The entire process by which individuals are able to reach their dreams is always an interesting one to see, whether it be through a film like Rudy or Lords of Dogtown. Ballplayer: Pelotero is a film that looks into baseball and the exact process how one may be able to become a Major League player. Taking place in the Dominican Republic, Ballplayer: Pelotero shows the Herculean amount of work that is necessary to even be considered by a ball club. As the amount of players from the Dominican Republic continues to grow, American players would do well to see their work ethic and take to heart some of the attitudes held by these players.
As a film, Ballplayer: Pelotero far outstrips other sports documentaries. The lens that captures the unique situation in which these players finds themselves is even-handed and goes further in depth than other titles of a similar bent. The film also provides a great view into the corrupt world of Major League agents, which sign on with a player at the cost of a lion’s share of their pay and any bonuses that they may receive. While the popular perception of MLB agents varies depending on which side of the fence one finds themselves, I feel that Ballplayer: Pelotero does not tart up or otherwise provide a rosy view of these individuals.
I feel that Ballplayer: Pelotero showcases the drive and dedication of individuals that may never make it to competitive baseball. This does not change or otherwise dampen their hope, and as such, makes Ballplayer: Pelotero into a compelling film. Check out the Strand website for more information about their 2012 and 2013 slate of films.
Rating: 9.0/10
Ballplayer: Pelotero (DVD) / 2012 Strand Releasing / 78 Minutes / http://www.strandreleasing.com / http://www.amazon.com/Ballplayer-Pelotero-John-Leguizamo/dp/B008BKQZN2/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1349732767&sr=1-2&keywords=ballplayer
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
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