Springtime is always a busy time for me, because my two favorite sports to watch are basketball and baseball.
Just as NBA teams are hitting their stretch playoff runs, Opening Day comes for Major League Baseball and my sports-centric world becomes flooded with viewing options.
You know that Kevin Costner and Field of Dreams will be on this list. But how high?
I like to kick off each sport’s new season by immersing myself in not only the games but the media available as well. When this baseball season was about to begin, I watched a few of my favorite baseball movies and bought the latest MLB 2K game for my Xbox.
In trying to find a good movie to watch to jump start my interest in this MLB season (not that I needed much encouragement) I got to thinking about my favorite baseball movies. Baseball, perhaps more than any other sport, has been the subject of great films.
Since I have written about unrealistic sports movies and great sports movies, I decided to post about baseball movies.
Here is my list of the 10 best baseball movies of all time.
I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum, but if you’re a baseball fan and haven’t seen these movies you have no excuse.
Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite below, and if I didn’t mention your favorite, please comment and argue the case of your favorite baseball movie.
10. 61*
Directed by lifelong New York Yankees fan Billy Crystal, 61* displays the darker side of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle’s chase for the single-season home run record in 1961.
The record at the time, of course, was held by Babe Ruth (60 home runs), and there was considerable controversy surrounding the race to the record by Maris and Mantle.
Barry Pepper does an admirable job playing the increasingly embattled Maris, and Thomas Jane’s portrayal of a supremely gifted and universally adored yet flawed Mantle is top notch.
The story is fascinating, especially considering the normalcy with which we regard the relentless critical spotlight the media places on athletes today.
Maris’ struggle to gain acceptance from the media and fans is somewhat tragic, as he hadn’t done anything wrong outside of being quiet and perhaps a little shy.
Here’s one of my favorite scenes (profanity alert):
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9. The Rookie
The Rookie tells the story of Jim Morris (played by Dennis Quaid), a high school teacher and baseball coach who, at age 35, improbably pitched in his first big league game.
This movie is definitely a feel-good, underdog kind of tale, and it is executed very well.
The dynamic between Morris and his disapproving and unsupportive father is compelling, and the rekindling of their relationship after Morris’ success adds a dramatic element that definitely works.
The movie could have turned out really cheesy – as sports movies have a tendency to do – but fortunately this one stayed (mostly) historically accurate and the drama wasn’t overwrought.
Quaid’s throwing motion isn’t exactly great (to put it kindly), but I can overlook that.
Here’s a trailer for the movie:
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8. A League of Their Own
Tom Hanks was mostly a comic actor in 1992, and as Jimmy Dugan – the drunken, disinterested manager of the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL really rolls off the tongue, huh?) – he delivered the goods once again.
This movie has plenty of laughs, and there is plenty of drama (what do you expect from a women’s baseball league?). Other than Rosie O’Donnell’s presence, I can’t really list any negatives.
Here’s the most iconic scene from the movie:
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7. Bull Durham
I’m probably going to be taken to task because for ranking Bull Durham 7th, but it’s a little too much of a rom-com to get a higher spot.
That’s not to say it’s not great – it is. I enjoy it immensely, and writer/director Ron Shelton’s Blue Chips is my favorite sports movie. The guy simply knows sports and how to package a movie about sports to appeal to the broadest possible audience.
In this case a love triangle between Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), “Crash” Davis (Kevin Costner), and “Nuke” Laloosh (Tim Robbins) provides the romantic drama. As far as love stories go, this one is pretty good.
The relationship between Nuke and Crash is even more interesting, as the two men are of different ages, career trajectories, and attitudes. Crash is envious of the talent and opportunity that Nuke possesses and Nuke is envious of Annie’s pursuit of Crash.
My only real criticism is of Tim Robbins’ throwing motion. I know I already bashed Quaid’s, but Robbins makes him look like Greg Maddux.
Here’s Costner’s memorable “I believe in…” speech (warning – profanity):
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6. Moneyball
In time, Moneyball may climb higher on this list. It’s just hard for me to properly rank a movie I’ve seen twice against movies I’ve seen dozens of times.
Moneyball has been well-covered, but it bears saying that it is a wonderfully made film.
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill are both awesome, and the story of Billy Bean and the Oakland A’s climb to relevance via advanced baseball statistics and economics is downright fascinating.
The movie also nails the personal aspects of being an executive for a baseball team, such as family relationships, the toll the job can take on someone, and the allure of big money versus loyalty. A great story in all aspects.
Here’s the scene where Pitt and Hill meet:
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You’ve seen 10-6, now get ready for the five best baseball movies ever.
Does your favorite make the list? Continue reading to find out.
About Keith Mullett
Love the post Keith, and you nailed #1, but I want you to know that I am terribly disappointed The Sandlot did not make it. I cannot fathom of a list of the ten best baseball movies ever that can’t find room for such a classic. It’ll be one of my all-time favorites…FOR-EV-ER.
In my notes I have The Sandlot #11 and The Pride of the Yankees #12, but the gap between #10 and #11 is very narrow. It hurt me to leave it out.
Keith, good list but I think there might be another Costner movie out there that would give him 3 in the top 10. For Love of the Game was a great baseball movie. A little heavy on the romance side, but an interesting take on an aging, Nolan Ryan-esk figure in Billy Chapel.
I think this movie is one of the best I’ve seen from what goes through a pitcher’s head when he/she is on the mound.
