Discover Kurt Russell’s Surprising Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

Everyone is familiar with the legendary Kurt Russell. Over his illustrious seven-decade career, spanning more than 100 roles, he’s become a household name with standout performances in classics like ‘The Thing’, ‘Tombstone’, ‘The Hateful Eight’, and the recent Apple TV+ series, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. 

However, among his impressive filmography, the only one to achieve a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is the heartwarming 2014 documentary, ‘The Battered Bastards of Baseball’. This film, a tribute not only to Kurt’s father, Bing Russell but also to the sport itself, tells the captivating story of the Portland Mavericks, a minor league team that defied convention and captured hearts.

Also Read: Studio Ghibli Film Earns Highest Rotten Tomatoes Score, But It’s Not a Miyazaki Masterpiece

Bing Russell, a seasoned actor in his own right, had a deep passion for baseball. This passion led him to purchase the Portland Mavericks, a minor league team filled with misfits and outcasts, and transform them into a symbol of rebellion against the status quo of Major League Baseball’s minor league system.

Bing’s love affair with baseball began in his childhood when he served as a bat boy for the New York Yankees and formed lasting connections with baseball legends. Despite an injury derailing his own baseball aspirations, Bing passed on his love for the game to his son, Kurt.

Kurt Russell, already a seasoned actor by the age of 12, shared his father’s passion for baseball. Despite his success in Hollywood, Kurt pursued his baseball dreams, even playing professionally for minor league teams like the Bend Rainbow and the El Paso Sun Kings.

However, a torn rotator cuff ended his playing career prematurely, leading him back to acting full-time. Yet, his connection to baseball remained strong, especially when he joined his father’s Mavericks for their inaugural season.

Under Bing’s leadership, the Mavericks became known for their unconventional approach to the game. Bing prioritized fun over profit, fostering a team culture that embraced individuality and rejected corporate influence. The Mavericks’ success and popularity soared, drawing record crowds and national attention. However, their independence eventually led to their demise as Major League Baseball reclaimed the Portland market, signalling the end of an era.

‘The Battered Bastards of Baseball’ pays homage to this remarkable team and its colourful cast of characters. Through interviews, archival footage, and Kurt Russell’s personal anecdotes, the documentary captures the Mavericks’ spirit and their enduring impact on baseball history.

–Farheen Ali