The combination of sports and cinema has given us some terrific stories over the years.
Some are to be marveled by the recreation of play on the field, while others offer some sentimental, emotional themes that connect many of us back to a time that was far less complicated than the present.
This piece will look at the five best baseball-themed movies ever made.
5. Moneyball
Moneyball is the most serious movie on the list. It’s also the most modern — featuring an Aaron Sorkin script along with performances from Brad Pitt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Pratt, Robin Wright, and Jonah Hill. It’s a film non-baseball fans and die-hard baseball fans can watch. This isn’t always the easiest feat to pull off when depicting a rather niche fandom for universal consumption.
At the same time, it helps that the film is a true story. We are introduced to the rise of analytics in baseball, where computers rather than wizened vets of the game aid in the construction of a ballclub.
4. The Sandlot
The film’s combination of childhood minutiae coupled with being a period piece truly covers large swaths of the viewing public. Older generations can appreciate the depictions of yesteryear — while current children can relate to those acting on screen.
The Sandlot hits all of those major notes…and then some. The true Boys of Summer story as a ragtag group of kids who play baseball every day throughout the summer. Baseball is merely the backdrop for the inherent themes of friendship, adolescence, and nostalgia. Every massive baseball fan has seen this film roughly 15-20 times (and that may be a conservative number).
3. Major League
Major League is the raunchiest film of the bunch. At the same time, there’s some true realism in this film. The depiction of baseball in the late ’80s/early ’90s is very refreshing. You’ve got a cast of colorful characters — buoyed by a fun script and some legitimate actors (Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes, Charlie Sheen).
Of course, the late Bob Uecker playing the role of the team’s broadcaster was a stroke of genius. The film wouldn’t nearly be as popular or beloved as it is today without him in the booth cracking jokes and offering improvised comic relief.
2. Field of Dreams
This one will tug on your heartstrings, and then some. Field of Dreams is a unique film. Traditional and straightforward for the most part, there’s also magical realism present through the usage of ‘ghost’ players from the past who play on the field constructed by Kevin Costner’s character.
Costner, along with James Earl Jones, pair to form a dynamic duo. The travel scenes in which the two are aiming to uncover precious clues are must-watch. This movie isn’t the best when it comes to depicting actual baseball play. However, the final scene between Costner and his estranged/deceased dad playing catch is something that will make even the most stoic person emotional.
1. Bull Durham
Bull Durham looks at the underbelly of the sport. The world of Minor League Baseball is excavated here brilliantly. You get a glimpse into what ballplayers endure before making it ‘to the show’ — a dream all players have.
Costner again shines as the grizzled veteran who’s too good for Minor League ball, yet isn’t good enough to be a Major Leaguer. Tasked with mentoring a young yet precocious Tim Robbins, the two battle for the affections of local baseball enthusiast/pseudo-hippie Susan Sarandon. Bar none, the script in this film is the best of any baseball movie ever made.