I agree. For the Love of the Game is my favorite baseball movie of all time. The supporting cast was excellent and I loved the story. The best was the New Yorkers. It, more than anything I’ve ever seen, captured the spirit of the New York Yankee fan. How they yelled and screamed at Chapel throughout the movie, but begrudgingly applauded him at the end. In fact, I am going to watch it tonight.
I have to agree with For the Love of the Game and I was surprised not to see this film included on the list. Perhaps being the age of Billy Chapel at the time and relating to the things that he was going through really resonated with me. Yet when I watched again recently I was moved once again by this movie and the sense of leaving behind that which had meant so much to someone out of respect for the game rather than giving in to self interest… and doing it in a way to bring in a sense of closure that could be held onto long after the game ended.
I would have put the Lou Gehrig story in which might be “Pride of the Yankees” because even though I was not alive when he played, I liked Lou Gehrig’s stamina, personality, and morality.
Personal choices: !. Major League 2. Eight Men Out. However, as good as Eight Men Out is as a baseball movie, it is anything but “accurate.” Rewriting history for “dramatic effect” is commonplace but Eight Men Out stretches it to the extreme. All the players except Gandil played in 1920 in the major leagues and most of them played extensively throughout the 1920s on semi-pro and barnstorming teams so they hardly played under assumed names or in obscurity. Jackson’s “missing” contract actually showed up in his successful lawsuit againt Comiskey in the mid-’20s.
I remember an old baseball movie ” It Happens Every Spring”. It has stuck with me since my childhood. The movie was B&W maybe from the 1930′s or 1940′s. I loved the movie as a kid.
Long Gone. A HBO film made in 1987 starring William Peterson, Virginia Madson and Dermot Mulroney.
Terrible film. It’s a cheap copy of Major League.
Excuse me, but “Long Gone” came out in 1987 – Major League in 1989. The films are very different – in different eras and much different leagues.
I always read these “Best Baseball Movie” lists hoping to see Bang the Drum Slowly. Michael Moriarty and Robert Deniro.
The greatest baseball movie of all time is “Long Gone”. And yer right Keith the home run in the natural was way over done and unrealistic. Ghost’s of old ball players appearing out of corn fields is completely believable.
agreed long gone is great baseball movie, good baseball scenes, and good characters too and their dreams, stud was great character,, would have made to majors except card call up that Musial fellow, have not seen long gone in long time hope to see again
Should have scrolled down before posting. I’m glad I’m not the only one to remember this movie!
ABSOLUTELY! Long Gone was the best
Good list but Major League didn’t have Randy Quaid as the heckler that was Major League 2 and I really dont think that or Major League Back to the Minors is going to break this list. Bob Uecker deserves more credit for being a great comedic actor.
I agree with most of your list and the placements, the only issue I have is a mistake that you made: Randy Quaid was not in the original Major League. He was in the incredibly horrible sequel
You’re right, I messed up on that one. The error has been fixed. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
“The Pride of the Yankees” starring Gary Cooper
Pride of the Yankees should be way up there – for the old guys. Sandlot should be on the list as well.
I think Pride Of The Yankees is the best.
Bang The Drum Slowly
Bang The Drum Slowly
A big issue with the list is the comment for Major League. Rany Quaid is not in the original as far as I remember. He is in Major League 2 as the Heckler. That movie did nothing but hurt the legacy of the original.
A big issue with the list is the comment for Major League. Rany Quaid is not in the original as far as I remember. He is in Major League 2 as the Heckler. That movie did nothing but hurt the legacy of the original.
You’re 100% right. Somehow I got mixed up on that one. The error has been fixed and I thank you for bringing it up.
You misssed the best one–not even on your list=Bang the Drum Slowly
While the characters is Bang the Drum Slowly are baseball players, the film isn’t really about baseball.
I would like to add an honorable mention here; Good Morning Vietnam. Although it is not a baseball movie, the end scene where Robin Williams teaches a group of Vietnamese how to play baseball by using a grapefruit as a ball. It was moving in part because it shows Robin’s character attached to the people.
Good try but off on some of the order:
“Eight Men Out is virtually in a “league by itself” and should be on top. (John Sayles is the best.).
“A League of Their Own” should higher for its historical significance along with an important story. “Field of Dreams” is sentimental and nicely done but not in the league wit the first two.
“Major League” is fun but too frivilous to be in the ten best.
“The Natural” quite good and where it should be, but “Moneyball” is overrated
Best baseball movie ever was “Bang the Drum slowly” starring a youg Robert Diniro.
My favorite baseball movie is Pride of the Yankees. It’s a biography movie about the life and death of Lou Gehrig. It was made such a long time ago that Babe Ruth plays himself in the film.
The Marty Stratton Story – About a White Sox pitcher that loses his leg in hunting accident. Jimmy Stewart didn’t make a bad movie
What about the film adaption of Mark Harris’s classic novel, “Bang The Drum Slowly”? The young Robert DiNiro is magnificent as doomed catcher Bruce Pearson. So is Michael Moriarty as the Southpaw, Henry “Author” Wiggin.
Also, thought “Bull Durham” absolutely deserves spot in top three – too many memorable lines & performances to justifiably recount here. ALso, “Eight Men Out” is vastly over-ranked. Yes, it’s an “important” movie and a relatively accurate historical record (at least from Buck Weaver’ POV). But it fails as “sheer entertainment”. After all, isn’t that what a movie is supposed to ultimately be about ???
Great movie, and one of my favorite books growing up.
