Today I was flipping through the channels and came across Major League II on TBS. It made me think of all the great films out there that have portrayed the game of baseball on the big screen.
There have been so many baseball motion pictures that in Cooperstown, at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, there is an exhibit dedicated solely to baseball movies. I decided to write in my top 10 favorite baseball flicks. I know many people have written these already, but I figured to throw in my favorite movies.
10) Angels in the Outfield
I know, it's not the strongest of movies, but Roger and JP love the game. They are both separated from their parents and turn to the greatest game in the world for support. With a little divine intervention from Christopher Lloyd, real Angels help the Anaheim Angels win. A great movie for the family.
9) Little Big League
Another one for the younger audience, but still a great picture. Billy Heywood's grandfather passes away, but leaves him a fortune: the Minnesota Twins!
Heywood becomes manager of the team and guides them to a winning season. There are so many cameos of the greatest players at the time: Ken Griffey, Jr., Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, Paul O'Neill, Randy Johnson, and Lou Piniella to name a few. Pretty decent flick that portrays our favorite sport.
8) The Benchwarmers
This movie kind of got a bad rap, but I was one of the ones that liked it. The overall theme of the movie was important: bullying is wrong.
I especially loved the fact that director Dennis Dugan used baseball as a means to stop the bullying and have the little leaguers work together. Plus, that Stadium they built was impressive; a touch of the Yankee Stadium frieze, Fenway's Green Monster, and the ivy from Wrigley Field.
The geeks may have lost the final game in the movie, but at heart, they really won.
7) Rookie of the Year
Henry Rowengartner. He was living my dream as a kid pitching in the big leagues. An accident somehow made his velocity go up, and he was picked to pitch for the Chicago Cubs.
As a kid, I always wanted to have an accident so I could throw harder, but my parents and coaches told me accidents don't make you throw harder. This will always be a great baseball movie in my book.
6) Major League
Not only was this one of the best baseball movies I've seen, it was by far one of the funniest. I loved Bob Uecker's quote: "One hit?! All we have is one God damned hit?!" "You can't say that we're on the air! Well, nobody's listening anyway."
All the characters are colorful, from Ricky Vaughn to Willie Mays Hayes. The story is great, and after viewing this film, I think the Indians will forever be in Cleveland, even if some stuffy owner's wife wants to move the team...
5) 61*
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3 months ago
Brilliant list! Agree with your #1, it's the only movie to ever make me truly cry.
3 months ago
Oh man...
Okay, I agree with about half the list. The others...no. How in the HELL does Sandlot not make the list?
from 3 months ago
I read the list and rushed to the bottom to comment. How can AJ forget The Sandlot? Glad I read the posts first. One of the best ever. Just kids playing ball. I give AJ a pass though, he knows his stuff. Good article Bro, and Tyler great point reminding us of a truly great baseball movie.
3 months ago
Great article idea...I agree with Tyler though "Sandlot" MUST be on the list..I also am very partial to "Bad News Bears" - Good stuff A.J.!
3 months ago
You guys are right, I def. should have out the Sandlot on the list. Sandlot and the Natural were two movies I felt bad about leaving off, but I really loved those movies, also. They get an honorable mention :p
from 3 months ago
Were just busting chops bro. There are many great and they are relevant to a persons taste and preference. It was a great article and a nice change to the blame game and misery many fans are feeling these days. Take care A.J.
3 months ago
You guys are right, I def. should have out the Sandlot on the list. Sandlot and the Natural were two movies I felt bad about leaving off, but I really loved those movies, also. They get an honorable mention :p
2 months ago
man i watched the sandlot about a million times when i was a kid now that im older i only watch it about a hundred times still a clasic
but what about another great one
The Final Season
Eight Men Out
Mr. Baseball
2 months ago
The Natural is about an awesome movie i still get shivers every time Hobbs hits that blast at the lights
2 months ago
I wrote an article similar to this:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47627-my-top-10-favorite-baseball-movies-of-all-time
Obviously I have a couple that you don't including: The Natural, The Sandlot, and A League of Their Own. However, I still enjoyed the list. Nice job.
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