Let me begin this review with a confession that I have never actually watched a baseball game in its entirety. I went to a Twins game 30 years ago and went to a Saints game for the first time last August, I think I spent less than 5 minutes watching the game itself. Needless to say, I wasn’t aware of who Bill or Mike Veeck were, but that didn’t matter, as it made it all the more fun to learn about him and his journey.

It so happens that Mike Veeck has made a career crafting baseball games for people who aren’t into the sport and so the film takes a similar approach. Directed by Jeff Malmberg and Morgan Neville (who won an Oscar for 20 Feet from Stardom), The Saint of Second Chances is so much more than baseball. It lives up to its name as it truly is a redemption story and recognizes the value of a second chance. Indeed, the hero of the story grew up around the sport, under the shadow of his Hall of Fame baseball team owner Bill Veeck Jr., known for his various game-changing inventions. I always think it’s tough to grow up under someone who’s considered ‘the great,’ and Bill Veeck was considered baseball’s greatest promoter for introducing ballpark giveaways, theme nights, skyboxes, fireworks, etc.

Veeck’s idea is for audiences to have fun at the games, regardless of whether their favorite team wins or loses. It’s with that goal in mind that Mike, who was the promotions director for the Chicago White Sox in 1979, introduced Disco Demolition Night. Most baseball fans would likely have heard of that historic event that seemed like a fun idea in theory, but ended in chaos when 50,000 fans rushed the field that took police in riot gear to disperse. Bill Veeck’s reputation took a nosedive as a result, and Mike spent the next few decades trying to climb back up from such a record low. He also battled alcoholism that caused him his first marriage, but joining AA and meeting his second wife Libby helped turn his life around.

The film was narrated by Jeff Daniels, but instead of simply employing the standard talking-head interviews, some of the scenes of Mike’s life are reenacted by Charlie Day. It certainly added an extra dose of playfulness, especially when 72-year-old Mike himself shows up portraying his father. There’s an earnestness to Day that makes him perfect as Mike, though I was more entertained whenever the real Mike appeared on screen. He truly embodies the ‘fun is good’ mantra (which happens to be the name of his book and marketing company) with his infectious laughter and gregarious personality. It was also amusing to hear from Mike’s son Night Train (yep that is his real name!) about his family’s journey.

One of the highlights of the film was interviews with Darryl Strawberry, 8 times All-Star and 3 times World Series champion. The former New York Yankees had battled drug addictions that caused him to be suspended from the San Francisco Giants in the ’90s, he credited St. Paul Saints for reviving his love for baseball again. It was incredulous to learn that Mike actually hesitated to sign Strawberry at first, it was Libby who convinced him otherwise.

The theme about second chances and redemption is ever-present… what began as a son’s journey to reclaim his father’s legacy, the film then transitions to a father-daughter story between Mike and Rebecca, his only daughter who suffered from Batten’s disease. I didn’t realize what had happened to Rebecca but I had a sense from the way the filmmakers interviewed her friends that something was amiss. While the tone of the movie is mostly playful, the moments between Mike and Rebecca are genuinely emotional. Let’s just say I’m glad I packed tissues going into the theater.

As I mentioned in this trailer post, I was fortunate enough to attend a live screening of this event with the cast and crew present. It was fun to hear Mike Veeck’s boisterous laughter in person, and I believe the filmmakers capture his larger-than-life personality in the film. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I must say that Mike Veeck’s passion and zest for life is contagious, as I left the theater feeling energized and inspired by the power of redemption. Fun is indeed good when it comes to sports… and movies, too! Neville and Malmberg apply that sensibility and I believe they hit a home run with this one.

The Saint of Second Chances is now streaming on Netflix

Have you seen The Saint of Second Chances? I’d love to hear what you think!

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