Fear Strikes Out

Fear Strikes Out is a 1957 American biographical sports drama film depicting the life and career of American baseball player Jimmy Piersall. It is based on Piersall's 1955 memoir "Fear Strikes Out: The Jim Piersall Story", co-written with Al Hirshberg. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Piersall and Karl Malden as his father, and it was the first directed by Robert Mulligan.
This film is a Paramount Picture and was preceded by a 1955 TV version starring Tab Hunter.
Plot.
Based on Piersall's shattering tell-all biography, the film traces Piersall's rise from the sandlots of Waterbury, Connecticut, to the Boston Red Sox professional baseball team. Karl Malden plays his domineering father who pushes him further and further.
Unable to withstand the pressure, Piersall suffers a nervous breakdown and goes to a mental institution. After a long period of therapy, Jimmy realizes that he has excelled in baseball to please his father — not for his own gratification.
1955 TV version.
The film was based on the book by Piersall which had been adapted for TV in 1955 for the show "Climax!".
Rights to the book were bought in July 1955.
The "New York Times" called it "absorbing" and praised Tab Hunter's portrayal of Jimmy Piersall as "perceptive and believable."
Hunter had a romantic relationship with Anthony Perkins. He says this relationship was strained after Perkins took the role of Piersall in the film version.
Awards and honors.
The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists:
Reception.
Bosley Crowther of "The New York Times" wrote: 