The Winning Team

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The Winning Team

1952

1h 38m

Romance

Biography

Drama

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3 Reviews

65%

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500+ Ratings

In 1908 Nebraska, young Grover Cleveland Alex Alexander (Ronald Reagan) saves to buy a farm for himself and his fiancée, Aimee (Doris Day), but also longs to realize his dream of playing baseball. His pitching skills win him a position on an Illinois team, but an injury almost ruins his chance. Once he recovers, he and Aimee wed, and he returns to baseball and begins an increasingly successful career -- until he's diagnosed with epilepsy, which he struggles to hide from the public and Aimee.

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Bosley Crowther

New York Times

To be sure, this is a somewhat different version of the story of Alex the Great from the one that was solemnly published in his obituaries two years ago.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 12, 2006

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Nell Dodson Russell

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

It's a heart-warming film. Not great. Ronald Reagan, whom I consider to be one of Hollywood's most underrated actors, does a genuinely good job in the role of Alex.

Jan 15, 2022

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Its accuracy is in doubt, but it's a competently made straightforward standard biopic on Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander.

Rated: C+

Jan 13, 2009

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Audience Member

The Winning Team is a classic 1950s biographical film of baseball hero Grover Cleveland Alexander. Ronald Reagan stars as Alexander and Doris Day shines as his wife Aimee. Alexander was know as Alex the Great, while fighting personal demons such as double vision and fainting spells, and alcoholism. it was his wife that made it possible for him to return to baseball. Doris Day's role is the heart of the film. One of thee best moments in the film is hearing Old St. Nicholas being sung as the Christmas tree is being decorated. The Winning Team is a classic family film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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Audience Member

Loved it ! As a baseball fan . A Reagan fan. And a Doris Day fan. Glad to have seen it . Great story. Thumbs up from me

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/21

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Audience Member

haven't seen it I years but I thought of it again today with the passing of Doris Day not to mention Alexander was a hall of fame pitcher who rebuilt his career & help the St Louis Cardinals upset the New York Yankees in the 7th & deciding game of 1926 world series Alexander won 2 games in the series & retired the final 7 Yankee hitters, known as the murderers row,in game 7, including striking outHall of famer Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded & 2 out in the 7th still one the best relief appearances by a starting pitcher in the history of the World Series the movie is pretty good it's certainly not great but it is based on a true story & it was a nice memory to have today

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/14/19

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Audience Member

The best inspiring movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

A decent enough story but sort of vague on the specifics of Alexander's problems. Cool to see the umpire behind the pitcher and what appears to be vintage film of Babe Ruth! And, if true, neat story about Grover and Rogers Hornsby! Weird that the casting choices make Alex so much older than his siblings and even older, or as old, as his mother and father-in-law! And, I still hate Ronald Reagan.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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s r

Great feel good redemption baseball story. Reagan was good as well as day.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Lewis Seiler

Director

Doris Day

Aimee Alexander

Ronald Reagan

Grover Cleveland Alexander

Frank Lovejoy

Rogers Hornsby

Eve Miller

Margaret Killefer

James Millican

Bill Killefer

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Synopsis

In 1908 Nebraska, young Grover Cleveland Alex Alexander (Ronald Reagan) saves to buy a farm for himself and his fiancée, Aimee (Doris Day), but also longs to realize his dream of playing baseball. His pitching skills win him a position on an Illinois team, but an injury almost ruins his chance. Once he recovers, he and Aimee wed, and he returns to baseball and begins an increasingly successful career -- until he's diagnosed with epilepsy, which he struggles to hide from the public and Aimee.

Director: Lewis Seiler
Producer: Bryan Foy
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: Romance, Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 20, 1952, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 28, 2016
Runtime: 1h 38m

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