Dear Hollywood: Why stop at turning 3 Nights in August into one movie when you can go for a cinematic triple play?
By Rob Hurtt
Photograph by Jennifer Hengst
Baseball fans shouldn’t be surprised that a man as methodical as Tony La Russa needed time after the season to ponder his career options. But what in the world is the holdup with that film of his? The production for 3 Nights in August seems to be taking longer than seven years in Tibet—the real-life story, not the movie.
PalmStar Entertainment announced in June 2006 its intention to make a movie out of Buzz Bissinger’s book centered on the Cardinals manager; 18 months later, the script is still in development. The project seemed to be moving along last fall when producer Kevin Frakes and screenwriter Kevin Pollak stopped by Busch to talk about the film and celebrate with the world champions, but we haven’t heard a word since. Maybe the duo left town with grander visions: a Cardinals trilogy. After all, if Major League can spawn two sequels, surely a book from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author can lead to bigger things.
What might that trilogy look like?
Three Nights in August
The screenplay won’t quite write itself, but that’s why Bissinger has also been tabbed as an executive producer. Pollak wants to stay true to Bissinger’s book, so expect a biopic with a focus on TLR. The trouble is, it all seems a bit too ordinary. In Hollywood, ordinary doesn’t cut it. You need kids with blazing fastballs and sluggers with monster swings. You need no-hitters and perfect games and walk-off homers that smash stadium lights. You need more than Cubs-Cards in August. You need …
Four Games in a Blur
… A championship. This flick follows the Cardinals manager as he deals with Boston traffic and closed hotel kitchens during the 2004 World Series. One problem is trying to figure out how to pack drama into a four-game set in which the good guys never gained a lead. And really, how much time can the film really devote to Curt Schilling’s bloody sock? The ending is a downer, but that’s why there obviously needs to be a third installment.
Five Errors on the Pitcher
Skip ahead two years. The Cards are playing in a new park. They avoid what could have been a historic, late-season collapse and somehow find themselves playing for the title again. There’s a rookie hurler who stars in the opener, controversy over an opponent’s dirty thumb and more miscues than a blooper reel. OK, it might not be the perfect way to end the film series, but it sure beats the 2007 alternative: Six Months in a Stupor.
Tony La Russa: The Timeline!
It was an up and (mostly) down season for the Cardinals. And along the way, Tony was always good for a memorable line.
February 14
Cardinals pitchers and catchers report to spring training, still high from the World Series win, and their skipper is all business.
“It will be up to all of us to accept the congratulations and the compliments and not get distracted and get back to playing.”
March 22
La Russa is found asleep behind the wheel of his running SUV. According to the police report, he struggles to recite the alphabet during a field sobriety test and is arrested and charged with DUI.
“I apologize to anyone who is close to me, members of the Cardinals’ organization, our fans. I regret it, take responsibility and I’m not sure there is anything else I can say.’’
July 10
With the bases loaded, two outs and his team down by a run, La Russa elects not to have Albert Pujols pinch hit in the All-Star game. The NL loses for the 10th time in 11 seasons. La Russa draws fire from critics, including Pujols.
“If he wants to get upset, he can get upset. Whatever he wants to do, he can do. It’s America.”
August 4
La Russa pulls out a move he hadn’t used since the Big Mac days: He bats the pitcher eighth. The Cards lose that game 12-1, but
La Russa sticks with the approach—and the Cards slowly make a move for the division lead.
“I think it’s a good strategy to use. It’s not like we’re burning up the league offensively.”
September 8
The up-and-down year ends on a low with a Rick Ankiel mini-scandal and a nine-game losing streak that kills post-season hopes. Even winning the last five games isn’t enough to buoy La Russa.
“I feel like I’ve been beat up. It’s been really, really draining.”
October 22
La Russa signs on for two more years.
“I’m obviously pleased to be back.”
