The Stratton Story Reviews

Directed by Sam Wood (PRIDE OF THE YANKEES), this is the true story of pitcher Monty Stratton's heroic return to professional baseball after his leg had been amputated as the result of a hunting accident. Although some liberties are taken with the story to make it play onscreen, the film doesn't stray too far from the facts. Stratton (James Stewart) is pitching in a semipro game in Texas when Barney Wile (Frank Morgan), a one-time baseball player but now a jobless hobo, recognizes his raw talent. Stratton likes the idea of hurling in the majors, and Barney offers to instruct him in the fine points that separate sandlotters from stars. The pair hitchhikes to California, where the White Sox are holding their training camp. White Sox manager Jimmy Dykes (playing himself) lets Stratton try out and the lanky right-hander is so impressive that he's given a contract. After a couple of superb years, it looks as though a great future is in store for the pitcher, until he accidentally shoots himself in the leg. With a prosthesis, Stratton learns to walk again, and then gets back into form on the pitching mound. This inspiring picture about a man who wouldn't give up (and who acted as the film's technical advisor) also features appearances by the Yankee great Bill Dickey and pitcher Gene Bearden as themselves.