For the love of the game.
If you’re a baby-boomer and have ever played pick-up baseball with the neighborhood kids without any adult supervision or intervention then Sandlot is by far the #1 baseball movie ever because it precisely recreates the roots of your love for the game and a time where kids were allowed to grow up without fear of anything except maybe a neighborhood dog.
For Love of the Game…has to be #1, without a doubt, for anyone who ever played the game! “Long gone” is another, minor league experience, more to the realism of what those of us in the minors went through…
Good list but you left out some classics. While some of these are not worthy of top 10 status they’re great movies none the less….”Bang the Drum Slowly”( Di Niro), “The Pride of the Yankees”(Gary Cooper), “Angels in the Outfield”(Paul Douglas), “It Happens every Spring” ( Ray Milland, a college professor, invents a substance whiich when rubbed on the ball makes it jump over a swinging wooden bat (hilarious)), and “Fear Strikes Out”, the over the top dramatization of Jimmy Piresall’s tortured, psychotic career. George Hamilton throws and swings like he never saw a baseball in his life. Why did they ever cast him?….but Karl Malden, as his overbearing father, gives an Oscar worthy performance.
I agree that Angels in the Outfield should be high on this list.
Angels in the Outfield should be in the 1 slot love that movie
I agree with you about “bang the Drum Slowly” and “Fear Strikes Out”, but it wasn’t George Hamilton playing Jimmy Piersall, it was Anthony Perkins.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment Keith. All the movies listed are projects that I spearheaded for the studios out of my company Sportsrobe since the early seventies. Although I have had favorites along the way, Long Gone is the movie I tell “the next best baseball movie” production crew to see if they really want to get the “feel” of the game. Actually that “next best” is our current project, 42, The Jackie Robinson story. Starts shooting in a couple of weeks. Amazing attention to detail on this project. Hope the movie is as good.
Allan Ruegsegger
Are you nuts? The BEST baseball movie ever is Pride Of The Yankees! Why? Babe Ruth is in it. Its a 4 star movie to boot.
What about “For Love of the Game”? It’s another Costner movie that’s well done. Maybe your list should be “Top 11″
how can you have bull durham at 7? crazy. it is top 3 material easy.
What about “For Love of the Game”
Fever Pitch is a great Fenway Park and baseball experience movie as well as a romance. For older viewers Pride of the Yankees, the Babe Ruth story including the newrer one with John Goodman and the Jackie Robinson Story. Hopefully soon a good baseball movie will be made on the life of Roberto Clemente. Nice list and post.
this goes way back…but in the 1950′s the million dollar movie played a picture starting edward g. robinson and richard jackel called the big leaguer…my favorite
“For Love of the Game” NO DOUBT belongs in the Top 10…TV movies such as 61* & DO NOT belong on this list & “The Rookie” was borrrrring!
pride of the yankees
Little Big League is a great baseball movie with real baseball intellect. It could have just been a gimmick film but it goes to great lengths to stay accurate so that the true fan will appreciate it.
Pride of the Yankees with Gary Cooper
I took my son to see The Sandlot, hoping to relive my childhood baseball career. The movie was progressing well until they brought in the giant dog grabbing the baseballs and it became a farce!
I was so disappointed that this movie had to be juiced up to aid in the plot.
Little Big League, Angels in the Outfield and Rookie of the Year.
Pride Of The Yankees
A League of Their Own and The Natural both should have been much higher on the list……
For Love of the Game. I was looking for it to vote it as my favorite. I played through junior college, and this movie just gets me. Any given team being able to align perfectly, if for only a moment…That is my baseball.
I would add for the Love of the Game: The work of Vince Scully announceing the game makes it a work of art.
“It Happens Every Spring” starring Ray Miland as a college professor who invents an elixer that when applied to a baseball makes the ball repel wood.
If not included in your list at least honorable mentions for For Love of the Game, Pride of the Yankees, The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars & Movie Kings and the Jackie Robinson Story
For the Love of the Game!
Actually overlooked one of the greatest… never ceases to amaze me when people talk about the culture of baseball, the harsh realities of it that make it so comparable to life itself…this one is always left behind. Bang the Drum Slowly
No arguement as far as good baseball movies go, but, because u haven’t seen the old black and whites, have u ever seen or heard of “The Kid From Left Field”? It may not make anyones top 10 but it is a very good movie for the times it was made. Get a chance to see it, which I doubt u will, watch it. 10 year old kid manages a last place team to the series with his Dad actually managing the team from the stands. Boy is picked up by truiat officer for missing school (He is managing his team). watch it if u get a chance.
talent for the game with Edward James Olmos
The Perfect Game and Final Season
Bang the Drum Slowly should be somewhere in the top 10. How about Safe at Home.
“Long Gone”, and HBO movie from quite a few years ago starring a pre-CSI William Petersen as a minor leaguer might not be the best ever made, but I think it’s better than more than one of the movies on this list.
I have been a self-educated Baseball Historian for 25+ years. Its just a hobby of mine where I engulf myself into Baseball History everyday. I have seen all of the Top 10 movies mentioned on this list. I was most surprised that “Pride Of The Yankees” (1942) starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig was not on here. “Fear Strikes Out” (1957) starring Anthony Perkins as the long suffering Jimmy Piersall of The Boston Red Sox would have been a good inclusion. No. 7 “Bull Durham” I think should be No.1, and No.4, “Bad News Bears” starring Walter Matthau and Tatum O’ Neal would have been a riot if only they could have had a role for Jack Lemmon seeing that Lemmon and Matthau were one of the great comedy duos of all time. and one last thing a movie entitled “Bang The Drum Slowly” starring Robert De Niro who knows he is dying of Hodgkin’s Disease but wants to play one more season as catcher with his New York Yankees before he dies. He does with the help of his best friend and Ace pitcher for the Yankees portrayed by Michael Moriarty.
