Kevin Costner’s filmography is filled with iconic roles, but one of his most overlooked performances comes in the Sam Raimi–directed drama For Love of the Game. Released in 1999, the film often flew under the radar, overshadowed by Costner’s other baseball-themed movies like Bull Durham and Field of Dreams. However, Raimi’s unique directorial touch and Costner’s heartfelt portrayal of an aging pitcher give this film a depth that many viewers may have missed upon its initial release.

The story follows Billy Chapel, a veteran pitcher facing the twilight of his career, as he takes the mound for what may be his final game. Through a series of flashbacks, the film weaves together his struggles on and off the field, especially his complicated romance with Jane, played by Kelly Preston. Raimi balances the sports drama with an intimate look at regret, resilience, and the choices that shape a life.

What sets For Love of the Game apart is the way it uses baseball as a metaphor for personal redemption. Raimi’s direction adds unexpected visual flair, while Costner delivers one of his most emotionally resonant performances. For audiences willing to revisit it, the film offers a poignant reminder that even in the face of endings, there’s beauty in giving your all—right until the last pitch.