Wow, I mostly agree with this list Chris although I might have changed the rankings but can’t disagree about Bull Durham. Trust me, this movie captures the essence of baseball (Costner’s ‘I believe’ speech is also iconic, I even say ‘oh my’). The Natural is also one I’ll watch, anywhere, anytime. The book paints a much more complex story but bloody uniforms, broken bats and exploding lights are the great things of Hollywood. I would also advocate for Bang the Drum Slowly, although it was really more about relationships and mortality than baseball but is gem that deserves more exposure.
I feel like you need an old black & white film from days long passed—maybe “Pride of the Yankees”? Or maybe “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings” for the title alone. But which to take out? May have to turn it up to 11! And LET’S GO REDS!
Bull Durham is hands down the #1. I can't find fault with your top 10. A League of Their Own is my daughter's favorite, and I grew up on repeated viewings of Bad News Bears (I'm 47). I'd maybe include '42'. Thank god you didn't add "Fever Pitch" to the list..... Anyhow Happy Opening Day and with 162 games to go the Cincinnati Reds still have a shot!
As a millenial, although films like "Field of Dreams," etc. are up there (along with "Eight Men Out") more recent entires (like 2011's "Moneyball," like 2003's "Fever Pitch," like (I know it's not a movie but a TV series, Fox's 2016 "Pitch") are also personally highly rated.
I absolutely hate the "Did Dottie drop the ball on purpose?" debate. It is a much better story with Kit legitimately beating her big sister than it would be if we assume that Dottie let her win. The amount of people who make arguments for the worse storyline boggles my mind.
No Rookie of the Year? Blasphemy! But what would you take off this list?
The only movie I haven't seen is The Rookie, and I enjoy every movie listed.
I actually saw League of their Own in theatres when I was 7 years old and loved it. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL is such an iconic quote.
Moneyball makes me laugh. It's an inspirational movie about a team that overcomes all the odds...to lose in the first round and never get close to a World Series.
I'm also partial to Little Big League (it came out when I was 9) and Trouble With the Curve. (combines my two favorite things- Clint Eastwood and the Atlanta Braves)
I can't find it on YouTube, but I love the scene in Woman of the Year where Katharine Hepburn learns about baseball.
Wow, I mostly agree with this list Chris although I might have changed the rankings but can’t disagree about Bull Durham. Trust me, this movie captures the essence of baseball (Costner’s ‘I believe’ speech is also iconic, I even say ‘oh my’). The Natural is also one I’ll watch, anywhere, anytime. The book paints a much more complex story but bloody uniforms, broken bats and exploding lights are the great things of Hollywood. I would also advocate for Bang the Drum Slowly, although it was really more about relationships and mortality than baseball but is gem that deserves more exposure.
I feel like you need an old black & white film from days long passed—maybe “Pride of the Yankees”? Or maybe “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings” for the title alone. But which to take out? May have to turn it up to 11! And LET’S GO REDS!
Bang the Drum Slowly was a big critic favorite that few movie goers saw. And, Cobb with all his warts w
Thank you for including A League of Their Own on your list.
Bull Durham is hands down the #1. I can't find fault with your top 10. A League of Their Own is my daughter's favorite, and I grew up on repeated viewings of Bad News Bears (I'm 47). I'd maybe include '42'. Thank god you didn't add "Fever Pitch" to the list..... Anyhow Happy Opening Day and with 162 games to go the Cincinnati Reds still have a shot!
How could you not have "For Love of the Game". Top 3 BB movies ever
Pride of the Yankees?
As a millenial, although films like "Field of Dreams," etc. are up there (along with "Eight Men Out") more recent entires (like 2011's "Moneyball," like 2003's "Fever Pitch," like (I know it's not a movie but a TV series, Fox's 2016 "Pitch") are also personally highly rated.
Oh Chris, no mention of Bang the Drum Slowly. Come on man, what are we even doing here????
I saw my first baseball game at Fenway Park in 1948! It's such a great sport. I've never seen a baseball movie I did not like!
A big part of the baseball fan in me died when the Expos left Montreal in 2004.
Must read – The Church of Baseball by Ron Shelton about the making of Bull Durham.
Also Chris, how could you leave out Mr. 3000? Tony would be disappointed.
My friends say that if I was beautiful, promiscuous, and lived in a minor league town I’d be Annie Savoy.
I absolutely hate the "Did Dottie drop the ball on purpose?" debate. It is a much better story with Kit legitimately beating her big sister than it would be if we assume that Dottie let her win. The amount of people who make arguments for the worse storyline boggles my mind.
No Rookie of the Year? Blasphemy! But what would you take off this list?
The only movie I haven't seen is The Rookie, and I enjoy every movie listed.
I actually saw League of their Own in theatres when I was 7 years old and loved it. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL is such an iconic quote.
Moneyball makes me laugh. It's an inspirational movie about a team that overcomes all the odds...to lose in the first round and never get close to a World Series.
I'm also partial to Little Big League (it came out when I was 9) and Trouble With the Curve. (combines my two favorite things- Clint Eastwood and the Atlanta Braves)
I can't find it on YouTube, but I love the scene in Woman of the Year where Katharine Hepburn learns about baseball.
This list is correct. Bull Durham fair and away #1. :-) Happy opening day.