Undrafted 2016

The playoff clash features the DBs (short for Diamondbacks) going head-to-head against the Bulldogs. Despite the league boasting only six active teams, the stakes are high: the victor earns a spot in the finals held in Ocean City, Maryland. These players are not professionals, or at least they’re not supposed to be.

Among them is Maz, who finds himself among a group of players arriving late to the game, while others keep a watchful eye on the ongoing professional baseball draft. Although more than 30 rounds have passed without his name being called, Maz’s journey is far from over.

The team’s supposed coach, Ty (portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin), is more of a clown than a leader, failing to command the respect of his players. As events unfold, it’s clear that other teammates take on a more coach-like role. Garvey, the catcher, attempts to assert his importance, but his efforts lead to ridicule from the rest. David, who some might recognize from “The Goldbergs,” doesn’t let his lack of respect bother him; he even gets a moment to shine.

Among the players, there’s a veteran who once played in the pros but faced an untimely injury that cut his career short. It’s unclear whether he graced a major league team, but he certainly had minor league experience. Another player, Palacco, is an immigrant, with Zapata possibly sharing a similar background, though this remains ambiguous. Dells, Ty’s brother, initially takes on the closer’s role but unexpectedly starts as the opener, only to be warned about overexerting himself. The opposing team is well aware of his past struggles in high-pressure situations.

Maz finally arrives with his father, Joe (played by Jim Belushi). Uncertain about participating now that the draft is behind him, he grapples with his feelings, but Joe is unwaveringly supportive, sitting alongside Murray, whose son, a hot-headed player, goes by the name of Patrick.

The Bulldogs’ team rolls up in an impressive bus, catching the DBs off guard as they recognize several players who have already made it to the major leagues. With a roster of 50 players, the Bulldogs are a formidable opponent.

As the game is about to commence, the action is sluggish at first, filled with bickering, philosophical discussions, unsolicited advice, and plenty of rants—essentially everything but actual gameplay.

Numerous players confront significant challenges, some sidelined by obstacles, while others rise to the occasion, revealing their true capabilities. Contrary to what one might expect, the Bulldogs don’t steamroll the competition, leading to a spectacular bench-clearing brawl that even necessitates police involvement.

In a blend of fiction and reality, the film wraps up with a “home movie” sequence echoing the actual movie’s conclusion, highlighting the players’ subsequent accomplishments. However, a disclaimer at the end clarifies that this is a work of fiction. The character’s name closely mirrors that of the writer and director, who also embodies the role of a player’s father, yet remains distinct from the lead character’s name.