Season of Miracles

What a fabulous film. Great novel that's been well produced for the big screen.

Set in the 1970s, Season of Miracles weaves a story of friendship that develops between little league captain Zack and The Robins' new secret weapon Rafer, an autistic boy who can hit the fire out of a baseball.

The team rallies around him to stop the taunting and bullying from their ravels the Hawks. And in the process, learn a valuable lesson that comes by accepting those who at first may seem a little different, but truly have wonderful gifts they can share with all.

Highly recommended for the entire family.

Season of Miracles has a lot going for it. After all, who doesn't love baseball. And the 70s. But at the heart of this indie gem, is the story of how a young team grew up one magical season when they encountered a boy with autism who changed their lives forward.

Grayson Russell is wonderful as the autistic, baseball crushing, Rafer. John Schneider is a caring coach who not only teaches the game of baseball, but the more important game of life. Rusty Whitener plays Rafer's bitter father with depth and emotion. Music is fun and keeps the story moving. A classic American tale worthy of family night in anyone's household.

"Season of Miracles" hits a home run with its coming-of-age story about a team leader, Zack Ross, played by Andrew Wilson Williams, who befriends an autistic boy, Rafer Forrester, played by Grayson Russell. The relationship between the two boys changes the lives of everyone around them. John Schneider does an great job as Coach who gives the boys on his baseball team, the Robins, lessons on life and baseball. The entire Robins' baseball team comes together to deliver a movie that is entertaining and poignant. You'll laugh at the antics of Batman, Donnie, Duffy, Tigger and Little Richard while experiencing some great moments from author and actor Rusty Whitener. It's not just a great baseball movie, it's a great movie and one that you'll want to watch again and again.

Season Of Miracles concerns a Little League team coached by John Schneider that has discovered a real baseball find. A regular Babe Ruth who both pitches and hits to perfection. The problem is that young Grayson Russell is autistic and with the usual socialization problems that come with that.

This film is shot on location and for relative pittance and lacks a lot of production values. Other than Schneider the only other name you might recognize is that of Nancy Stafford formerly of Matlock playing a nurse.

But as this is a regional story set in the south I think it was a wise decision to cast it with locals. They come across as real kids instead of Hollywood kids. Also standing out is Andrew Wilson Williams as the preacher's kid who stands up for his challenged teammate.

Overt preaching is kept to a minimum which is good. Season Of Miracles is a nice family film.

This film gives a voice to the autistic community as unique as those affected by the impairment. Not everyone communicates the same way, but everyone has a gift to share.

Children, especially those who don't communicate in the traditional sense, should be nurtured and accepted for the talents and gifts they possess.

"Season of Miracles" celebrates that. In a time when bullying is such an issue, this film promotes friendship and camaraderie in kids through their love of baseball.

Don't miss this film, both for its entertainment quality and teachable moments.