I’m a big fan of “For Love of the Game.” Also, an old movie that was great was “The Jim Pearsall Story.”
To the list could be added two old baseball classics from the 1950s : It Happens Every Spring (starring Ray Milland) and the original version of Angels in the Outfield.
For the Love of the Game
PRIDE OF THE YANKEES with Gary Cooper – Lou Gehrig’s story.
For the love of the game
bang the drum slowly
For the Love of the Game
Pride of the Yankees. Monty Stratton Story. For the Love of the Game.
Pride Of The Yankees
your out of your mind, the pride of the yankess is not even mentioned
One more vote for Costner’s “For Love of the Game” being on the list somewhere. In addition to all of the comments already mentioned about this film, I would also bring up the fact that Costner’s pitching motion and delivery were pretty much spot on - very realistic when compared to a conventional major league pitcher. Costner is obviously very athletic and in my mind that authenticated the movie to a great degree. John C. Reilly was really the only “player” on the field that was questionable in terms of showing the athleticism necessary for his position (catcher).
PRIDE OF THE YANKEES
I like “For Love of the Game”, starring Kevin Kostner
You have not seen “Bang the Drum …” with Deniro and Moriarty? What a moron!
How can you leave out “Pride of the Yankees” with Gary Cooper?
I have to go along with the natural because of the actors and actresses.I’ve seen it so many times.duvall,all of the ladies even the bat boy.Redford is a pro for sure.All of the people in the movie were great…..jim powell
I liked For the Love of the Game.
Moneyball was ok but should have been replaced by “for the love of the game” another Costner clasic. It seems he has a nack for these types of movies
Bingo Long and His Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings
I have to agree with the people that said “For the Love of the Game” a truly remarkable and underrated movie.
Bang the drum slowly
Pride of the Yankees is my pick for #1. The list is best baseball movies of all time. How does not make the list?
1. Bang the Drum Slowly-De Niro and Michael Moriarty were brilliant, and my friends and I played tegwar for years.
5(or so). Bingo Long’s Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings-A hilarious story about a barnstorming black team in the days before integration. It had an all-star cast, but I especially enjoyed Richard Pryor and his schemes to break into the majors.
Okay Mullett, how do you leave out Bang the Drum Slowly…No way Major League (a funny film) is better than Bang the Drum…without this film, your list, like DeNiro’s tobacco-chewing/spittin’/good ol’ southren boy catcher is “doomed”…I mean, you spill words about sports and this sscreenplay comes straight from the spirit and rythm of Ring Lardner TomBell
My most favorite baseball movie is
Pride of The Yankees
Fever Pitch, only because it was about the Red Sox, I know a “chick flick” but the way Jimmy Fallon played a fan was great.
Yeah, this is an underrated movie. I liked it as well. Not sure it’s top ten but on the cusp.
I know Kevin Costner had two movies on the list, bur I think “For Love Of The Game” deserves a spot.
I agree. Costner has the other two but this one DOES deserve some mention. No other movie I’ve seen captures what it must be like to be in the mind of the player. At times, I guess, the pitcher’s mound can be the loneliest place in sports.
I love baseball and I hate Field Of Dreams. Long Gone is some funny stuff and unavailable on DVD.
“I love baseball and I hate Field of Dreams”.
That makes as much sense as saying, “I like seafood, and I hated Finding Nemo.” Congratulations. You win “Dumbest Comment of the Thread”.
“Pride of the Yankees”
The Final Season should get some mention. I like it because it is based on a true story.
You can’t make a list without piss..g some people off. It’s his opinion. That doesn’t make him a bad person or not as smart as you. That’s the great thing about lists. They provoke opinions and discussions. Give him credit for leaving an opportunity for our input. Shows he’s more open minded than a lot of the people posting here.
The Pride of the Yankees it’s even a true storey!!!
I have to go with Field of Dreams but Bull Durham is a close second and almost a tie with A League of Their Own.
I like the list a lot. Field of Dreams, while a baseball movie, is just a great father/son movie. Brought tears to my eyes. It’s actually my favorite movie of all time. I rank Bull Durham second. It had the most realistic baseball lingo and thoughts that go through a players mind than any of the other movies listed. All in all a really good list.
what about bang the drum slowly
For me they all have a lot to offer. different take on the same game. Terry’s (James Earl Jones)
speech in the bleachers of Ray’s “Field of Dreams” about the place baseball has in our lives is the most beautiful ode to a sport I have ever heard. “People will come Ray. People will most definitely come!”
I think “For Love of the Game” is the best baseball movie of all time, followed by “The Natural” and “Money Ball,” A few others were “The Stratton Story” and “Pride of the Yankees.”
Fear Strikes Out or even The Pride of the Yankees
I agree with the list for the most part, but Moneyball has no business in the top 10.
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Hardball, next to Sandlot it is easily my sons favorite baseball movie.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME!! I don’t think it would rank #1 but I can’t believe it didn’t make the list.
Some good choices but the best baseball movie ever was ommitted…. “For the Love of the Game.”
