“...undeniably moving”
Jay Shapiro’s classic underdog sports story follows a baseball team with a dream. In its nearly 70-year history, the Little League World Series has neverhosted a team from Africa. Ugandan coach George Mukhobe, mentoring his preteen players with a deep love and respect for America’s pastime, hopes to change that. Filmed over three years, this winning film captures the team as they encounter truly unexpected ups and downs in their quest to make history.While the feel-good story was featured on ESPN’s Sportscenter and splashed across headlines, the odyssey of this familiar game being played in one of the most unlikely places is a tale of great obstacles, heartbreaking close calls, and international brotherhood.First introduced to Uganda in the 1990’s by Christian missionaries, baseball caught on with a small, but driven group who played in makeshift fields with shoddy gear. The movement was cut short when a car accident killed almost a dozen of the most promising players. But one kept the faith: George Mukhobe is a young coach who opens his home to the orphans and homeless kids he recruits to play this unique game. He gives them a purpose and the team giveshim hope.In 2010, a team of ghetto kids to a Little League Tournament in Poland where they will compete against other teams from Africa and the Middle East. For many, it is not only the first time on a plane… it is a first time the play in cleats and complete uniforms. They take the field against the ruling dynasty—a team of expat Americans who play as the official team from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi team has won the tournament for 10 straight years. Uganda defeats them with the tournament’s first-ever triple play. On the field, the Ugandan kids make astounding plays and clutch hits, but their success on the field is spoiled by the bureaucratic realities of Little League. First, a flawed tie-breaker rule, then a paperwork snafu at the visa office.But somehow the world takes notice: teams and coaches and fans from around the world donated much needed equipment and uniforms. Celebrities and Major League baseball stars reached out in support. And the Canadian team whom they were supposed to play in Williamsport decided they would travel to Uganda in January 2012 and play the game that never was.It is a week of sport and brotherhood that changes all their lives. Baseball is quickly becoming headline news in this small African country. And in 2012, a new team comes together and makes baseball history. They win in Poland, clear customs, and take the field in Williamsport, PA with the best players in the world.