Mr. Baseball is a 1992 sports comedy film directed by Fred Schepisi. The film stars Tom Selleck as Jack Elliot, a past his prime baseball player who is traded to a Japanese team, the Chunichi Dragons, as part of a deal between his team, the New York Yankees, and the Japanese team.
Elliot finds himself struggling to adjust to the new culture and new style of baseball in Japan. He clashes with his teammates and the team's manager, Uchiyama (played by Ken Takakura), who is determined to help Elliot rediscover his lost talent.
Elliot's love interest in the film is Hiroko (played by Aya Takanashi), a beautiful airline executive who helps him navigate the cultural differences.
As the season progresses, Elliot starts to regain his form and helps the Dragons in their quest to win the championship. However, he must face a tough decision when he is offered a chance to return to the Yankees at the end of the season.
The film features a mix of English and Japanese dialogue and showcases the cultural differences between the two countries. It is often cited as one of the first Hollywood films to feature a positive portrayal of Japan and Japanese culture.
Mr. Baseball received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following among fans of baseball and sports films.