In “Comrades of Summer,” Sparky Smith is a past-his-prime American baseball coach who’ll work for anyone—including a Russian team that barely knows the sport. These Reds ain’t from Cincinnati! Faced with cultural and language barriers, Sparky is initially resentful and contemplates quitting as he prepares his inexperienced team for the U.S. Olympics.

Despite the obstacles, both the team and Sparky undergo transformation. When the underdog Russian team reaches the American stage, the high-pressure environment brings out unexpected strengths. Confronting these challenges, Sparky and his team find that the essence of baseball transcends borders, leading to mutual respect and self-discovery.