Major League is one of the funniest movies ever made and we have to watch it every year before baseball season starts. Classic!! Pride of the Yankees was a fine film, I wish it would have made the list. Bang the Drum Slowly tears at your heart, too.
“For Love of the Game”
Pride of the Yankees should have made this list! Younger people today may think it’s cheesy but it’s a great baseball movie imo but I am in my 60s.
since i’m sentimental i love field of dreams and league of their own. of course pride of the yankees which has babe ruth
how about FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
for the love of the game featuring Kevin Costner is my personal favorite
The greatest baseball movie, hell sports movie of all time is Field of Dreams. It reminds me so much of my dad and like you sir, I cannot help but get choked up and shed some tears when “Hey…Dad….you wanna have catch?” THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE. as for your list you forgot some good-ok ones. Mr. 3000, Mr. Baseball, For Love of the Game, and if need be Rookie of the Year, after all I think that movie is the only chance we Cub’s fans have of seeing them have a winning season.
This list is inadequate . Field of dreams – give me a break. For the love of the game is a better costner movie than fod, but neither compare to pride of the yankees.
My favorite baseball movie is Pride of the Yankees!
Pride of the Yankees is the best baseball movie ever made!
Pride Of The Yankees and a film that might not be know by many from the 50′s The Kid From Left Field.
Definitely Pride of the Yankees. Not only was it a true story of a real legend but Gary Cooper did a great job. This writer has to be toooooooooooo young or a Yankee hater to not appreciate Pride of the Yankees.
1. Long Gone, 2. Stealing Home, 3. For the love of the Game, 4. Pride of the Yankees, 5. The Natural
Maybe the movie wasn’t all about baseball but the best and certainly funniest baseball scene is the last scene of The Naked Gun.
Hey, it’s Enrico Palazzo!
Oh Frank, everybody should have a friend like you!
Sandlot has to be in top-10. The Rookie or 61 have to be dropped out of top 10.
Long before your time but the kid from left field is notably absent from your list
The Perfect Game is my choice for the top 10
What makes both,,,Field of Dreams,,,and,,,,,The Sandlot great,,in both these films,James Earl Jones,,gives a monolog,,a moment unto himself,,and after hearing each of them,,it can only be concluded that Mr.Jones,,was a huge baseball fan.Mr.Jones,,is one of those people,,that I would like an afternoon with,,just to speak of things in this world,,before I check out
For Love of the Game is my all time favorite
Bang The Drum Slowly. Great De Niro.
The BABE and Pride of the Yankees
Moneyball doesn’t belong on this list. Waste of time.
My all time favorite baseball movie is The Monty Stratton Story starring Jimmy Stewart.
stealing home
stealing home with mark harmon, approx 1980
‘For the love of the game’ should be at or near the top of the list
Keith Mullett must be a very young man not to list Pride Of The Yankees, it was my favorite and probably many more older peoples.
The Sandlot and should be in top 5. Much better than The Rookie. Bull Durham and The Natural should be ranked higher and Major League ranked too high.
Pride of the Yankees.
Bang the Drum Slowly was the best baseball movie ever.
Pride of the Yankees, hands down.
Pride of the Yankees – have you ever watrched a movie older than 1980?
No idea how For the Love of the Game missed the list
Long Gone is an absolute classic!! Shame for not including.
Omssions of films like Love of the Game and Pride of the Yankees diminish the credibility of the list.
For love of the game!
Damn Yankees had to be the best baseball movie ever. Most people haven’t seen it because it is from 1955.
For Love Of The Game is a GREAT movie
Somebody forgot ” For Love of the Game”. That was a great baseball movie, too.
For the love of the Game, also with costner, great story, Billy Chaple
Moneyball ahead of Bull Durham is beyond a travesty.
how about pride of the yankees
Gary Cooper in pride of the Yankees
You already have two Costner movies,but Vin Scully’s description of Billy Chapel’s perfect game is priceless.
While I agree with “Field of Dreams” as the #1 pick, this writer seems to have ignored altogether some fine films that may have been before his time. I noticed that there were no black & white movies on his list.
The first two comments I read mentioned the exclusion of “The Pride of the Yankees” – a very good movie. Also mentioned were “It Happens Every Spring” and the original “Angels in the Outfield”. “Fear Strikes Out”, “Bang the Drum Slowly”, and “The Stratton Story” should have been considered.
“The Sandlot”? You’ve gotta be kidding.
I always like Angels in the Outfield. Corny. Entertaining. Unrealistic. fun.
What about Angels in the Outfield with Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh? What about It Happens Every Spring with Ray Milland? What about the Babe Ruth Story with William Bendix?
Moneyball is on the Top 10 but the Sandlot is not? Moneyball sucks and more concerned with making Brad Pitt look fancy. Horrible list because Moneyball does not deserve to even be in the conversation of best baseball movie!
How about the original ‘Angels In The Outfield’? A timeless classic that warms the heart with it’s endearing story line and often hilarious characters. I myself, do believe in Angels!
Not the best of all time but certainly worth mentioning, “It Happens Every Spring.”
For some of us old folks, how about ”It Happens Every Spring”.
Pride of the Yankees
How about “For Love of The Game”? I know like Bull Durham and others, there is a lot of side show re. the love story, but going through one game throughout the entire movie and having the main character throw a perfect game to end a storied career. I thought it was sell done and definitely is on my top 10 list.
