So the celebrity all star reserves have been announced……

9. Kenny Powers- Danny McBride

8. Robert De Niro- Bang the Drum Slowly

7. Gale Sayers- Billy Dee Williams

6.Roy Hobbs- Robert Redford

5.Roy McAvoy- Kevin Costner

4.Mickey Mantle- Thomas Jane

3.Roger Maris- Barry Pepper

2.Rocky Balboa- Sylvester Stallone

1.Crash Davis- Kevin Costner

… Billy Crudup’s effort as “Pre” in WITHOUT LIMITS trumps Leto’s…. By a long shot. Leto’s performance was a bunch of sprint-laden short shots. Crudup’s skills as an actor were enhanced by what was required of him as an ACTUAL RUNNER. His onscreen depiction of the “James Dean of track” was un-matched because of wide-angle shots in which he was required to run like a three-miler…. Do your homework.

Still, more a Top 10 then a “Top 7.”

3. Maris Valainis as Jimmy Chitwood in Hoosiers. His athleticism doesn’t stand the test of time, but it’s not supposed to. This was basketball in the 50s and Valainis nailed it, just like almost every shot he took. My favorite might be while he’s shooting outside on the overcast day and just stroking it.

2. Billy Crudup as Steve Prefontaine in Without Limits. This one has to crush Chris. He’s a runner. A good one in fact. So he should be required to love this performance. Admit it Chris, you’re dying right now aren’t you? And Crudup crushes Leto.

1. Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed to Rocky. Perfectly cut, that refers to both his body and his mouth. He had the swagger of a champ and was able to find the balance of still rooting for him even though we won’t Rocky to win. Plus, the man could take a (fake) punch better than Sly.