BY SAM KAHN

A new great hit out this fall in theaters is Money Ball, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. This film, based on the book by Michael Lewis, is about one of the great new stories in baseball. The basis of the book is the true story of the Oakland baseball Athletics’ General Manager, Billy Beane, and his new approach to managing a team.

Beane is known for bringing a mathematical stance to his work, something rarely heard of in baseball before the turn of the century. The unorthodox methodology of Beane’s plan was to focus on one of the hidden stats in baseball: on base percentage. His theory was to obtain players who would get on base more than anyone else in the league. Beane was famous on the Athletics for finding players that are still successful today, such as first baseman for the Boston Red Sox Kevin Youkilis, and right fielder for the New York Yankees Nick Swisher. The plot delves into Beane and his journey from small GM, getting paid little to nothing, to baseball guru and genius. The movie follows the 2002 baseball season during which the Oakland Athletics made a miraculous comeback throughout the middle of the year, set the record for most consecutive wins in a season, and made the playoffs.

The movie is funny at instances and serious in others. It’s a great story and especially enjoyable for anyone interested in sports, especially baseball. There are some suspenseful moments that make viewers feel as if they are witnessing the re-enacted games for the first time. Brad Pitt does a nice job as Beane, and Jonah Hill is funny as always playing Brad Pitt’s go to stats man, Peter Brand. I would give the flick a 9 out of 10 and suggest that if you are interested and still haven’t seen it, Get to it!