There's a good chance you're familiar with Jackie Robinson's rise from the Negro Leagues to the Brooklyn Dodgers. You may have watched "42" or "The Jackie Robinson Story," which are both fine movies. But 1996's "Soul of the Game" walks you through the story from a different angle entirely. This underrated baseball film takes a look at Robinson's tale with less of focus on its effects on MLB and the white players around him as much as it casts a lens on his fellow Negro League players who thought maybe they deserved that shot. 

While Blair Underwood is great as Robinson and Mykelti Williamson plays a loveable yet gruff slugging catcher, Josh Gibson, it's Delroy Lindo's portrayal of aging pitcher Satchel Paige that steals the screen. Outside of talent, Satchel is everything that Jackie is not, he's cocky, brash, and tempermental. He's also a blast to watch. 

Each player has their own battles and reasons for wanting to be the first one to the Majors. Gibson, "the black Babe Ruth,"  is the acknowledged slugger in the Negro Leagues, but he's battling health issues in the form of headaches and mental issues. Despite those concerns, he is reported to have hit over 800 career homeruns. Satchel Paige is the biggest draw in the league as a dominant pitcher and spectacular showman. However, by the time this story is unfolding, he's entering into his 40s and feeling the effects of aging. For both, the clock is ticking on this opportuntity. Then, enters a young, straight-laced Robinson that pulls the rug out from in under them. 

In the end, this movie has characters that are eminently relatable and tells the story from a unique angle without a hint of getting preachy. While its not my favorite baseball film (that will show up on Opening Day!) it's my favorite hidden gem and a top 10 for me. 

Scorecard: Triple (standing up!)

Best line: (Jackie talking to Satchel Paige's wife-to-be Lahoma)

                 Jackie: "How old is he?"

                 Lahoma: "Not a day older than he has to be."

Run time: 1 hr 34 min

Where can you see it? Free on Youtube

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115631/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1