Negro League Legend Monte Irvin Returns To Cuba After 50 Years: DVD Released

The Bases Are Loaded, a newly released documentary film from Nagel Films, chronicles a trip by Hall of Famer Monte Irvin to Cuba where he reunites with former teammate, and Cuban baseball legend, Connie Marrerro. The Negro League-Cuban League baseball connection was a very important factor in the development of the game in both countries, and we can think of no better repository of the history than the recollections of Monte Irvin and Connie Marrero. With fan interest in Negro League baseball history reaching higher and higher levels during the past few years, it is good to see some attention being focused on Cuba--a home away from home for many Negro League stars in the pre-Castro years.

The following is the press release issued by Nagel Films announcing the release of the documentary on DVD.

PRESS RELEASE FROM NAGEL FILMS

Los Angeles, CA – (February 14, 2006) -- As the countdown continues to the World Baseball Classic Finals (San Diego March 3-20th 2006), 4th Street Films is proud to announce the DVD release of the compelling documentary film The Bases Are Loaded directed by Jeffrey Nagel. The film is available at filmbaby.com and www.thebasesareloaded.com for $21.95.

In The Bases Are Loaded Baseball Hall of Fame legend Monte Irvin returns to Cuba to reunite with former teammate and Cuban baseball icon Connie Marrero after a 50-year separation. The journey reveals the cultural, social, and political complexities of Cuban baseball and America’s relationship with the island nation, while highlighting their unique friendship. The film offers viewers an exclusive opportunity to experience Cuba and its thriving baseball culture in a documentary that appeals to baseball fans and Cuba enthusiasts alike.

“Before watching The Bases are Loaded I never entertained any thoughts about visiting Cuba,” says Sports Writer Tom Keegan (Lawrence World Journal & ESPN Radio) “Now I would love to go there to see baseball in its purest form.  It seems major league ballparks now do everything they can to bombard your senses, to distract you from the game being played on the field, in Cuba it’s all about the game.

“I was covering baseball for the New York Post when ballplayers went to work after 9 11 and there’s no question the Yankees and the Mets had tremendous healing power for the city of New York,” continues Keegan. “After watching The Bases are Loaded, I’m convinced baseball could have a similar healing effect on the strained relationship between the US and Cuba, if only the two governments would allow that to happen. It is a compelling film.”

Director Jeffrey Nagel has a family history steeped in baseball -- two of his great uncles Gene and Bill Lillard played for the San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League with Joe Dimaggio before moving east to play with the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Athletics respectively.  This, along with a passion for travel, inspired the director to capture a trip to Cuba on camera. When Baseball Hall of Fame legend Monte Irvin joined the travel group, the story of The Bases Are Loaded was born. Nagel’s still photographs are featured in The Bases Are Loaded and a collection of Cuba photos is a companion piece to the film.

The film features music by regional Cuban musicians, as well as artists who have been inspired by the Caribbean beat. Nagel also found a wealth of Cuban talent and influence in the Los Angeles and New York Cuban music scene.

For additional information, please visit www.thebasesareloaded.com.

Technorati Tags: Cuban baseball, Negro League, Negro Leagues

Comments

[carl campbell]

what is monte irvin age--iwas told that he is older than jackie robinson--please provide an update on...