Put Down the Cracker Jacks and Grab Some Popcorn

A while back there was a suggestion to do my favorite baseball movies. Actually, I think it was to pick the greatest baseball movie of all-time. Then, today, while browsing the world wide web, I stumbled on this promo/sweepstakes by Major League baseball in anticipation of the release of the latest baseball flick, The Final Season, starring the only hobbit to ever play football at Notre Dame. Besides filling out all sorts of personal information, which I'm sure they keep to themselves, the link prompted you to pick your favorite baseball movie. I didn't give them my daytime phone number, or any other information for that matter, and I didn't pick a movie; but it did inspire me to write about it.

When I think of baseball movies, there are a few that instantly come to mind, a few more that I can remember after a while, and many more that I vaguely recall if I really think hard. I'll start with those, and end with the best "you-must-see-these" baseball movies.

Granted, at least half of the world's baseball movies are R-rated, so I haven't seen them; and if I have, it was some broadcast television filler on a lazy weekend afternoon, sandwiched between the Ronco Food Hydrator and Tony Little's agonizing sell of the Gazelle fitness machine. But, having been on road trips with teams in college, I can safely say that the R content in those shows is not overly embellished. I can only imagine what might go on off the field in professional baseball, like in the minors, for example.

One baseball movie that you can confidently watch without worrying about any questionable content is Everyone's Hero (2006). We picked this up one night because we were just in the mood for a clean, computer-animated family film, and we were pleasantly surprised. Complete with talking baseball equipment, this show is fun for the entire family, and the perseverance plot line doesn't hurt either. I give this a strong 3 1/2 stars out of five, keeping in mind that I docked the film half a star because of blatant Yankee propaganda. If you're in the mood for a fun little show, you won't be disappointed, especially if there are kids involved.

Another show I've seen very recently for the first time that most die-hard baseball fans may not even know exists is Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1949), starring Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly. The reason I had never heard of it was because my brothers and I didn't grow up watching musicals every Sunday night with our family. I quite enjoyed this show, but it reaffirmed something I learned when I attended a high school production of Damn Yankees: Although most baseball players can't carry a tune, I've never seen a musician that can convince me he's a professional baseball player. 3 1/2 stars.

Rounding out the crop of family films with a baseball theme are Rookie of the Year (1993), Little Big League (1994), the original Bad News Bears (1976), and Angels in the Outfield (1994). Interestingly, the 1994 production of Angels in the Outfield was a remake of its 1951 predecessor. Same title, but the original had no sweet orphans and no California Anaheim Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim -- the team needing a little boost in '51 was the Pittsburgh Pirates. Go figure.

This is getting to be a bigger post than I had intended, so I'll skip to the really good baseball shows. But before I get to my top five flicks, there are two that need mentioning for their historical value. First is Eight Men Out (1988) about the 1919 Chicago White Sox, aka Black Sox. Maybe you've heard about Shoeless Joe Jackson or Bucky Dent? This is the story about what led to their lifetime ban from the game of baseball and is definitely worth the rental.

The other historical gem requires some time -- roughly 1,080 mintues. Baseball: A Film by Ken Burns (1994) is a nine part (inning) series that originally aired on PBS. Although it can drag at times, the information and history of America and its national past time it devolves are invaluable. My suggestion? Watch one inning a month, beginning in February when pitchers and catchers report to spring training and ending in October during the post season. If you like baseball, you must see this series.

Okay, now counting 'em down from five to one, my picks for the best baseball motion pictures ever.

5. SANDLOT (1993) -- An instant classic, this show reminds you of your childhood while wishing you could have been part of a group of kids similar to the Sandlot gang. As a perennial underdog fan, I can't help but root for these misfits. This is full of great one-liners and hilarious situations. If you haven't seen this show lately, pass on all of the garbage in the New Releases section of your local video store and pick this one up.


4. FOR LOVE OF THE GAME (1999) -- This is the second time I've mentioned this movie in my blog. The first was in the post about perfect games. By virtue of the fact my parents actually own this movie, I am guessing that I have seen this movie more times than any of the other top five. It is a great look into the mindset of a professional pitcher trying to accomplish an incredible feat amidst a plethora of issues he is dealing with personally. I especially loved the depiction of the pitcher-catcher relationship.


3. FIELD OF DREAMS (1989) -- Another classic with timeless quotes like, "If you build it, he will come." Shame on you if you've never seen this show. Kevin Costner stars as an Iowan corn farmer who follows the direction of the voices in his head on his way to all sorts of personal fulfillment and self-actualization (in case you're wondering, he has been the lead in four baseball movies: Chasing Dreams (1982), Bull Durham (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), and For Love of the Game (1999)).


2. THE ROOKIE (2002) -- As a former pitcher who only made it as far as the junior college ranks, and had always wished that I had been given just a little more velocity, this show holds a particular place in my heart. Here, a small town science teacher/baseball coach makes a wager with his underachieving band of young ballplayers that changes his life. This show is absolutely inspiring. Grab this if you either haven't seen it or if it's been a while.


1. THE NATURAL (1984) -- This show is arguably the greatest baseball movie of all time. Robert Redford stars as an amazingly talented young pitcher, Roy Hobbs, whose path to the big leagues takes a nasty turn when foul play enters the picture. This show is timeless and every time I get the chance to see it I want to jump out of my seat cheering. I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. The soundtrack is great too.


There you have it. A post about baseball movies just in time for the off-season. Pop yourself some popcorn, add some M&Ms, and enjoy.