The Winning Team

Grover Cleveland Alexander starts his life working as a telephone lineman, showcasing his humble beginnings. His interest in baseball is evident as he quickly heads to a local exhibition game after hearing about it. This sets the stage for his future rise in baseball fame.

During the game, Alex pitches exceptionally well, striking out everyone and leading his team to victory. His impressive performance catches the attention of a team manager, sparking the start of his professional baseball career. His passion for the game is clear as he returns home proud of his achievement.

Alex's love interest, Aimee, discusses her future with her father, who is skeptical about Alex's prioritization of baseball over farming. Despite disagreements, Aimee promises not to let Alex continue playing baseball as they plan their future together, including buying a farm.

While listening to a presentation about Norway, Alex is approached by a team manager who questions whether Alex's game-winning performance was a fluke. Alex demonstrates his skills by throwing pitches, leading to an offer to join a new team, the Galesburg Boosters.

Alex accepts the offer and starts playing for the Galesburg Boosters, sending home baseball cards and money to help buy the farm and secure his future with Aimee. His dedication to the game grows as he begins his climb in professional baseball.

While running the bases, Alex is hit by a thrown ball and sustains an injury. He wakes up in the hospital after three days, ending his 1909 season and highlighting a setback in his early career.

After recovering, Alex’s eyesight returns to normal, enabling him to return to baseball. He has a successful season with the Syracuse Stars, winning 29 games and losing 11, which leads to his transfer to the Philadelphia Phillies.

On April 15, 1911, Alex pitches five innings of no-hit, no-run baseball in his MLB debut, impressing spectators and establishing himself as a major league pitcher. This marks the beginning of his significant career in professional baseball.

During a game against Hornsby, Alex manages to anticipate pitches and outsmarts the future Hall of Famer, demonstrating his strategic pitching. He quickly becomes known for his talent and understanding of the game.

During WWI, Alex serves as a sergeant in France, where exposure to mustard gas and shell explosions cause health problems including partial hearing loss and epileptic seizures. His service adds a new layer to his life's story, impacting his health and career.

Back in Major League Baseball, Alex joins the Chicago Cubs and wins the pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. However, health issues like epileptic seizures begin to affect his performance.

After experiencing seizures and health problems, Alex's career begins to decline as he falls into alcoholism. His behavior becomes erratic, and he is eventually removed from games and teams, illustrating his personal battles.

Aimee learns about Alex's medical conditions and struggles with alcoholism. She seeks help from Rogers Hornsby, who offers Alex a comeback opportunity with the St. Louis Cardinals, emphasizing the emotional pull of their relationship.

During the 1926 World Series, Alex pitches effectively in two games, helping the St. Louis Cardinals win both. His performance demonstrates his enduring skill despite past health and personal issues, and his relationship with Aimee remains strong.

In the decisive seventh game of the World Series, Alex is called to pitch in a tense moment. Aimee rushes to the stadium after reading the ticker-tape, arriving just before the game's ninth inning, and witnesses Alex's successful pitching, securing victory for the Cardinals.