PRIDE OF THE YANKS BEST EVER
EVEN THE BABE BETTER THAN YOUR PICKS
For The love Of The Game
One that rearely gets mentioned but I think is a great film is “For Love of the Game” with kevin Costener. Lot of side story but still a great end of career story!
THE FINIAL SEASON , THE STORY OF NORWAY IA. HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
How about “Pride of the Yankees”… how many movies have Babe Ruth playing himself?
THE MOVIE PASTIME GETS OVERLOOKED QUITE A BIT, BUT IT WAS AN EXCELLENT SPORTS MOVIE.
What happened to Pride of the Yankees
For the Love of the game is by far the best baseball movie ever. Hands down. And one of Costner’s finest works.
Pastime was a title used twice. The first was a video release about a old Pacific Coast League pitcher mentoring a young pitcher while he yearned for another shot. The second and more recent was about a Japanese world war two detention camp team and how baseball broke down the prejudice’s of the local town.
Oh man, why do we have to rate them….I’m headed home for a three day sabitical to watch each of them.
The Pride of St. Louis (Dizzy and Paul Dean story) starring Dan Daily (also in Kid from Left Field). Probably not a great movie, but I’m a St. Louis fan. Also think Fear Strikes Out is very good. But, have to vote for Field of Dreams as the best.
Pride of the Yankees by a landslide!
The Longest Yard
Bad News Bears in the top 4. Yet, Bang the Drum Slowly and Pride of the Yankees not even on the list? Someone was pounding beers while making this list.
For Love of the Game
For me, it’s a tie between “Bull Durham” and “A League of Their Own”. I’m not sure what it says about me, that both movies focus on female characters.
Long Gone
Bang the Drum Slowly
The best baseball movie ever was “Long Gone” an 80′s HBO movie about the Tampico Stogies. A minor league baseball team in the late 50′s. Its very hard to find but worth it if you ever do.
Fear Strikes Out. A great true story. If you get a chance, watch it.
Pride of the Yankees without a doubt.
COBB…no doubt.
Bang The Drum Slowly
The Babe Ruth Story
Can’t remember the name…but the Grover Cleveland Alexander story
How old is this writer? 12.
azmiss9999 is spot on. Great movie. How about the original Angel in the Outfield.
For Love of The Game, my favorite
I really liked the movie Pride of the Yankees, the story of Lou Gehrig.
Perfect Game – About the 1957 Mexican Little League team. (Kid throws a perfect game in the championship game). Just came out!
A great baseball movie: “It Happens Every Spring” about a non-athletic scientist who invents or discovers a substance that repels wood. So, he’d sneak some onto the baseball, pitch it, and when the batter would swing, the ball would “avoid” the bat. The guy ends up going all the way to the Majors and I think I remember gets into the World Series as a pitcher. It’s an old black and white movie. Very funny.
I would add “Pride Of The Yankees”, “For Love of the Game”
fuck the Yankees, there as gay as Ralph!
Randy, you sound like a whining Red Sox fan! All (foul) mouth and no class.
It’s they’re Randy, you imbecile.
For The Love of the Game with Kevin Costner
The original B & W “Angels in the Outfield”.
Bull Durham is my #1
For Love of the Game is a great baseball movie, touches on the mind of the player as they face the trials both on and off the field. Kevin Costner does a great job portraying Billy Chapel as he threw every pitch without a double. This movie touches on the hardship of a player facing the end of his career and trying for one last shot at greatness before the end.
Best Baseball Movie ever…the Perfect Game, based on the true story of the Mexican Little League team that was put together by a former Major Leaguer and traveled to Texas for a tourney.
I really like another Kevin Costner film ( For the Love of the Game), as I believe it captures the honor, class, and dignity of veteran hall-of-fame baseball players.
You completely missed the best one ever Bang The Drum Slowly
“For Love of the Game” was a good one too. Kevin Costner was great in this one.
Kevin Costner was great in this one. grrrrr! I bet you have a poster of Kevin Costner with a pickle tacked to his croch in your closet so you can blow him everynight! FAG!
You forgot “For Love of the Game.” Kevin Costner was right on with this one. I’ve always enjoyed the scene on the pitcher’s mound where he complains to the manager about “where’s my pat on the ass?”
fag
The Pride of the Yankees
For Love of the Game - Aside from the love story, a great movie about an aging pitcher.
For Love of the Game
Absolutely! For Love of the Game is my all-time favorite baseball movie. Yeah– it’s a little cheesy with the secondary plot of Costner’s relationship issues, but the film truly captures the passion of baseball and the life of an athlete on his last chapter of a brilliant career. Aside from that, the fictional play-by-play is done by Vin Scully (who –to me– is the epitome of the sport). It’s an extremely beautiful movie, and I believe that it deserves more credit.
How ’bout For Love of the Game? Kevin Costner. Again. Veteran Detroit Pitcher taking on the Yankees and going for perfect, while also dealing with new club ownership and a relationship in crisis. Love this movie.
There are many great movies that did not make your list. I agree with the others “Pride of The Yankees” absolutely in top 3. “Fear Strikes Out” the Jimmy Pearsal story another great, “The Kid From Left Field” a classic. I would have to go back to “Pride of The Yankees” as number 1. Cameo appearance by Babe Ruth and others and the whole story of probably the best all around ball player ever, and this from a Red Sox fan.
for love of the game
61* is probably my favorite because it is not only factual but occurred in my lifetime. Another good baseball movie with a great story line is Kevin Costner’s “For Love of the Game”
There are a lot of great ones out there and tastes vary, but I always thought Bang the Drum Slowly was excellent. More about life than baseball I suppose.
