Seeing “The Only Real Game” a Second Time

I saw the incredible movie, “The Only Real Game” for a second time last night at The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York.  The film and its director Mirra Bank deserve high praise.

Watching a second time, I noticed so many new things. Those include the incredible scenery in Manipur, which is a state in India. Ms. Bank highlights the beauty as the movie begins.

The natural beauty there belies the terrible trouble in the state. High unemployment, insurgents, who have abounded since Manipur became part of India in 1949, and HIV/Aids are three terrible problems.

Despite those problems, baseball is a game loved in Manipur since being introduced by United States’ servicemen during World War Two, and has helped and given hope.

So many heroes and brave individuals have emerged as depicted in the film.

Organizations such as Harlem RBI led by Rich Berlin and First Pitch have brought baseball equipment and coaching skills to Manipur.

The coaches brought to Manipur are Jeff Brueggemann and Dave Palese.

Muriel “Mike” Peters and Richard Brockman are two of the movie’s producers.

Paul Brill is the music director and was a panelist for questions and answers which followed the film presentation.

Special praise to Randye Ringler for all her efforts in promoting the film. Additionally she did a fantastic job as a panelist.

It was noted that WFAN baseball specialist Ed Randall was in the audience and Mr. Randall had high praise for the film and those involved.

I hope to see “The Only Real Game” a third time, it is that inspiring!

For more info on the film, click: “The Only Real Game”