In tribute to America’s pasttime, Hollywood has produced many quality films depicting the game of baseball. To compile a list of the ten best baseball movies of all time, character development must be considered as well as the movie’s translation to an audience who otherwise would not care about baseball. With this criteria in mind, here is my all time top ten list of baseball movies.
10. 61*
This HBO drama tells the story of Roger Maris’ pursuit of Babe Ruth’s single season home run record admirably. The film documents the challenges the young unknown Maris faced in pursuit of the record while playing in the shadow of Yankee fan favorite, Mickey Mantle. Aside from the main storyline, Mantle’s battle with alcohol becomes an integral part of the story. This movie is very underrated and should be on more movie and baseball fans’ radars.
9. The Babe
It pains me to list another Yankee inspired film on this list. The New York Yankees not only control the free agent market every winter, but own more than their fair share of movies inspired by their franchise. However, I will make an exception for this film depicting everyone’s favorite slugger, Babe Ruth. John Goodman was born to play “The Babe”; take that interpretation as you will. From his trials and tribulations as an orphan to his exploits on and off the baseball diamond, this film gives the viewer a look into what shaped the man they called the “Sultan of Swat” among many other famous monikers.
8. The Sandlot
As a little leaguer, this movie received countless plays in my youth. Regrettably, my youth baseball days never included jumping junkyard fences to retrieve my father’s Babe Ruth autographed baseball from the jaws of a gargantuan canine. This film portrays the joy of baseball from a kid’s perspective as well as any ever produced. It makes you wonder whether or not any of those multimillionaire ballplayers today can recall any of the enjoyment extracted from playing the game as a kid on a simple sandlot.
7. The Rookie
This true story brought to life on the silver screen tells the tale of high school baseball coach, Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid), who inspires his team to play harder by betting them if they make the playoffs, he will attend a major league tryout. The team exceeds Morris’ expectations and force him to live up to his end of the deal. Morris astounds the professional scouts in attendance with his ability to throw consistent 98 mph fastballs at the age of 35. This heartwarming story gives hope to anyone pursuing a dream. However, a disclaimer prior to the film should read: WARNING: Persons over 35 should not attempt without consulting a doctor. Or in other words, the name Tommy John may become very relevant in your future.
6. The Natural
This fictional story of Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), a baseball wonder boy who overcomes many tragedies on his way to becoming a major leaguer, is a winner. Hobbs and his hand made bat made from a tree struck by lightning add to the mystique of this story. The realism factor divides the opinion held between baseball purists and movie fans alike. Overall, it is a must see for baseball and movie fans alike.
5. Eight Men Out
By comparison, this dark period in baseball history is more of a shade of gray compared to the steroid era. However, the tale of the Black Sox scandal is told with all of the harsh reality and none of the Hollywood gloss. The ‘throwing’ of games by the 1919 Chicago White Sox in the World Series forever marred the otherwise spectacular career of Shoeless Joe Jackson.
4. The Bad News Bears
Another homage to the simplicity of the game of baseball when played by kids is depicted in this film. Most who played Little League probably never had a coach like Buttermaker (Walter Mattheau), but can relate to playing an organized sport with kids who have either been pushed into the sport or can’t play it well. However, the underdog Bears showed that winning is not the only thing.
3. Major League
The new owner of the Cleveland Indians wanted to keep the tradition of losing alive long enough to move the team to a warmer climate. By assembling the worst team possible, the team lived up to their billing. In true Hollywood fashion, this scrappy team pulls it together in spite of the malevolent owner’s intentions and win. Cubs fans, take note. There is still hope.
2. Bull Durham
Start with a cocky, young pitcher. Add an aging career minor league catcher. Plus, a team groupie for good measure. In total, all of these parts add up to a tale about never putting the cart before the horse.
1. Field Of Dreams
“If you build it, they will come” Those immortal words are often quoted from this very film. From a cornfield in Iowa, baseball immortals came to life from the great beyond to play on a farmer’s baseball diamond. This story of the transcendence of the game of baseball beyond a simple game is captured exceptionally in this film.
