Legendary Nabs "Forever"

Following their success with the Jackie Robinson sports biopic 42 Legendary Pictures has acquired the film rights to author Chris Ballard's baseball book "One Shot at Forever" says THR.

The story is set in 1971 and tells of a drought-ridden small Illinois town where a hippie English teacher reluctantly took on coaching duties for the high school baseball team. Bucking conventions, the team, sporting long hair and warming up to Jesus Christ Superstar, ended up making the state finals where they played an established Chicago team.

The tone will mix "Bad News Bears" and "Remember the Titans"

Wes Jones ("College Republicans") will adapt the script.

. Mike Tollin ("Coach Carter," "Varsity Blues") will produce.