Once she became acquainted with Ed’s colorful background, including an up and down, five-decade career in baseball’s minor and major leagues and his single-minded interest in singing (he even released a record under his own label, Nott’s Landing), his life story became much more compelling than any fiction. As she learned more about Ed’s storied life, a common theme centered on the phrase “you cannot make this stuff up”

The 26^th Man is a compelling, character-driven story, based on the life of Singing Ed Nottle, a career minor league baseball manager who never quite makes to the major leagues. Ed’s life is one of dreams, disappointment, perseverance, passion, family and humor personified in his experience of “just falling short”. Baseball as a backdrop is uniquely American, while Ed is uniquely flawed and selfish, but immensely likable. He has been in professional baseball for over 45 years as a pitcher, a manager and an owner. He has struck out Lee Mayes, Eddie Matthews and Hank Aaron in succession. He sang Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” while Billy Martin engaged in one of his bar room fisticuffs, and coached over 90 players who eventually made it to the Major Leagues. During his five decades of involvement in” America’s favorite pastime”, Ed Nottle has seen and done it all.

MCP would like to thank the corporate sponsors and foundations who support The 26^th Man, and the wonderful letters of support to Ed Nottle and this film project. (see below)


Letters to Ed
 

		“A movie depicting the Life of Ed Nottle will no doubt be a 'HIT'. He is one of the most charismatic entertaining Baseball Character in Baseball History– A lovable guy with a passion for the game. How many mangers can laugh and sing through difficult times? Ed brings joy to everyone around him. He’s a winner in Life!” Roland Hemond Vice President, Chicago White Sox
		Dear Ed, “First the Black Sox scandal… then Sammy corks his bat… And now a move about Ed Nottle! What the heck is happening to the game of baseball??? Congratulations Eddie! Well deserved. No one loves the game more than you, and now we can all celebrate your life in the game together” Your Friend, George Grand Broadcaster Cincinnati Reds
Inducted 1991		FERGUSON A. JENKINS Dear Ed, Congratulations on your movie project! It was Great Playing for you in the Senior League. You had an outstanding managing career in The Minor Leagues! I hope that the future holds even more outstanding things for you… Your Friend, Hall of Famer, Ferguson Jenkins Fergie P.S. Don’t lose that Singing Voice!
		“Ed Nottle is a baseball troubadour. His love for the game is out there for all to see, sometimes in song, always in a smile. I first had the pleasure of meeting Ed in 1979 while he was managing in Waterbury, CT and I was a young reporter for the local radio station, Nottle’s tale is one best suited for the BIG SCREEN, to bring his story forward is to shed the light on baseball the it is meant to be! Nottle’s accolades only begin to tell the story of a manager I was pulling for to get the reigns of a team 30 miles of Brockton in the late 80’s.” Chris Berman Sports Reporter ESPN