Hardball is an uplifting drama starring Keanu Reeves, Diane Lan and D.B. Sweeney. The film was directed by Brian Robbins, and based on the non-fiction book Hardball: A Season in the Projects by Daniel Coyle. Released in 2001, Hardball tells the story of a hardcore gambling addict named Conor O'Neill (Keanu Reeves). O'Neil has gambled away all of his money and assets and finds himself severely in debt to a group of violent and dangerous loan sharks. Desperate to make any money that he can, O'Neil reluctantly takes on a job coaching an inner-city youth baseball team. O'Neil has taken the job strictly for the money, and plans to quit as soon as he makes enough cash to pay off his debts. The tough talking, ragtag group of kids that make up the team live in Chicago's ABLA housing projects, and have had to overcome many obstacles in their lives. The kids on the team desperately need someone to believe in them, and although O'Neil only took the coaching job for the money, he slowly finds himself becoming emotionally bonded to these special children, and learning about himself in the process.moreless