Pass the Popcorn: A Bookshelf video review

I have an ongoing DVR thing set up for MLB Network documentaries. Since I don’t watch that channel regularly (believe it or not), I never know what’s going to appear on the list until it shows up. Sometimes it’s not a “major motion picture,” but recently I got to watch “One of a Kind,” about Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. (This, as opposed to the Clayton Kershaw biography, The Last of His Kind.)

Maddux was a master of his craft, often described in academic terms when it comes to plying his trade. In fact, the bespectacled pitcher looked like a college professor. He was not physically imposing like a Randy Johnson, or especially cantankerous like a Bob Gibson, or a speedballer like a Nolan Ryan. But Maddux was an artist; when you hear “painting the corner,” his is the image that pops up.

“One of a Kind” is quite well done. It has the usual interviews with the main subject, discussing his childhood and early days on the field, his struggles as he adjusted to the demands of his newfound profession. And it includes comments from his teammates and opponents. The comments of his former Braves’ pitching coach, Leo Mazzone, are especially entertaining, as is a lengthy scene in which Maddux and Barry Bonds watch videos from separate locations of some of their face-offs. I am always fascinated by the memories athletes have for every situation as they analyze the at-bats pitch by pitch. It’s endearing to see Maddux sitting with former teammates John Smoltz and Tom Gavine, just a few slightly paunchy, somewhat balding middle-aged dads.

One fascinating tidbit: Maddux claims credit for the current custom of players covering their mouths with their gloves as they converse on the mound. Apparently one batter read Maddux’s lips, knew what was coming, and promptly put the ball over the fence for a home run.

One thing that disappointed me, though:

There are several mentions of his sense of humor. So why didn’t they include this?