Dennis Quaid stars as a high-school baseball coach who gets one more shot at the big leagues.

It seems that a lot of the country has baseball fever at the moment. Can’t imagine why, although I figure it must have something to do with a little thing called the World Series. Sarcasm and bitterness that the Chicago Cubs aren’t involved aside, I’ve caught a little of the fever myself. That’s why I found myself watching “The Rookie” this week.

“The Rookie” tells the incredible true story of Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid), who once upon a time in the ’80s had a very promising career as a major league pitcher. Due to injury, however, he was forced to retire.

Cut to about 15 years later when Jim, now in his mid-30s, is a high-school science teacher and local baseball coach living in Big Lake, Texas. He leads a quiet, happy life with his wife (Rachel Griffiths) and three children, but misses his old pitching days and sneaks out at night to an old oil rig to throw a few baseballs in private.

During a practice with the high-school team he coaches he decides to unveil his talent, much to the surprise of everyone. They realize what Jim does not — he still has it.

After a vicious losing streak Jim tries to motivate his team, but it gets turned around on him. They make him promise to go and try out professionally if they promise to get better and actually win games. Reluctantly, Jim agrees, and by the end of the season finds himself holding up his end of the bargain.

The tryout goes extremely well and he finds himself playing in the minor leagues, vying for a spot in the majors. It’s not easy, though. He’s the “old guy” in a sea of twenty-somethings and he’s treated as such. Add to that the fact he’s away from his family and his job, and bills are piling up. If something doesn’t come of it soon, he’ll be forced to leave, once again abandoning his dream.

“The Rookie” is special because it brings to mind a word that gets thrown around far too often: heartwarming. You’re not rooting for the team, you’re rooting for the man. That makes it much more personal and much more gratifying when he succeeds.

It’s helped by the fact that Jim Morris is just so likable. He’s in love with his family and isn’t motivated by money; he’s motivated by the small chance he’ll be able to live his dream. He’s a genuinely nice guy and it’s overwhelming how much you feel for him.

The feelings inspired by him wouldn’t be possible without Quaid. This is the type of gig he’s perfect for because you can imagine him being the same way in real life. He brings such humanity to the roles he plays and this one is no different. In some of the film’s heavier scenes one look at his face shows you every painful emotion he’s going through. And when he’s happy you can’t help but feel infectiously happy right along with him.

Bottom line, if your team didn’t win the World Series this year (or hasn’t for the past 100 years), but you’re still not ready for the baseball season to be over, “The Rookie” is a good movie to help extend it. It’s hopeful, inspiring and, oh yeah, has plenty of baseball.

The Movie Dude, Joe Altomere of Fort Myers, grew up in his parents’ video store in Plantersville, Texas. He owns close to 2,000 DVDs and Blu-ray discs and considers that only the start of his collection. E-mail him at jaltomere@yahoo.com.