Today is the official opening day for Major League Baseball. All of the teams from coast to coast start up the long run towards the World Series with clean slates (except for the Yankees and Red Sox, who played last night).
Besides heading to opening day, what better way to celebrate the return of baseball than with one of these family friendly baseball movies?
Here are the top 10 baseball films for the whole family.
10. Little Big League (1994)
When young Billy Heywood inherits ownership of the Minnesota Twins he also ends up as Manager for the fledgling ball club. Billy uses some old fashioned fundamentals and a few little league tricks to bring the Twins into playoff contention. A great film for all fantasy baseball fanatics.
9. Rookie of the Year (1993)
A freak accident leaves middle school kid, Henry Rowengartner, with a major league caliber pitching arm. He becomes a Chicago Cub and shows the big leaguers a thing or two about loving the sport again. Great supporting roles by Gary Busey and Daniel Stern make this a fun film for everyone.
8. Angels in the Outfield (1994)
You wouldn’t know it now but just about 10 years ago the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (when they were still the California Angels) were the laughing stock of baseball. They couldn’t do anything right and they stunk up every place they played. But one young fan gets a real angel whose job it was to make the Angels win. A fun movie for the younger kids that will still warm the hearts of older kids.
7. The Pride of the Yankees (1942)
An older movie that may lose the interest of the younger kids but once they understand what they are seeing they will love it. The story of Lou Gehrig (played by Gary Cooper) and his one of a kind career that gets cut short by a nerve disease unknown at the time. A classic movie that is a must for fans.
6. 61* (2001)
This HBO movie produced by rabid New York Yankees’ fan Billy Crystal, portrays the season of 1961 when Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris smacked home run after home run trying to reach Babe Ruth’s ultimate mark. See how the loved Mickey Mantle handles himself on and off the field and see in contrast how quiet Roger Maris tries to cope with his new fame. Like the previous movie, this one may be hard for smaller kids to sit through.
5. The Rookie (2002)
“The Rookie” is the true story of major league pitcher Jimmy Morris who made a shocking comeback after spending years coaching high school baseball. This movie is more about him coaching the kids and them rallying around him to make his dream come true. A great story for anyone thinking they are too old to do anything featuring Dennis Quaid as Jimmy and a great cast of young actors playing the team.
4. A League of Their Own (1992)
A highly entertaining movie about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that formed during World War II. Now there are plenty of girls playing ball but these were the first. Memorable performances by Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and, most of all, Tom Hanks who has one of the most quoted lines of all time; “There’s no crying in baseball!” Great story for the entire family.
3. Field of Dreams (1989)
Kevin Costner stars in this movie which any baseball fan must see. Intertwining supernatural voices, baseball playing ghosts and father/son issues, this movie hits many different emotions and will leave you wanting to go play catch. If you watch it, happiness will come.
2. The Sandlot (1993)
The best baseball movie that will not bore even young children. A fun, comedic movie about growing up in the suburbs during the ’60s and the love of neighborhood baseball with your friends. When times were simpler and the hardest insult you could hit someone with was “You play ball like a girl!” You can’t really go wrong with this movie.
1. The Natural (1984)
A fantastic movie on all levels with brilliant performances by Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger and Wilford Brimley (to name a few). A wonderful story about following your dream and staying true to yourself with a climactic at-bat that will put you on the edge of your seat. Randy Newman’s Academy Award nominated original score is a perfect touch too. A classic film that knocks the cover off the ball.
