Lovingthe Game

By Meg Merkel Staff Writer

Yeah, I love the game. I have loved it since I have been old enough to cheer and watch it on TV. I loved it even more when I was old enough to play. So, you can imagine, any movie about baseball, I'm gonna go see it. Throw in Kevin Costner and I get there a little faster.

I am thrilled to say I was not disappointed. I sat back and watched a heartwarming flick about America's Favorite Pastime, "For the Love of the Game."

Billy Chapel, (Kevin Costner), a forty-year old pitcher in the major league, shares with all of us a story of how he came to love the game. Any athlete watching sympathizes with the endless hours of practicing, the injuries that never seem to heal and all the time spent alone, pushing yourself, that the fans never get to see. Those of you that don't play, you see, the love for the game makes it all worth it.

Chapel even takes us back to younger years, sunny days filled with backyard catches and dreams of those perfect games, the ones where you get to save the day.

My only regret is not driving home and seeing it with my dad, whose love for the game saw me through many sunny (and rainy) days. And there is still more corning.

Even those who don't love the game, this movie appeals to you too. Kelly Preston costars and has an equally good performance. "For the Love of the Game" is not just about a sport. It's a story about love, loss and life. So grab a loved one and go see it. I think you'll love it.