"Facing Nolan" — now playing in theaters and available on digital platforms on July 19th.

 "Facing Nolan"  — now playing in theaters and available on digital platforms on July 19th.

"Facing Nolan," is a baseball fan’s dream come true. Directed by producer Bradley Jackson who makes his directorial debut using the legendary Nolan Ryan as the feature fixture of the doc. 

For many, the sport of baseball is a boring sport but not to the fans who roar and scream pouring in not only their energy but their love for the game and the players. 

The doc opens with the Birdseye view of a baseball field as seen on television reminding the viewer that this story is about more than just Nolan and for those who didn’t know of his place in sports history, the film catches you up very quickly, following his life and career as a former, Major League Baseball pitcher nicknamed Ryan Express, as described by the players who had to face him on the field.  

"Facing Nolan” opens with an impressive run down of Nolan’s serious accomplishments of which there are many to choose from during his 27-year run. The youngest child of six, Nolan grew up in a small town uninterested in pursuing a long-term career in baseball. He would have never predicted that he would be considered a living legend with the highest strikeout total in the game. Then Jackson introduces us to the man— Nolan Ryan—who despite being an impressive pitcher was actually a farmer at heart preferring to connect with nature and to help things grow. 

Jackson does a wonderful job of reminding us that once the game is over and the crowds have left, to live their own lives, it was important for each player to find that place they called home. To stand grounded, in a way and Nolan installed A/C and central heating in his early off-season, and enjoyed the work. A solid reminder to new generations that you can find happiness in many places. 

Nolan’s former teammates and colleagues speak about him in heartfelt tones, and he, modest, soaks it all in with a calmness and a warm smile. It’s a treat when Nolan talks about the small moments and what they mean to him. A reminder, I think, for all of us to sit in gratitude but what stands head-and-shoulders about everything, is that Nolan Ryan is a family man. 

In many ways, his solid persona reminds an audience of the important men in our lives. The type of men who always put their families first and who loved and protected them with their entire being. Of course, Nolan loved baseball and it was his love for his family, we discover, that drove him to have such an extraordinary career in baseball.

“Facing Nolan" is a solid documentary with heart and wonderfully inspirational.

Now playing in theaters and available on digital platforms on July 19th.