and jennifer and play pat mari . this be a must see for every sport fan .