Gimme Five: Favorite Baseball Movies

Major League (1989)

The diehard Cleveland Indians who went from worst to first in a wacky season now cope with fame and its perks as the team tries to hit, hustle and joke its way back to the top. Starring Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, and Tom Berenger. Bob Uecker is announcer Harry Doyle, and look for former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Pete Vuckovich in a minor role.

Bad News Bears (1976)

A former baseball minor-leaguer coaches a team of tough kids. His star pitcher is a girl. With Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal.

Eight Men Out (1988)

Based on the real-life scandal of 1919, the film tells the story of eight baseball players who plan to throw games for money, and the scorn and anger the scheme earned them. Starring John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, Christopher Lloyd. Directed by John Sayles; based on the book by Eliot Asinof.

The Natural (1984)

Nothing was going to stop Roy Hobbs from fulfilling his boyhood dream of baseball stardom. As a 14-year old he fashions a baseball bat from an oak tree. He soon impresses major league scouts with his ability. His talent also catches the eye of a sportswriter who eventually becomes instrumental in Hobbs' career. The appearance of a mysterious woman, however, shatters his dream.... With Robert Redford, Robert Duvall and Glenn Close. Based on the story by Bernard Malamud.

Bull Durham (1988)

American romantic comedy, dealing with a very minor minor-league team and three of its current constituents, an aging baseball groupie that beds one player each season, a cocky foolish new pitcher, and the older, weary catcher brought in to wise the rookie up. Featuring Susan Sarandon, Kevin Costner, and Tim Robbins.