.com Although he's a talented pitcher with exceptional control, Ren Mihashi, the insecure hero of Big Windup! (2007), was treated so badly by his middle-school teammates, he's convinced he's an utter failure. When Ren arrives at Nishiura High, he's recruited by outspoken coach Maria Momoe and catcher Takaya Abe, a calculating strategist. Ren makes Eeyore sound like a motivational speaker--he even apologizes for winning a game. But as he gets to know exuberant Little League star Tajima, skeptical center fielder Hanai, second baseman Sakaeguchi, and the rest of his nutty teammates, Ren is flabbergasted to realize they actually like him--and that's he's a better pitcher than he realizes (as long as he follows Abe's signals). Abe draws the unenviable assignment of literally and figuratively leading the neurotic pitcher by the hand. Ren alternately impresses and exasperates Abe. Even when he loses his temper at Ren's whimpering, Abe realizes, "He's not going to change without major psychiatric care." Big Windup! turns the conventions of sports anime upside down: although he's genuinely talented, Ren is the antithesis of a cocky ace like Ryoma in Prince of Tennis. Tsutomu Mizushima directs with assurance, stretching a single game over four episodes, yet maintaining suspense. The result is a sports series that will even appeal to viewers who don't like baseball. (Rated TV 14, but suitable for viewers 10 and older: cartoon violence, very minor toilet and risqué humor) --Charles Solomon (1. The Real Ace, 2. The Catcher's Role, 3. The Practice Match, 4. The Play, 5. Don't Cut Corners, 6. Requirements for Pitchers, 7. I Want to Play Baseball, 8. An Amazing Pitcher, 9. The Past, 10. Bit by Bit, 11. The Summer Starts, 12. The Cheering Squad, 13. The Summer Tournament Begins)
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