GUEST COLUMN: 5 of the Best Classic Baseball Movies
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5 of the Best Classic Baseball Movies
by Lewis Robinson
Baseball is America’s pastime. Its fan base is expansive. The sport can bring people together and provide family bonding. Movies are another popular way we choose to unwind or entertain ourselves. Needless to say, movies about baseball can draw in many fans. These movies are sure to captivate you whether you are a baseball enthusiast or not!
1. A League of Their Own
If you are looking for a female lead, look no further! A League of Their Own tells the story of two sisters who became professional baseball players during a time when managers and scouts were looking to keep teams on the field despite most of the men being drafted for World War II. Dottie Hinson is recruited but lacks interest and motivation until her sister, Kit, gets her to try out. You won’t see many softball bats as the women step in to take a spot on a baseball field for the deployed men. The sisters work to turn their team into a success in this tale filled with rivalry, challenges and lots of baseball.
2. Field of Dreams
Field of Dreams is an inspirational movie that may have persuaded more people than would like to admit to build a baseball field or pursue lofty dreams. When Ray Kinsella, a farmer, hears a voice in the middle of his cornfield that no one else can hear, he feels prompted to do something. The voice says, “If you build it, he will come.” But what is it, and who is he? Eventually, he builds a baseball field in the middle of his cornfield. Ghosts begin to play on the field, and the plot thickens. The story ends with a tearjerker that will have all dads’ eyes watering.
3. The Sandlot
This heartwarming movie is filled with baseball, adorable characters and a fun storyline. What’s not to love! Scotty Smalls moves to a new town. He wants to learn how to play baseball but struggles. Soon, a group of young baseball lovers welcome Smalls into their crew and teach him all they know about the sport. You will be rooting along with the young characters as they improve on and off of the field. The storyline revolves around their passion for baseball but emphasizes growth, friendship and other life lessons. The Sandlot will quickly become a family favorite that the kids request over and over again. You’ll probably even catch yourself saying, “You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”
4. Major League
Laugh along as the Cleveland Indian players start winning out of spite when they find out their new owner set up the worst team she thought she could, intending to lose and be able to move the team somewhere warmer. She purposely tried to get the worst players to decrease attendance to break a lease. Much to her dismay, the team bands together and dedicates themselves to training and playing their best. Major League will have you cheering on the underdogs.
5. The Bad News Bears
Catch the original 1976 version of this comedy, and you’ll quickly see why this is a favorite. An ex-minor league player has his hands full as he becomes coach of a little league team for his own selfish monetary motives. The team has little experience and does not look promising. The coach, Morris Buttermaker, ends up recruiting a female pitcher, who ironically happens to be his ex-girlfriend’s daughter, and the local bad boy to help up the team’s skill level. Through teamwork and Buttermaker’s unconventional coaching methods, the team makes a comeback. Laugh along as this team of misfits works to make it to the championship game.
Baseball enthusiast or not, these classic baseball movies will be an enjoyable selection for your next movie night. You’ll laugh, cry and root for the beloved characters of these films. You might even inspire your little ones to aspire to be baseball players. These titles quickly became movies that are well-known, highly quoted and watched over and over again. You can’t go wrong with any of these great movies!
