Hardball

Hard Ball 2001

Connor O'Neal (Keanu Reeves) is a man who always avoids responsibility and spends his time betting on sports. When he asks a close friend of the banker to help him pay off his debts, the banker tells him that he can no longer give him free money. He advises him to work and earn money, and asks him to coach a youth baseball team sponsored by his company. Conor, who hasn't taken responsibility for anyone but himself, reluctantly accepts the assignment. He coaches black kids at a school in Chicago's most troubled district. Over time, even he himself is surprised at how attached he is to the children. These 10-year-olds are giving him life lessons. Things get even more interesting for Conor when their young teacher Elizabeth Wilkes (Diane Lane) intervenes. Eventually Conor begins to realize that enlightenment and self-knowledge can take many forms.