The 100th Inning – A film on the world's longest baseball game for ALS

In the heart of Boston, where the love for baseball runs deep, a poignant story is unfolding—one that blends the city’s rich baseball legacy with an intense fight against ALS. It’s “The 100th Inning.” Read the press release.

“The 100th Inning”: A Touching Tribute to Resilience, Baseball, and the Fight Against

Set just twelve miles south of the backdrop of Fenway Park’s towering Green Monster, the documentary provides a fresh perspective on a city known for its sports fanaticism. But this isn’t about championship runs or famous athletes; it’s about local heroes.

The documentary, “The 100th Inning,” is not just another baseball story; it’s a tale of grit, determination, and the extraordinary lengths to which ordinary people will go to support a cause close to their hearts. From late-night pitches in the dark to the overwhelming exhaustion players feel in the wee hours of the morning, the film captures the raw emotions that come with every swing, catch, and run.

ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, has long been associated with baseball, most notably through the legendary Lou Gehrig. “The 100th Inning” bridges the gap between the sport and the disease, shedding light on the modern-day warriors battling ALS on and off the field. By intertwining personal anecdotes, gripping game footage, and informative segments about the disease, it strikes a delicate balance between entertainment and education, hope and reality.

Boston’s fervor for baseball is legendary, and this film encapsulates that passion while redirecting its focus towards a noble cause. In a city where every game counts, this particular match goes beyond scores, reminding us that sometimes, the most significant victories happen off the field. It’s a story that has taken more than 20 years to write, since the 100 Innings of Baseball game began in 2004.

Curt & Shonda Schilling: Catalysts for Change

The game would have remained a local endeavor had it not been for Curt and Shonda Schilling. This power duo became the wind beneath the wings of an initiative that had the potential but perhaps lacked the stage. Curt Schilling, the celebrated Red Sox pitcher, known for his bloody sock, clutch performances, and an unmatched zeal for the game, transformed his on-field passion into an off-field mission. It wasn’t just about baseball for him; it was about using the sport as a tool for greater good. Alongside his endeavors, Shonda Schilling’s unwavering support and shared commitment amplified the impact. Together, they’ve transformed an annual event into a movement.

Their decision to lend their name and voice to the cause was more than just celebrity endorsement; it was personal and heartfelt. The Schillings have always believed in using their platform for positive change, and their advocacy in the fight against ALS is a testament to this belief. By intertwining their love for baseball with a heartfelt mission, they’ve not only given the 100 innings game a broader audience but also galvanized an entire community to rally behind ALS research. Their commitment has provided hope and inspiration to countless individuals, ensuring that every inning played resonates far beyond the baseball diamond.

Through Alex’s Lens: An Intimate Portrayal

Produced by Alex Koppelman, a dedicated player from the Boston Metro Baseball League and pitcher for the Boston Dodgers, “The 100th Inning” offers a perspective that’s both intimate and deeply personal. It’s one thing to read about a game or watch snippets on the news, but it’s another to experience it from the inside. Koppelman, drawing from his own experiences and connections in the game, delves deeper than the usual highlights, taking us on a behind-the-scenes journey where raw emotions run high. His involvement as a player adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making viewers feel as if they’re right there on the field, sharing in every high and low.

Furthermore, Koppelman’s prowess as a filmmaker is evident in how he stitches together the myriad of narratives from the game. With each swing of the bat and every pitch thrown, there are personal stories of triumph, struggle, and hope. It’s more than just a game—it’s an encapsulation of life itself. By interweaving anecdotes, candid interviews, and raw emotions, Alex ensures that “The 100th Inning” stands as a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that pushes us to give our all for something bigger than ourselves.

"Being a player in the Boston Metro Baseball League and producing 'The 100th Inning' was a fulfilling experience. I merged my on-field involvement with filmmaking, capturing the raw emotions and personal stories. The film stands as a testament to community, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that drives us to give our all."

Alex Koppelman – Writer, Director, and Producer

More Than Just Players: The Heart and Soul of Boston

“The 100th Inning” beautifully captures the essence of Boston’s community spirit. This isn’t merely a tale of individuals playing a game; it’s a collective embodiment of a city’s heart and its unwavering spirit. These players, who hail from various walks of life, each bring their personal journeys to the field. The game becomes a canvas, where stories of passion, determination, and hope are painted with every inning. From Walter Bentson’s dedication behind the plate as the umpire chief who has helped keep the game going for decades to Rich Kennedy’s tireless commitment off the field as head of The Angel Fund, every story is a testament to the resilient spirit of Boston.

Moreover, the documentary showcases the profound impact that individuals can have when united by a shared cause. Pete Frates, known for sparking the global phenomenon of the Ice Bucket Challenge, is a shining example of this. He’s played in this game. His story and the stories of many others in the documentary underscore the notion that baseball is more than just a sport in Boston—it’s an embodiment of the community’s hopes, dreams, struggles, and triumphs. As the players battle it out on the field for a greater cause, they stand as symbols of the broader fight against ALS, representing the very soul of Boston: passionate, tenacious, and ever-hopeful.

Go Watch The 100th Inning

“The 100th Inning” is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering spirit of those committed to a cause. It reminds us of the lengths people can go when driven by passion and purpose. And it offers a window into the hearts and lives of Boston’s finest. This fall, as the film makes its debut, audiences will not just be watching a baseball game; they’ll be witnessing a beacon of hope and determination that shines bright. Get ready to be inspired.

Watch The 100th Inning on Amazon now.

Watch The 100th Inning trailer below.

Brett Rudy

Brett Rudy is a trailblazer in the world of baseball. As the founder of Baseball Is My Life and co-founder of Charity Hop Sports Marketing, he’s dedicated to elevating the sport and supporting the athletes who play it. With a passion for making a difference, Brett has created successful philanthropic initiatives like Charity Wines and 100 Innings of Baseball for ALS. He’s also the mastermind behind the Corked Bat Collection, Cooperstown Classic at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Winterball for Toys for Tots. When he’s not working to improve the game, Brett can be found playing outfield in the Boston Metro Baseball League, living and breathing the sport he loves.