Pitching Hope is a 2013 independent film directed by Talmage Cooley, which tells the compelling story of a young girl named Katie, who dreams of playing Little League baseball. Katie is born with a congenital heart defect and has had multiple surgeries throughout her life. Despite the fact that her doctors advise against it due to her condition, Katie is determined to play baseball and live a normal life like every other child her age.
Joni Adahl plays the role of Katie's mother, Sarah, who supports her daughter's aspirations of playing baseball but is also concerned about her health. Timothy Douglas Perez plays the role of Katie's baseball coach, Charlie, who sees the talent and potential in Katie and is willing to help her achieve her dreams. Anita Cordell plays the role of Dr. Whitman, Katie's cardiologist, who advises against her playing sports due to the potential risks.
Pitching Hope is a heartwarming and inspiring film that explores themes of determination, resilience, and the power of dreams. The film is set in a small town in Wisconsin, where Katie lives with her mother and younger brother, and where everyone knows everyone else's business. Katie is a shy and introverted girl who finds solace in playing baseball, which she has been doing since she was a toddler. She is a natural athlete and has a strong love for the game.
Charlie, the coach, is a retired baseball player who has a passion for the game and wants to share his knowledge and skills with the next generation. He sees something special in Katie and wants to help her succeed. Charlie becomes a father figure to Katie and helps her develop her talent and skills on the baseball diamond.
Dr. Whitman, on the other hand, is a stern and no-nonsense doctor who is concerned about the potential risks that playing baseball could have on Katie's health. She insists that Katie should not engage in any physical activities that could put stress on her heart. Sarah, Katie's mother, is torn between her daughter's dreams and her health concerns. She wants to support her daughter and see her achieve her dreams but also wants to ensure that she is safe and healthy.
The film takes the audience through Katie's journey as she tries to balance her dreams with her health concerns. She faces challenges, both physically and emotionally, as she tries to prove to herself and others that she can play baseball. The film also explores the relationship between Katie and her mother, who goes to great lengths to support her daughter's dreams. The film does an excellent job of portraying the emotional turmoil that parents go through when their child is facing a serious medical condition.
Pitching Hope is a well-written and well-directed film that manages to tackle some complex issues in a sensitive and nuanced way. The film is shot beautifully, and the performances by the cast are outstanding. Joni Adahl delivers a powerful performance as a mother torn between her love for her daughter and her fear for her daughter's health. Timothy Douglas Perez is excellent as the coach who becomes a mentor and father figure to Katie. Anita Cordell is excellent as the stern and no-nonsense doctor.
Overall, Pitching Hope is a heartwarming and inspiring film that will leave audiences with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of dreams. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced obstacles in their lives or knows someone who has. The film is a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination. If you haven't seen Pitching Hope yet, it is definitely worth watching.
Pitching Hope is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
