Chasing 3000 is a moving story about two brothers who share a love of baseball so great that they set off cross-country together in the early 70s to go see the famous Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit. Roger, a teen, wants to go with his older brother Mickey, who he holds in high esteem, but Roger’s muscular dystrophy makes this trip a challenge, and while theirs was not an easy goal to achieve, they take the trip together. Of course, no one knew Clemente would die shortly after the season.
The boys face various obstacles and challenges: Roger forgets his medicine for his muscular dystrophy, develops bronchitis and faces possible pneumonia if he is not careful. In addition, they run out of money during this trip. They also make some bad decisions, such as taking their mom’s car for the trip to the baseball stadium, which, incidentally, happens to be from California to Pittsburgh. This trip will take a few days, and they are under the gun as Roberto is only three hits shy of 3,000!
The love the brothers share is a powerful emotion in the film. Will they make it in time to see Roberto get the big hit? Will Roger survive? Despite some use of language, the film features many good elements, and we are awarding it our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. Come along for the ride and chase 3000 with Roger and Mickey!
