A well-received indie film about a baseball player from
the Dominican Republic named Miguel “Sugar” Santos, who wants nothing more than
to make it in the Major Leagues and earn the money needed to support his
impoverished family. An ace pitcher
drafted by the Kansas City Royals, he starts his career in the minor leagues in
Iowa, hosted by a kind family of strangers.
Speaking little English, and unfamiliar with the wealth and workings of
America, the 19 year-old Santos struggles with the culture of both country and
professional baseball. But when an arm injury threatens his pitching career,
the boy has to re-evaluate his life and make a quick transition into maturity.
Nominated for an Independent
Spirit Award, an Espy Award and several others and winner of the American Film Institute’s
Best Picture of 2009.