The idea of making a movie that involved baseball was initially balked at because the thought was that people would rather go to the baseball stadium, rather than seeing one on a theater screen. History has thus proven just how wrong those people were, as a number quality films have been produced involving the game of baseball. We’re here to announce our picks for the top 5 baseball films of all time.   

5. The Natural

Robert Redford portrays a baseball player who’s bestowed with a baseball bat fashioned from a tree struck by lightning, which makes him a power hitter, despite his older age for a rookie. Although this film adaptation of the 1952 novel of the same name downplays the references to mythology and emphasizes the supernatural elements, along with radically changing the ending, the film stands on its own merits. The musical theme by Randy Newman fits like the love for the game. It came out in 1984.

4. Bull Durham

Out of the three baseball films featuring Kevin Costner, “Bull Durham” proves to be the best with a very natural feeling evoked by the actors portraying minor league players. Co-star Tim Robbins got some recognition after this film, which he had to gain after being in the box office bomb “Howard the Duck.” Also featured in the cast is Robert Wuhl, who went on to become sports agent Arliss Michaels in the HBO series “Arliss,” which badly needs a DVD release. It was in the theaters in 1988.

3. Soul of the Game

This HBO produced film chronicles the signing of the first African-American player into the Major Leagues. Although baseball buffs know that it came down to Jackie Robinson there was a time when star players Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson were the major contenders for this spot of history. The film chronicles the players’ three separate lives that accumulate to an unforgettable ending that’s sure to move the viewers today even though it came out in 1996.

2. Major League

The inheritor of the Cleveland Indians launches a grand scheme to have a team of no-names in order to move the franchise to Florida. Despite this and the odds, this ragtime team proves their worth by becoming playoff contenders in an underdog story that only rivals “The Bad News Bears.” Along with the genuinely funny moments and lines involving the various aspects of the game, Bob “Mr. Baseball” Uecker is a highlight as the Indians play-by-play announcer in the 1989 flick. Be sure to check out the first sequel for some more laughs. 

1. The Pride of the Yankees

Nominated for Best Picture in 1942, this biopic of the famed “Iron Man” of baseball, Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, is a prime example of the genre with Hollywood legend Gary Cooper in the role, which gathered an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Another special treat for baseball buffs is that a number of Gehrig’s teammates play themselves, including the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth, whose own biopics haven’t quite matched the quality of this film.