Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Yogi Berra Documentary IT AIN’T OVER: ‘Inspiring and Warmly Humorous’
By Movieguide® Staff
Sony Pictures Classics recently acquired the global rights to a documentary about the New York Yankee legend, Yogi Berra, called IT AIN’T OVER.
The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, and was directed by Sean Mullin.
Deadline reported of the documentary:
The film, which looks to take viewers beyond the caricatures and “Yogisms” and into the heart of a sports legend whose successes on the field were often overshadowed by his off-the-field persona, tells Berra’s story through his granddaughter Lindsay Berra along with his sons, former Yankee teammates, players he managed, writers, broadcasters and admirers. Interviews include with Yankee alums Joe Torre, Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly, play-by-play announcers Bob Costas and Vin Scully and Billy Crystal among others.
Aside from his impact on the baseball field, Berra is known for using classic sayings like, “it ain’t over til it’s over,” “a dime’s not worth a nickel anymore” and “baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.”
But perhaps Berra’s most outstanding achievement was his military service when he helped the efforts of the U.S. Navy and their D-Day invasion on the beach of Normandy.
“Inspiring and warmly humorous, Sean Mullin’s It Ain’t Over is a sports movie unlike any other, the full rich story of Yogi Berra, one of pro baseball’s great figures, a true original,” Sony Classics said. “We are excited to bring this movie to audiences all over the world.”
The Hall of Fame catcher earned 15 All-Star appearances, won 10 World Series titles with the Yankees, and three AL MVPs.
Movieguide® previously reported on Berra’s relationship with mentor Father Charles Koester.
After repeatedly getting heckled by someone while playing, Berra wanted to go after him. But:
Then all of a sudden a quiet voice seemed to speak to me, and I recognized that voice. It was the voice of Father Charles Koester, a priest at my old neighborhood parish of St. Ambrose in St. Louis, who is also auxiliary bishop there. Father Koester is a great baseball fan who has been a valuable adviser to me all my life,” Berra said.
“Now I seemed to hear him saying, ‘What are you going to accomplish by trying to shut that man up or punching him in the nose? You’ll just start trouble and get yourself all riled up. You’re paid to get hits and call pitches, aren’t you—not to fight with people! Calm down and do your job!’” he added. “So I just made myself cool off. The next time up at bat I did get a hit, and we ended up winning the game.”
After that particular incident, Berra recalled that he never felt an urge to fight back against the negativity.
“After that day I was never again tempted to go after anyone who was being insulting to me, whether it was a fan, a player on the other team or a sportswriter getting some good copy by poking fun at me,” Berra said. “I just adopted the attitude that what people say about me, well, that’s their opinion. I have to satisfy myself with what I’m doing.”
He concluded: “It’s the same in life as it is in playing ball: If you let something get under your skin, you’ll never get the job done. As Father Koester would say, ‘Never let negative things that others say keep you from doing your best. And if your best isn’t good enough today, remember, you’ll come up to bat again tomorrow!’”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
- Content: +2Share:
- Content: +2