Films, otherwise unremarkable, can serve their purpose by being released in perfect time and delivering the audience exactly what it needs at that particular moment. One such example is *Hardball*, 2001 sports drama directed by Brian Robbins. The film is based on *Hardball: A Season in the Projects*, non-fiction book by Daniel Coyle. The protagonist, played by Keanu Reeves, is Connor O’Neill, is Chicago man with ser…



