There are hundreds of movies portraying America's Pastime available your viewing pleasure. So much so that narrowing it down to the 10 best of all times is quite the curveball. This top 10 list ranges from documentaries to "Feel Good" movies our kids will love, bringing us to number 10 on our list.
10. Angels in the Outfield (1994) - This movie, geared for a younger audience and perfect for families, stars Tony Danza And Danny Glover. An orphan, depressed from his Angels losing streak, prays for help. His prayers seem answered when actual angels start bringing the team to life and giving them a heavenly hand. This movie is guaranteed to open up kids' of all ages imaginations.
9. Baseball - This documentary by Ken Burns is perhaps one of the most detailed baseball series there is. While not for the casual sports fan, it is perfect for the avid baseball fanatic who cannot get his mind wrapped around enough information of America's Pastime.
8. 61* - Billy Crystal's 61* is a made for TV movie on HBO that captures the timeless story of the home run race between Roger Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle in 1961. With surprisingly good acting by Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane, the film shows how Babe Ruth's home run record is broken and chased by the M&M boys like no other film before.
7. Eight Men Out - Staring John Cusack and based off of the novel by Eliot Asimov, Eight Men Out tells of the "Black Sox Scandal" that changed the politics of Baseball forever. Known for being historically accurate, the movie effectively portrays how the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series in one of the most elaborate gambling cases of all time.
6. The Natural - A Classic Disney movie staring Robert Redford. While points are docked for not following the novel as closely as Eight Men Out does, the fairy tale ending caters to kids and families all over. About a mysterious ballplayer with a shocking amounts of power who helps a team turn their losing ways, this movie pleases fans who are looking for more of a classic feel and a happy ending.
5. A League of Their Own - A veteran cast including Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, and Marylin Monroe guide this film relating to a significant breakthrough in history as women learn to play professional baseball while the men are overseas during World War II. Tom Hanks stars as a drunken ex-player who manages the Racine Belles' girls throughout the season. Props to the historical importance this film portrays.
4. Pride of the Yankees - A very highly acclaimed classic staring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig. This movie depicts Gehrig's life accurately, following his love and passion for baseball since his childhood all the way through his career ending terminal disease. Extra runs are scored thanks to Babe Ruth's acting debut as himself. On a more feminine note, the romance between Lou and his wife might even send the boys home with a tear in their eye.
3. The Sandlot - The movie all the kids can watch over and over again! A timeless comedy for all ages! Staring Tom Guiry and Mike Vitar, The Sandlot takes you back to the childhood days where you could only dream of playing in the bigs. Full of quotable lines that never get old, this movie will no doubt keep your attention until the end. Little League Baseball is portrayed at its finest through a group of kids who play ball in a sandlot with nothing but passion for the game.
2. Major League - With a stellar cast of Tom Berenger and Charlie Sheen, this "Wild Thing" of a film won't let you stop laughing until it is over. While not the most original plot, an underdog team trying to make its way to the top, the diologue is filled with hysterical quotes aimed at older (teen to adult) audiences. The sequels hurt the original, but just the fact that a third movie was made after the disappointing Major League II shows how much of a home run the initial movie is.
1. Bull Durham - One for the ages. Kevin Costner at his finest. This film portrays a love triangle between a "hot stuff" rookie, Minor League veteran, and the team's groupie. This sexy movie will send you laughing with its comedy, romance, and baseball-centered outline. This movie ranks as not only the best baseball movie of all time, but also one of the most acclaimed dramas out there. This film is also home to Costner's infamous "I Believe..." speech with is loved by baseball fanatics everywhere.
Honorable Mentions (The ones that hit for extra bases but couldn't reach home) - For the Love of the Game, Field of Dreams, Bang the Drum Slowly, Hardball, The Rookie
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