News of Robert Redford’s death ignited a, shall we say, spirited debate among USA TODAY Sports aficionados about where the Hollywood legend’s film, ‘The Natural’, ranks in the pantheon of baseball movies.
The debate also prompted this question – ‘Better baseball catcher: Kevin Costner’s Crash Davis or Geena Davis’ Dottie Hinson? Debate.’ – but we digress.
Not everyone appreciated Redford and director Barry Levinson’s 1984 adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s 1952 novel, with 1989’s ‘Field of Dreams’ also the recipient of considerable, if unwarranted, shade.
Here’s just one baseball fan’s list of the best baseball movies of all time (let the angry comments begin):
Best baseball movies of all time
Bull Durham (1988) – ‘We need a live rooster … was it a live rooster? We need a live rooster to take the curse off Jose’s glove.’
Field of Dreams (1989) – I love it because it’s sappy. Sorry … not sorry.
A League of Their Own (1992) – Tom Hanks deserved best actor consideration.
The Sandlot (1993) – ‘You’re killing me, Smalls!’, Wendy Peffercorn, Squints. What’s not to love?
Major League (1989) – Bob Uecker deserved best supporting actor consideration.
Moneyball (2011) – Every time I run across it on TV, I’m stopping to watch it.
Long Gone (1987) – The best baseball movie you’ve never heard of. Came out on HBO. Must watch if you can find it.
Pride of the Yankees (1942) – A classic that still holds up well.
Eight Men Out (1988) – I get it, yes, there are inaccuracies but still a good watch.
The Natural (1984 ) – A lot of people hate it. I’m not one of them.
Honorable mention in no particular order:
The Bad News Bears (1976)
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
42 (2013)
61* (2001)
Composite ranking of best baseball movies
Compiled from IMDB, RottenTomatoes and MLB.com. SPOILER: Big Sandlot Snub!
Bull Durham
Field of Dreams
Moneyball
A League of Their Own
Eight Men Out
The Natural
Major League
The Rookie
The Bad News Bears
42