I know its not on many people’s radar at all, but I totally enjoy Kevin Costner in For Love of the Game. It gives a glimpse of so many aspects of a player’s career both on and off the field. And if you don’t love the Vin Scully call of the game, then you just don’t like baseball.
I am a yankee fan so it pains me to say this, but For the Love of the Game was pretty good.
The Perfect Game
Pride of the Yankees-unbelievable that u didn’t even mention it
BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY better than half of movies mentioned
Absolutely! For Love of the Game is my all-time favorite baseball movie.
Yeah– it’s a little cheesy with the secondary plot of Costner’s
relationship issues, but the film truly captures the passion of baseball
and the life of an athlete on his last chapter of a brilliant career.
Aside from that, the fictional play-by-play is done by Vin Scully (who
–to me– is the epitome of the sport). It’s an extremely beautiful
movie, and I believe that it deserves more credit.
Lou gherig story with Gary Cooper, The Babe Ruth story with Wlliam Bendix, The Jimmy Piersall
story with Antony Perkins, Ty Cobb story and much much more…
For Love of the Game; The Pride of the Yankees a close second
Bang the Drum Slowly. Not necessarily #1, but definitely top 10. I also think that over time, Moneyball will drop, not rise, in the rankings
Bang the Drum Slowly. The most overlooked great baseball moviea of all time
A Talent for the Game, Bang the Drum Slowly, Pride of the Yankees ahead of Major League.
“Bingo Long Travelling All-Stars and Motor Kings”. A fair and unflinching look at the triumphs and tragedies of players in the Nego Leagues. Gotta give a nod to “Rookie of the Year” too.
For The Love Of The Game #1
For Love of the Game. A baseball movie plus so much more.
Let’s not forger “For the love of the game” Costner was his brilliant self
For Love of the Game
Not neccessarily saying it is #1 but Kevin Costner in “or Love Of The Game”, should at least be in the top 5
For love of the game!!
For the Love of the Game. A Great Baseball Movie. The last hurrah.
“Frequency” with Dennis Quaid.
SOUL OF THE GAME
Sorry, I do not recall the name, but it is the movie where DeNiro plays a catcher who is dying.
For Love of the Game and Field of Dreams, what better 2 baseball pics.
I do love Field of Dreams but my all time favorite baseball movie is definitely For Love of the Game. I could watch it 100 times.
bang the drum slowly
What about “Rookie of the year ” and “Little big league” ?..other than that, it was a great list
How can you miss Pride of the Yankees (Babe Ruth playing himself) and Bang the Drum Slowly? Both set way above The Rookie and Major League on my list.
The Babe
I’ll go with “For Love of the Game”. A hurt pitcher trying to grunt it thru. Costner was great as
was Kelly Preston and the catcher John Riley and of course what really made it work was
the voice of Vin Scully………………..
I’m more a realist but “Field of Dreams” has much more to it….sort of a dreamland to a “pure” sport in a kid’s mind. I umpired in the minor leagues for 3 years and I vote for “Bull Durham” as #2 because it was real life in the 70-80′s….the girls flocking around the bus, the way guys act on the field in some space world, the simple talk and all. “Eight Men Out” and “61*” are two I tied for #3 just because it represents history, they were well done, and I lived through 1961 as a kid running for the newspaper in the mailbox every lunchtime. I was fortunate to be at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore in 1961, the day after Ty Cobb died, to witness a double-header with Maris and The Mick each having a homerun washed out due to the 2nd game being called for rain. Too bad, with that he would’ve done it in 154!
I agree with the chices on your list. I am surprised that “For the Love of the Game” was left off. It would be in my top 5 list.
You want to talk cheesy lines how about from the number one movie, “Is this heaven no it’s Iowa.” With all that cheese he should have no it’s Wisconsin.
How can For Love of the Game not be on this list? lol…clown
the HBO Special “LONG GONE” with Virginia Madsen and ??? Fabulous tale about the minor leagues in the deep south during the (? 40′s? 60′s? 50′s?)
For the Love f the Gameo
What about “The Pride of the Yankees”?
PRIDE OF THE YANKEES – the Lou Gehrig Story – Best baseball pic ever… and i Hate the Yankees…lol
The Pride of the Yankees
and I’m a Cardinal fan!
For Love of the Game
For Love of The Game. I can’t believe it’s not among the top 10
What is the problem with blackand white films????
“Pride of the Yankees” is the best baseball film ever. And “It Happens Every Spring” is a rare sports comedy that works.
It Happens Every Spring, Original Angels in the Outfield
“Bang the Drum Slowly” with Robert De Niro & Michael Moriarty
are you the only fuck that seen that movie? Just because it has that fag Robert De Niro in it dont make it good. I dont even thank they bothered to put that on DVD. Why dont you recommend some other trash! God as soon as I think Ralph is the biggest fag of all, then you pop up!
While reading this list, I kept looking for Costner’s other turn, For Love of the Game. It is a great tribute to all who labored on the diamonds of America. In my childhood, in late winter or early spring,all of us kids looked forward to some TV station running Ray Milland’s farcical portrayal of a chemistry professor who becomes a star pitcher (King Kelly) in It Happens Every Spring. To all of kids, it meant the start of baseball season and a great summer to come. Thank you for your list and obvious love of the great American game of baseball.
