I LOVED this documentary that is a must for every baseball fan but probably quite enjoyable for non-fans as well. It tells the story of Mike Veck, who is currently the man behind the St. Paul Saints minor-league baseball team. Under Veck, the Saints have not only been successful on and off the field, but have become known for numerous crazy stunts starting with having a pig (I believe named Kevin BACON) bring out the game balls to duct taping fans to the outfield wall where if they catch a ball they win a prize.
Mike is the son of baseball legend Bill Veck, who owned the Chicago White Sox for several years and was responsible for such stunts as signing a midget because he knew pitchers would never be able to find his tiny strike zone.
As Bill‘s son, Mike convinced him to sponsor the ill-fated Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park in 1979. The movie shows all the insane and glorious chaos that rained down on Chicago that night. You would think that would be enough reason to watch this documentary. However, that only scratches the surface.
Mike Veck himself is such a wonderfully engaging presence in this movie. His warm, funny, self deprecating personality just jumps off the screen. Baseball fan or not, Mike is a soothing balm for all of us in these cynical times. And a sad twist almost brought a tear to my eye while Mike’s reaction to it gives the movie a whole lot of heart.
I can’t recommend it enough.
[Netflix]
