The PITCH
Series Overview
The Pitch: “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?”
Step into the heart of New York City’s tumultuous 1960s with “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?” A captivating TV series that follows the incredible journey of the New York Mets, a team that not only defied odds on the baseball field but also mended the hearts of a city in need of hope.
Led by the indomitable Joan Payson, the first female owner in Major League Baseball, and guided by the legendary Casey Stengel, the Mets became more than just a baseball team; they became a beacon of resilience and unity for a city undergoing profound transformation.
Season 1: “Seeds of Hope (1962-1963)”
Join Joan Payson as she fearlessly steps into the male-dominated world of professional sports ownership, determined to bring pride and joy to New York. Alongside her is Casey Stengel, the mastermind behind the Mets’ unorthodox journey from underdogs to contenders. Witness the birth of a team that would capture the imagination of a city hungry for victory, even as losses mounted and skepticism abounded.
Meet Bill Shea, the visionary lawyer whose determination brought National League baseball back to New York, and Gil Hodges, the beloved Brooklyn Dodger-turned-Mets first baseman who would later lead the team to World Series glory. Ritchie Ashburn, with his veteran leadership and unwavering dedication, becomes a fan favorite and a mentor to the young Mets players.
Season 2: “Building a Dream (1964-1965)”
As the Mets begin to find their stride, the city rallies behind them, finding solace and inspiration in their tenacity. Despite the losses, the more the Mets struggled, the deeper the bond grew between the team and the people of New York. From the iconic Shea Stadium to the bustling streets of the city, follow the Mets as they forge bonds with the people they represent. Marvelous Marv Throneberry and Cleon Jones add their own unique flair to the team, becoming beloved figures both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Jimmy Breslin, the iconic journalist, connects the community through his heartfelt storytelling, immortalizing the Mets’ journey in the hearts and minds of New Yorkers.
Season 3: “Rising from the Ashes (1966-1967)”
Despite facing adversity on and off the field, the Mets become a source of pride and unity for New Yorkers of all walks of life. With each defeat, the Mets’ resilience mirrors the city’s own journey of perseverance. The more they lost, the more beloved they became, as fans saw themselves reflected in the team’s determination to rise above challenges and keep pushing forward. Experience the highs and lows as the Mets continue to write their remarkable story against the backdrop of a city in flux. Little Al Jackson, with his unwavering dedication, becomes a symbol of hope for the team and the community.
Season 4: “Miracle Season (1968-1969)”
Under the leadership of Gil Hodges, the Mets embark on a historic season that transcends sports. As the city grapples with social upheaval and political turmoil, the Mets’ miraculous run to the World Series becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. Witness the unforgettable moments and iconic players that solidify the Mets’ place in New York lore, culminating in a triumphant World Series victory in 1969 that unites the city in celebration. The Mets’ journey from lovable losers to champions epitomizes the enduring bond between a team and its city, proving that sometimes, the more they lost, the more they were beloved.
“Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?” is more than a TV series; it’s a love letter to New York City and the Mets’ role in healing and inspiring its people. Through triumph and adversity, this series celebrates the enduring bond between a team and its city, reminding us that sometimes, in the midst of chaos, miracles can happen on the baseball diamond. Get ready to be swept away by the magic of the New York Mets and the city that never sleeps.
Casey Stengel Quotes
“STENGELEESE”
- "Sometimes it's easier to understand things than it is to figure them out" ~ Casey Stengel
- "You look up and down the bench and you have to say to yourself, 'Can't anybody here play this game?' There comes a time in every man's life and I've had plenty of them." ~ Casey Stengel
- "The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader." ~ Casey Stengel
- "All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height." ~ Casey Stengel
- "The secret of successful managing is to keep the five guys who hate you away from the four guys who haven't made up their minds." ~ Casey Stengel
- "When you are younger you get blamed for crimes you never committed and when you're older you begin to get credit for virtues you never possessed. It evens itself out." ~ Casey Stengel
- "See that fella over there? He's 20 years old. In 10 years, he's got a chance to be a star. Now that fella over there, he's 20 years old, too. In 10 years he's got a chance to be 30." ~ Casey Stengel
- "Gettin' good players is easy. Gettin' 'em to play together is the hard part." ~ Casey Stengel
- "They say it can't be done, but sometimes that doesn't always work." ~ Casey Stengel
- "The trouble is not that players have sex the night before a game. It's that they stay out all night looking for it." ~ Casey Stengel
- "Never make bad predictions, especially about the future." ~ Casey Stengel
- "The Mets have shown me more ways to lose than I even knew existed." ~ Casey Stengel
- "Now there's three things you can do in a baseball game: You can win or you can lose or it can rain." ~ Casey Stengel
- "Most people my age are dead at the present time and you can look it up." ~ Casey Stengel
- "I was once asked what it takes to be a great manager...my response? Great players." ~ Casey Stengel
- "I made up my mind, but I made it up both ways." ~ Casey Stengel
- "The trick is growing up without growing old." ~ Casey Stengel
- "Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa." ~ Casey Stengel
- "We are a much improved ball club: now we lose in extra innings!" ~ Casey Stengel
- "Without losers, where would the winners be?" ~ Casey Stengel
- "You have to go broke three times to learn how to make a living." ~ Casey Stengel
- "You have to draft a catcher, because if you don't have one, the pitch will roll all the way back to the screen." ~ Casey Stengel
- "They told me my services were no longer desired because they wanted to put in a youth program as an advance way of keeping the club going. I'll never make the mistake of being seventy again." ~ Casey Stengel
- "All that analysis is well and good, but what I need right now is a left-handed batter who can hit the ball over the shortstop's head." ~ Casey Stengel