It happens every spring.
Bang the Drum Slowly
Long Gone
For Love of the Game, surprised me I thought it was very well done
Being a native Clevelander, I, of course, loved “Major League”, but two historic biographical films that didn’t make your list should have. Again, being a native Clevelander, natually I hate the Yankees, but the Lou Gehrig story “Pride of the Yankees” is a very compelling tale. The other film that I would include is Jimmy Stewart in “The Monty Stratton Story”.
Angels in the Outfield has got to be the best movie of all time. Is it realistic? Absolutely not. Is it Hilarious? Oh yes. (Can you believe that’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt?)
Pride of the Yankees should be up there too, also, For the Love of the Game.Just think: “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man man man on the face of the earth earth earth.”Though I don’t think it should be on the top ten list, with contenders like Field of Dreams, A League of Her Own, and The Rookie, as a kid, I always liked Rookie of the Year, there’s just something about a kid playing real ball in the major leagues that’s inspiring (and funny, if I remember it correctly, though I haven’t seen it since the 90′s.)
Nice list, but you left out BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY (Deniro and a group of aptly cast others),
(Circa 70′s?) that tells the story of a mediocre catcher and his Tom Seaver-like batterymate who,
due to terminal cancer of the catcher, ironically bring out the best in each other and themselves.
Very authentic throughout.
Pride of the Yankees. I love it where his parents are in Yankee stadium hours beforee the game and are wondering where everybody is.
Pride Of The Yankees starring Gary Cooper and Babe Ruth
Long Gone with William Petersen, Virginia Madsen et al. Best film about minor league baseball bar none
How could you possibly ignore the original Jackie robinson Story, starring Jackie himself. Nothing compares to the power of that movie and the impact on sports and society in America. And, the performances, even for Jackie, were very impressive.
The Natural is the best baseball movie hands down. I say if you have not seeen alll of the movies listed then you should not vote. Roy all the way.
How do you leave “Fear Strikes Out, The Jimmy Pearsall Story”, out of a top 10 baseball film list? Has the author even seen this film? Fantastic story of a top prospect with an uber demanding Father who suffers a nervous breakdown.
Keith Mullett lol
Those are great baseball movies,but how can anyone leave out “For Love of the Game” from any baseball or sport movie top ten list???
While Field of Dreams does focus on the importance of baseball and the past, The Natural is much better at focusing on the connection between father and son, as well as human nature and flaws we have to overcome (or not!). You should not have compared the movie since theme-wise, they are almost total opposites. Both are excellent as their own entity.
the original angels in the outfield
You forgot one of teh all time greats – Prdie of The Yankees!
Rookie of the Year???
COBB – TOMMY LEE JONES. BEST BASEBALL MOVIE EVER, HOW CAN IT NOT EVEN BE ON THE LIST
“For the Love of the Game” is most inspirering baseball movie I’ve ever seen since “Bang the Drum Slowly”.
Little Big League (1994)
The Natural…..Line from the Movie (and please don’t think me sappy) ” We’re given two lives, the one we’re born with, and the one we choose to live with” Just think it him home as something we all should be about. WE have choices……and what we choose….Makes us ! Thanks for the article….loved it !
I like all of them, but For Love of the Game is my all time favorite
Liked all of your choices, but wonder why Fot Love of the Game with kevin Costner wasn’t in the top ten… i realize it was a love story also, but the culmination of a mnas carreer and love life told over the course of a perfect game…..Wow I get chills just thinking about it
For Love of the Game for sure
Sugar!
Where is “Pride of the Yankees?” 11 Oscar nods should have it included….if not a run away number 1
Not only did you leave out Pride of the Yankees, you also left off the Monte Stratton Story.
The Final Season
How is Field of Dreams considered a baseball movie?
The first 90% of The Scout was fantastic. Then it’s like someone told them to stop making the movie and put on a corny pitching performance to close out the movie (why not have him pitch an absolutely perfect game and inexplicably hit a homerun for the Yankees in his first game ever). They spent 90% of the movie establishing the relationships, the grind of scouting, the sacrifice to make it in the industry, and the fatherly dynamic between Al Brooks and Brendan Fraser, then completely forget about it.
And for foreign films, Sugar was also great, if not depressing.
Bang the Drum Slowly starring Robert DeNiro and Michael Moriarity should be in the Top Ten.
“For Love of the Game”
Another vote for “For Love of the Game” for your honorable mention list.
What about the movie ” Rookie of the Year “, but I always preferred Field of Dreams or The Natural.
“For the Love of the Game” has to be included…Great film…
Surprised that Fever Pitch or For the Love of the Game are not mentioned.
‘For The Love of the Game’…….Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston were perfect in this great movie.
Pride of the Yankees! Was this guy raised in a cave by wolves?
Bang the Drum Slowly!!!
Pride of the Yankees – and I’m a Mets fan
“Fear Strikes Out” with Anthony Perkins and Karl Malden. The story of Jimmy Piersall and his overbearing father, and descent to a mental breakdown. Great movie.
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings!!!!!
Great list! Here’s my 2 cents worth: http://mtd.hubpages.com/_2z6qpmas45dia/hub/mtd-best-films-forever-Best-Baseball-Movie
This is the most moronic top 10 list of all time. Ever heard of Damn Yankees. Duuh. The #1 baseball movie of all time. You need a cupcheck man.
Long Gone is my favorite baseball movie of all time.