Movies

In ‘Eephus,’ a day of baseball comes to life in all its loose-limbed, adult-league glory

BBG News

On their cherished Massachusetts field, a group of weekend warriors, facing the setting sun, make up the ruggedly friendly squad of “Eephus.” This is Carson Lund’s heartwarming tribute to beer, depicting a decisive small-town game on an old ballpark that’s about to be demolished.

The term in the title, drawn from the sport’s extensive vocabulary, signifies a curved throw thrown with deliberate lack of power that leaves the hitter bewildered. Despite its casual speed, it possesses an authentic spin, movement, and rhythm that prevents it from veering off target.

Baseball movies frequently focus on grand, climactic moments in big games, neglecting the casual, friendly feel of a game of catch on a sunny afternoon. However, filmmaker Ron Shelton understood this, as seen in “Bull Durham”. In a similar vein, director Lund, who has made a name for himself as an indie cinematographer, prefers the relaxed, carefree atmosphere of recreational baseball games – the combination of sunshine, drinks, and both literal and verbal swings (the latter being banter) – over a clichéd competition storyline. His movie, which is easygoing and bittersweet, benefits greatly from this choice.

The River Dogs, guided by their composed leader Graham (Stephen Radochia), are not looking to demolish Adler’s Paint in this final confrontation before a school is built on their beloved field. However, neither team is indifferent about the outcome. As a beautiful October day progresses, there’s an undeniable feeling of impending change, but it doesn’t dampen the spirits of these weekly acquaintances who have come together. There’s no need for excessive sentimentality, especially when a good-natured jibe might provide an advantage or at least a chuckle.

Movies

As a child, Director Carson Lund was deeply engrossed in play, but it was cinema that ultimately captured his interest. By merging these twin interests, he crafted ‘Eephus,’ a film that elegantly depicts the slow decline of a once popular pastime.

I found myself immersed in an authentic ensemble, reminiscent of Robert Altman’s style with a touch of Richard Linklater’s quirkiness. The performances that truly stood out were Keith William Richards, David Pridemore, and Theodore Bouloukos, each embodying different layers of appealing grittiness. Bill “Spaceman” Lee, the former Red Sox pitcher, brought a delightful, unexpected twist to his role as an outsider, much like a guest spot in a classic variety show.

Director Lund skillfully guided Greg Tango’s cinematography, framing the scenes in expansive compositions and leisurely tracking shots that captured the essence of autumnal beauty. Each character was given their moment to ponder deeply, with close-ups that accentuated the introspective micro-dramas woven into the fabric of the story – tales of intricate game strategies, irritating habits, and life’s everyday hardships.

Title “Eephus” by Lund, Basta, and Fisher is set in the 1990s, but it’s not immediately clear due to limited period references like cars and a boombox. The frequent radio broadcasts, even with the surprising voice of renowned documentarian Frederick Wiseman, don’t reveal the timeframe. The characters’ hairstyles, such as mullets and dreadlocks, also persist through the decades, making it hard to pinpoint the era. Additionally, the well-used score pad where league regular Franny (played by Cliff Blake) records balls, strikes, and runs from his portable table could simply be an old-timer’s preference rather than a 1990s artifact.

In other places, the signs of middle age – belly fat, unkempt facial hair, stubbornness, teasing, a sense of resignation – are just as enduring in human humor as the melancholic understanding that everything eventually ends: daylight, an umpire’s workday, the excitement from a 12-pack, the tolerance of an irritable individual. The rules of baseball, however, transcend time, and “Eephus” celebrates carelessness as a strength, almost to excess. So, why not take a break and get a hot dog or drink during the movie? Lund’s leisurely, non-linear storytelling style makes such breaks welcome. That’s what baseball is all about too.

The potential downside, though, is that you might overlook that impressive home run or, in this instance, that perfectly composed scene or frustrated expression. What truly makes “Eephus” deserving of the first-ballot hall of fame for sports movies is the unwavering devotion shown by Lund and his team to simply celebrating something fleeting yet eternal. They’re just eager to capture a clear, lasting view of everything before it disappears entirely.

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2025-03-14 23:31

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