Baseball is one of America’s favorite past times. It’s not a surprise that you’ll come across plenty of baseball movies, mostly on TV and cable, and occasionally on the big screen. These films weave tales of triumph, loss, tragedy, timeless bonds, and special moments in history.
In this article, we’re about to explore 7 baseball films that do just that. This is a cinematic journey that will leave you yearning for more film and baseball.
42 (2013)
42 is a film about the legend Jackie Robinson who was shattering racial and glass ceilings through the early 20th century in Major League Baseball. Played by the equally great, late Chadwick Boseman, we see a powerhouse performance as Boseman brings to life the image of Robinson for young fans who no little about the baseball legend. Harrison Ford does an equally great job of portraying Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey.
The movie goes through Robinson’s journey of skepticism, being embraced by African American fans, skepticism, and other jibes thrown by opponents toward him. We are also provided glimpses of his triumphs with the Dodgers and his win of Rookie of the Year. For younger baseball fans who might not be familiar with Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the sports glass ceiling , this will be quite an informative watch.
On that last part, 42 is going to be an amazing movie for history students, especially those who’ve chosen racial profiling in sports as a subject. In the face of much racial discrimination, Robinson struggled and triumphed, and by becoming the first black man to play in the MLBs, paved the way for many other colored greats. A professional paper writing service can help you produce an excellent paper on this subject.
The Rookie (2002)
Talk about wanting more! In The Rookie, we’re introduced to Jim Morris, a rookie baseball player turned high school player. Morris is a talented pitcher whose career which was just taking off was cut short by a shoulder injury. Now, he works as a high school chemistry teacher and baseball coach. His team makes a deal with him that if they win the championship, he goes for the major leagues again.
A quick disclaimer here: this is based on a true story. When his high school team does win the district championship Morris has to hold up his end of the bargain. The 39-year old father of three finds himself training with Tampa Bay Devil Rays throwing 98mph volleys easily. Signed to a minor league contract again, life seems to have come full-circle for Morris who now has the positioning to impress a big team.
Beyond being labelled another feel-good movie, we get to see and experience some wonderful baseball moments in The Rookie. The tale of unrealized dreams finally being fulfilled is intertwined with the great American story of resilience. We also get to see the human side of baseball and sports in general, which the many dreams that are never fulfilled or make it to the glam.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Women’s baseball is not something that you see everyday, even in 2024. So A League of Their Own was way ahead of its time where we got to see the ladies whacking some zingers. Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell headlined the ensemble cast.
A League of Their Own is also another great American story, recreating the wartime when men were away and women were called upon to take charge. Thus, the professional women’s baseball league, though shortlived, was born. We’re also get to see the beautiful Madonna in this movie.
Eight Men Out (1988)
The “eight” men were eight players part of the Chicago White Sox who threw a championship game due to low wages. The eight then decide to throw games away as they areenticed by gambles looking to bet on the World Series. As the public starts to uncover the deceipt their reputations are put on the line and they are finally found guilty. That results in the Chicago White Sox scandal.
Based on a true story, Eight Men Out sees an ensemble cast including the comedic John Cusack and Charlie Sheen. It gives a nice mix of baseball and a look into each of the characters who bring life and color to an infamous part of baseball history.
Moneyball (2011)
“Listen, you might not look like a winning team, but you are one. So play like one tonight…” Famous words couldn’t have been said truer. Oakland Athletics GM Billy Beane is a man between a rock and a hard place. He needs to build a championship baseball team but doesn’t have the budget to do it. When he meets a statistical whizz from Yale, Peter Brand, his fortunes seem to turn.
Brad Pitt shines as Beane in the movie, delivering an intense and very believable performance, while Jonah Hill is in his stereotypical wise guy role. Moneyball stands out for its ability to take you deep into the politics of baseball without being a bore.
The Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Yankees First Baseman Lou Gehrig was a man of many firsts. First he was a student at Columbia University, so brains right there. He played a magnificent 2,130 games for the Yankees and was the first player to hit an incredible 493 home runs, a record held until 2013. He was Yankees captain from 1935 until 1941 when he died.
This movie is more of an ode than a biography of Lou Gehrig who was cut down by illness at the prime of his life. A sad but beautiful story indeed. Gary Cooper plays a great job portraying Gehrig, with a cameo appearance by Babe ruth playing himself.
Major League (1989)
Major League is the story of the Cleveland Indians, a team on a losing streak which suddenly uncovers winning ways. The new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a horrible team purposefully so that she can move the team. But when this plot is uncovered the team starts to win just to spite the owner, in yet another great underdog triumph. Their chronic misadventures are perfectly captured in the comedy of Charlie Sheen and Wesley Snipes. We’re nearing the end of this article. For students who are struggling to find time to watch their favorite baseball movies, professional writing help can help eliminate the drag. Check out this masterpapers review to find out how such services can help you improve your academic performance and free up more time on your schedule.
