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Fear Strikes Out (1957)

Thanks to Bosley Crowthler for the review:  "Oddly enough, the scenes of baseball, while interesting in this account, are secondary to the scenes of drama between the father and his son. The issues are not whether Piersall will snag those long flies or clout home runs but whether he will have the approval of his old man, sitting there in the stands. The weight of the paternal ambition is the critical factor in this film. And it is felt by the nerve-racked observer to the point where it is recognizable that the young man must go mad. ...Fortunately, Mr. Perkins plays the young fellow excellently, not only conveying the gathering torment but also actually looking like a ballplayer on the field. And Karl Malden is compelling as the father, combining the ignorant dominance of a bitter man with the occasional tenderness of a parent who genuinely loves his only son. ...Robert Mulligan's direction is vigorous"

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Directed by  Robert Mulligan

Writing Credits  
Ted Berkman...(screenplay) and
Raphael Blau...(screenplay)
 
Jimmy Piersall...(based on the story by) (as James A. Piersall) and
Al Hirshberg...(based on the story by) (as Albert S. Hirshberg)

THE CAST
Anthony Perkins...Jim Piersall
Karl Malden...John Piersall
Norma Moore...Mary Piersall
Adam Williams...Doctor Brown
Perry Wilson...Mrs. John Piersall
Peter J. Votrian...Jim Piersall as a Boy