An argument for whether the ball was dropped on purpose
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Mickyfinn — 9 years ago(November 23, 2016 10:39 AM)
As much as alot of people feel about "the love of a sister", which is a good sentiment, I think it is a real mistake to deny Kit's character the grit, determination, and accomplishment of finally becoming what she had wanted to since the first 2 minutes of the film.
Secondly, it is a rude departure from one other very important theme of the film, teammates and sportsmanship. If any of the Peaches thought that Dottie threw the game, she would be skewered. And if it was so obvious to you that she did, so it would be to those playing on her team. To add: Dropping the ball on purpose would also be analogous to her spitting on the rest of her teammates. There is no greater offence in a team sport. One of the many themes in the movie is integrity and sportsmanship. That doesn't work. She didn't drop it on purpose.
So what's the message?
A. Older sister, who happens to be a very good athlete and loves the game and competition, and who has been dealing with an (I think we all agree) generally unlikable character of her younger sister, throws the biggest game in her life and in effect stabs the hearts of her teammates minutes after instructing the pitcher exactly how to defeat her little sister, by intentionally dropping the ball in a completely unexpected, and it the case of Kit, ill advised showdown at home plate.
or
B. A younger sister, who has spent all her life living in the shadow of her older, more beautiful an more talented older sister, has one chance to erase all her fears (did you see the shot of her 'on deck' - "c'mon Kit, you have to bat next!") and through determination and 'heart' becomes the hero she always wanted to be. And ignoring the 'safe' route by recklessly running through the 'hold up' sign at 3rd base, and use that determination and pent up frustration to ultimately 'take' that win instead of having it given to her.
I like B.
You just have to be resigned-
You're crashing by design -
ABBAcat — 9 years ago(November 25, 2016 04:47 AM)
I will argue that she did not drop it on purpose. Dottie loved the game and respected the rules. She would not have cheated and let her teammates down either. She was genuinely proud of Kit at the end, watching her celebrate with the rest of the Racine team.
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blufftoni — 9 years ago(November 27, 2016 01:08 PM)
I think she did drop it on purpose and these are my reasons:
- they foreshadow it earlier in the film
- at the end she tells the elder niece/nephew to let the younger niece/nephew win
- it's made clear numerous times that Dottie does value the league as much as KIt so from a narrative point of view it makes sense
BUT
even considering the fact that I do think it was dropped on purpose I think it's completely out of character for Dottie - which is why I can accept that people see it the other way
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BuckeyeChamp14 — 9 years ago(December 26, 2016 08:28 AM)
It is something left up for interpretation.
I personally believe she dropped the ball on purpose.
Reasons to believe she dropped the ball on purpose:- Foreshadowing of early in season a girl that was opposing catcher and twice kits size couldn't knock the ball out of Dotty's glove.
- Dottie has not made a mistake all year and is clutch play after play nothing would lead to her not beieng clutch now.
- The throw beat Kit by a mile and Dotty had ample time to secure ball and brace it really wasn't a bang bang play.
- A catcher of Dotty's caliber would never have the ball in her bare handit would be secured in the glove with her hand holding it in place. But in movie she has clearly caught the ball and then transferred to her throwing hand for no reason.
- She loves her sister and sees her pain. the last glance at Kit before she pulls down the mask. Dotty knew she had Bob and would have a great life but this was a pivotle point in Kits life.
Reasons to believe she didn't drop on purpose: - Dotty was a gamer and turned back half way to Oregon just to compete.
- Dotty gave Pitcher tips high on getting Kit to swing at the pitches.
- Dotty has never let Kit win at anything beforeeven milking cows or racing to the barn.
But Dotty is very motherly towards Kit and in the end she realized that Kit being the Hero was the greater good. Thus Dotty sacrificed her last moment to shine in order to give Kit her moment to shine which she has been craving. Finally getting out of Dotty's shadow and blossoming on her own.
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TheReturnofCountSuckula — 9 years ago(January 14, 2017 03:36 AM)
BINGO, Buckeye! And very well stated might I add.
It's fairly obvious that originally, before Kit got the hit, Dottie had no intention of throwing the game for Kit's shot at glory. Hence the hint to her pitcher, "High fastballs; she can't hit 'em, she can't lay off 'em."
But there was a genuine look of surprise on Dottie's face when Kit connected on the hit. And after seeing Kit race around the field, I think that's when Dottie decided it was far more important for Kit to have her moment than it was for the Peaches to win.
Just gauge the reaction of all the rest of the Peaches when they lost. They didn't appear to be very disappointed.
One of my favorite film.
"Stick with me, baby, and you'll be fartin' thru silk." -
jorgito2001 — 9 years ago(January 23, 2017 12:35 PM)
Dottie decided it was far more important for Kit to have her moment than it was for the Peaches to win.
just a sliiiiight correctionit was already a "blown save" as the game was tied even BEFORE the dottie/kit collisionjust woulda went to extra innings.Im gonna punch you in the cooter, I swear to God!
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oewnaynailf — 9 years ago(January 09, 2017 07:43 PM)
I think she dropped it on purpose, which pisses me off. She quit the team, just to come back and throw the game. She basically spat in the face of her teammates who also worked so hard and wanted it so badly, just as badly as her sister. I think this movie was trying to show what a caring sister Dottie was, but instead, it just makes me hate her for being selfish for not thinking of her team.