Baseball Drama Hits the Right Pitch

Written by PTC | Published September 9, 2016

An inspirational family drama with realistically sharp language. From early childhood, Ginny Baker’s father drilled her in pitching, pushing her to achieve greatness. And Ginny has – becoming the first female pitcher in major league baseball, opening for the San Diego Padres. Many are firmly in her corner: teammate Blip, who played with Ginny in the minors, and his wife Evelyn; Ginny’s obnoxious agent Amelia; and millions of women and girls who look up to her as an idol. Others are skeptical, but willing to give Ginny a chance, like manager Al and the Padre’s star player and team captain, Mike Lawson. But Ginny also faces challenges: the opposition of chauvinists, other players jealous of her talent, and – perhaps most of all – her own shaky self-confidence. As the pressures of major league baseball mount, will Ginny be able to keep her place on the team? Pitch is a delightfully well-crafted program with an upbeat, family-friendly premise. Girls in particular can draw inspiration from the character of Ginny and the way she overcomes obstacles ranging from sexism to self-doubt through determination and the help of her friends; and boys, too, can root for the underdog lead character winning through. In a Paley Center panel, even the first episode’s director, Paris Barclay, sang the praises of the show’s premise: “I’ve been aching to have a show I can watch with my family, and now there is one,” he said. The first episode does feature lengthy dialogue about Lawson’s on-field habit as an “ass-slapper,” as well as some other profanities. There is also some sexual innuendo, such as when Evelyn asks Ginny if she showers with her teammates: “Do you get to see their junk?” While realistic for a ball club, parents might consider the salty language on the show inappropriate for young children; but for teens and adults, the program is an involving family drama with a powerful message that girls can do anything. Pitch premieres Thursday, September 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox.