“This Overlooked Kevin Costner Film Directed by Sam Raimi Deserves a Second Look”
Sam Raimi Directed This Overlooked Kevin Costner Baseball Drama — And It’s Worth a Watch
While Sam Raimi built his reputation on horror classics like The Evil Dead trilogy, and later solidified his status as a top-tier director with the Spider-Man franchise, his filmography holds a few unexpected gems outside of those genres. One of the most surprising? A heartfelt baseball drama starring Kevin Costner.
Best known for his stylized horror and superhero films, Raimi has a distinct visual flair and a knack for darker storytelling. His contributions to genre filmmaking include cult favorites like Darkman, the groundbreaking Spider-Man trilogy with Tobey Maguire, and more recently, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But in 1999, Raimi stepped far outside his usual sandbox with For Love of the Game — a sentimental sports drama that stands apart from the rest of his work.
A Rare Detour Into Drama
For Love of the Game marks the end of Raimi’s directorial work in the 1990s and is based on the novel by Michael Shaara. The film follows veteran pitcher Billy Chapel (played by Kevin Costner) as he reflects on his life and career during what may be his final game in Major League Baseball.
Unlike Raimi’s more visually dynamic projects, this film relies on emotional beats and character-driven storytelling. There are no demons, superpowers, or surreal sequences — just one man coming to terms with his legacy and lost love. And yet, Raimi proves he can handle quieter, more introspective material, delivering a solid and sincere drama.
Costner in His Element
Kevin Costner feels right at home in the world of baseball, having already starred in beloved sports films like Field of Dreams and Bull Durham. In For Love of the Game, he brings maturity and gravitas to the role of Chapel, making the character’s emotional journey believable and relatable. While the film doesn’t break new ground in terms of narrative, its blend of sports and romance offers something different from the usual genre fare.
How It Stacks Up in Raimi’s Career
When compared to Raimi’s more iconic movies, For Love of the Game tends to fall lower on most rankings. Its straightforward plot doesn’t demand the kind of stylistic risks Raimi is known for, which might disappoint fans expecting something more visually inventive.
Critically, the film landed with a thud — it holds a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest among Raimi’s directorial efforts (excluding films he only produced, like Boogeyman, which scored an abysmal 11%). But audiences were kinder: For Love of the Game holds a solid 75% audience score, reflecting its emotional resonance and lasting appeal for many viewers.
A Hidden Gem Worth Revisiting
Though it may not top any lists of Raimi’s best work, For Love of the Game deserves more credit than it often gets. It’s a thoughtful, quietly moving film that shows a different side of both Raimi and Costner — and proves that even the most genre-focused directors can shine in unfamiliar territory.
If you’re a fan of baseball movies, Kevin Costner’s work, or simply want to see a softer side of Sam Raimi’s directorial range, For Love of the Game is well worth your time.
