1. The Natural (1984)

Directed by Barry Levinson, one of the best casts of any era, with Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Richard Farnsworth, et. al.  Greatest musical score, ever… For any movie, period. Amen.  Great editing, as well. Wonderful depiction of Joseph Campbell’s “National Myth Hero”, with a much better ending than the book.  Brimley and Farnsworth singing during batting practice is a favorite scene, offering a true snapshot of the atmosphere around the cages.

2. Eight Men Out (1988)

Directed by John Sayles, you’ll never see better baseball played by actors (not named Selleck and Costner).  The film provides a fair examination of both sides of the controversial true story, and indeed is almost historically accurate to a fault.  David Strathairn shines amongst many stars with his portrayal of Eddie Cicotte.  Enjoy for the beautiful cinematography, at the very least.

3. The Bad News Bears (1976)

Directed by Michael Ritchie, the definite representation of America’s collective youth: Innocence, Little League, and Politics.  The use of Bizet’s prelude to “Carmen” is classic, as it even preludes to a character “Carmen” in the lesser sequel.  Walter Matthau and Kelly Leak provide the most memorable performances.

4. 61* (2001)

Directed by Yankee super-fan Billy Crystal, the film shines with great performances by Thomas Jane and Barry Pepper.  Released on HBO during the apex of the “inflated” home run chases, Billy Crystal shows a true grasp of a profound moment in time.  Other Yankees from the 1961 team (Berra, Ford, Skowron), all are expertly portrayed.

5. Field of Dreams (1989)

Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, a superb visualization of Magical Realism and baseball. The connection between father, son, and baseball is something that any audience can find moving, as evidenced by the film’s Oscar Nomination for Best Picture.  Costner’s best and one of Burt Lancaster’s last.  What we all hope to believe is the best of America’s Heartland.

6. It Happens Every Spring (1949)

Directed by Lloyd Bacon, you have to forgive the poor demonstration of baseball skills by the actors, and simply enjoy a great movie.  For what he lacks as a baseball player, Ray Milland shines as the nerdy professor who stumbles into baseball immortality.  Any athletically un-gifted kid can relate to using the “miracle” brain to overcome the brute.  Paul Douglas is a somewhat obvious choice for the curmudgeon catcher, and the special affects of the ball’s awkward flight work well for it’s time.

7. Major League (1989)

Directed by David Ward, forget any and all sequels, there is only one.  Beyond being one of the best baseball films, it’s simply one of the best comedies in American cinema, period.  Bob Uecker’s iconic role as Harry Doyle cemented his legacy in baseball as having absolutely nothing to do with his playing career.  “Wild Thing” before he was “Winning”,  Corbin Bernsen’s best role ever, and Rene Russo in her prime as the strong female lead.

8. Damn Yankees (1958)

Directed by George Abbott and Stan Donen, the iconic Bob Fosse’s Tony Award winning choreography translate beautifully to the big screen.  Gwen Verdon as the seductive Lola, the great Ray Walston as Applegate, and Tab Hunter (one of the few actors not from the original Broadway production), as Joe Hardy.  Keep your eyes out for Lenard Nimoy as an unacknowledged dancing ballplayer.  “Whatever Lola Wants” transcends the show, used time and time again in a variety of commercials, films, and TV shows.

9. The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)

Directed by John Balham, an almost romantic view of what (we hope) it was like for the barnstorming teams of Negro League stars in the 1930’s.  Highly entertaining, the film incorporates some of the best players and legends of the Negro Leagues.  Not short on all-star acting talent, Billy Dee Williams is the Satchel Paige-like “Bingo Long”, James Earl Jones as the Josh Gibson-esque “Leon Carter”, and Richard Pryor at his very Richard Pryor-est.

10. A League of Their Own (1992)

Directed by Penny Marshall, “There’s no crying in Baseball” echoes in the pantheon of film quotes, with the likes of “We’re going to need a bigger Boat”, “I’ll Be Back”, and “Here’s looking at you, Kid.” Lori Petty is just too cute. Tom Hanks channels Jimmie Foxx for his role as manager Jimmy Dugan, the role that began his career renaissance.  Lori Petty is just too cute, and Geena Davis can really play.  The most financially successful “Baseball Movie” of all time, even before adjusting for inflation, and the only baseball themed film to gross over $100 million at the box office.

Honorable Mentions

1. Bull Durham:  “The Religion of Baseball” – It feels a little dated, but Susan Sarandon is great.
2. Sandlot:  Seems way too autobiographical.
3. The Love of the Game:  Realistic but the time is difficult to place.
4. Angels in the Outfield (1951): The original, not the 1994 remake, with Janet Leigh and Paul Douglas.