Heartbreak and hope are as inextricably linked in professional sports - particularly baseball - as hot dogs and scorecards. So much drama in major league baseball is derived from spectacular plays, crushing losses, defying the odds and magical moments that live forever in the hearts and minds of devoted fans. But what fans often forget is the relentless grind of the farm system, where hundreds of college ballplayers must first prove their mettle in the minor leagues before receiving that fateful phone call to the "big show."

Directed by Bart Stephens, A Player To Be Named Later captures a season in the lives of four different Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A farm team for the Milwaukee Brewers: Brad Tyler, a 32-year-old veteran who has never made it to the majors; Micah Franklin, a once-hot prospect who is fresh from two years playing in Japan; Kyle Peterson, a former first-round draft pick who underwent shoulder surgery and missed the previous season and Marco Scutaro, a Venezuelan athlete determined to make it big for himself and his family.

Over the course of one long, grueling and emotionally draining season, each of the four experience ups and downs, run-ins with colorful characters and discover just how much it takes to sacrifice everything and achieve your dreams. Interviews and fly-on-the-wall footage create sharply defined portraits of these men, all at various stages in their lives, in short order - Stephens expertly sets up situations and largely doesn't impose himself upon the narrative.

A brisk, evocative documentary that reveals a side of semi-pro athletics that most people associate with the 1988 film Bull Durham, A Player To Be Named Later is a terrific sports-themed film that will thrill fans and non-fans alike.

The Video:

A Player To Be Named Later is offered in a perfectly serviceable 1.33:1 full-screen transfer - considering that much of the film is composed of TV and video footage, the image looks good overall. There are a few hints of video noise and a little shimmer, but nothing too distracting.

Dolby 2.0 stereo is the only audio option onboard and it, like the visuals, gets the job done. Dialogue is heard clearly for the most part and while it would be cool to feel as though you're sitting amid exuberant crowds during the game footage, it's not missed too much.

The supplemental material included is slight but nevertheless enjoyable - a brief, 90-second full-screen interview with Kyle Peterson, the film's 50-second, full-screen trailer and 10 screens of player stats for the four athletes featured in A Player To Be Named Later rounds out the package.

A Player To Be Named Later just might restore your faith in the game that's been damaged by steroid scandals and ever-increasing paychecks. Those at the minor league level must play for the love of the game, as there is no guarantee of anything more ever coming their way. Recommended for baseball fans and non-fans alike.