Saltzman Sees...61* (2001)

Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane are Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle in 61*.  Billy Crystal creates a perfect look back at the 1961 season that pitted Yankee against Yankee against Babe Ruth as two men chased the most hallowed record in sports.  Pepper and Jane are incredible as they transform into the former Yankee legends.  It is the movie Crystal was always suppose to make, and it is flawless.  If you don't know the story of Roger Maris, this is a must see.  It shows everything that is right, and everything that is wrong with America's pastime.  It is one of the best Sports Movies ever made, and another shining example of why HBO always seems to create beautiful films for us to enjoy.

Billy Crystal won my Best Director of 2001.